Travel Nurse RN - OR - Operating Room

American Traveler is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Des Moines, Iowa.

Job Description & Requirements

Specialty:

OR - Operating Room
Discipline:

RN

Start Date:

02/02/2026
Duration:

13 weeks
40 hours per week

Shift:

10 hours, days

Employment Type:

Travel

Job Description
American Traveler is seeking an experienced Operating Room RN with recent cardiac and trauma surgery proficiency and an active IA or compact RN license.

Responsibilities
Hospital-based Operating Room setting with 16 OR suites and Level I trauma capacity
Patient ratio is 1:1 with an average of 35-50 cases per day
Specialty cases include cardiac, vascular, thoracic, neuro, ortho (primarily trauma), robotics (da Vinci), gyn, urology, general, pediatrics, transplants, ENT, and plastics
Runs 12-14 OR rooms routinely, reserving space for trauma
Utilizes specialized equipment including 3 Davinci robots, Stealth neuro navigation, Synthes and Stryker for ortho trauma
Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 4x10 hour shifts, with a rotating day off
Call requirements include up to 2 overnights per week and 4 weekends per 13-week contract; weekend call is Friday 5:00pm through Monday 6:30am
Float required to all campuses as needed
Scrubs are provided
EPIC is the EMR used and experience with EPIC is required
Must be able to both scrub and circulate; experience in both roles is preferred
Expected turnover time is less than 20 minutes between cases
Part of a team supporting complex and high-acuity surgical cases in a busy trauma center
Orientation dates may be scheduled based on start time
Holiday coverage required; must work 2 of 3 major winter holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving)
Time off requests during key holiday periods are limited to one day
Returning employees may not be eligible if employed within the past 12 months
Dress code is scrubs, which are provided

Requirements
Active IA or compact RN license is required
A minimum of 2 years current operating room experience is required
Recent circulating and operating room nursing experience is required
Strong proficiency in cardiac, vascular, thoracic, and general surgery is required
Scrub experience is preferred; open heart scrubbing experience is highly preferred

Experience with da Vinci robotics, pediatrics, trauma, neuro, ortho (trauma), gynecology, urology, transplants, plastics, ENT, and vascular cases is highly preferred
EPIC EMR experience within the last 3 years is required
Level I trauma experience is highly preferred
BLS certification from the AHA or ARC is required
Driver’s license is required for consideration
At least one supervisory reference from the past 24 months is preferred
Must have completed a travel assignment within the last 12 months; first time travelers will not be considered

Benefits
High Pay and Bonuses
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Day 1 Options
401(k) Plan
Weekly Payroll Deposit
Free Online CEUs
Generous Housing Allowance
Travel and Licensure Reimbursements
Non-taxed Per Diem and Subsidy
Traveler Rewards and Discounts

American Traveler Job  #P- . Pay package is based on 10 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title:
Travel RN - Operating Room
About American Traveler

With over 25 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our team ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for those starting on or expanding their travel nursing and allied careers.
With thousands of travel nursing and allied jobs nationwide, our attentive and approachable recruiters find positions that align perfectly with your career aspirations and personal requirements.
American Traveler offers exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment, generous 401(k) match, substantial housing stipends, and more. Additionally, with 24/7 support and access to our in-house clinicians, you are assured confidence and comfort throughout your assignment.
With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.