An operating nurse, or OR nurse, must be a Registered Nurse (RN). This can be an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree. The OR nurse is responsible for ensuring that operating rooms or suites are cleaned properly and then set up ahead of the next patient who will use that OR for surgery. The OR nurse will likewise assist the surgeon throughout the procedure in whatever manner the physician needs, for instance passing sterile instruments as needed. Most operating room training happens on the job over the first six months, and while the environment can be hectic and is fast-paced, it is a specialty that does not lack variety. It’s the perfect choice for any nurse who does not like to do the same thing day in and day out. The job requires a nurse to think on her toes and be quick to adapt to changing conditions during the performance of surgery.