Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN)
Posted Sep 9, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
Behavioral
Tell me about a time you caught a discrepancy during a surgical count and how you handled it.
attention to detail and willingness to stop the process when patient safety is at stake
Tell me about a time a surgical case went sideways unexpectedly, like a sudden hemorrhage or equipment failure. What did you do?
composure and clinical judgment under acute stress
Describe a time you disagreed with a surgeon or another team member about patient care in the OR. How did you handle it?
communication skills and ability to advocate for the patient without damaging working relationships
How do you approach patient and family communication before and after a procedure, especially when someone is anxious?
bedside manner and ability to deliver compassionate care in a high-stress environment
Tell me about a time you had to learn a new piece of equipment, technique, or protocol quickly on the job.
adaptability and willingness to learn, which the posting names directly as a requirement
Technical
Walk me through how you set up and run a circulating nurse role for a surgical case, from the moment the patient enters the OR to closing.
whether the candidate actually knows the circulating RN workflow, not just OR terminology
How do you manage instrument and equipment needs when a surgeon changes plans mid-case?
adaptability and real hands-on familiarity with OR logistics
What is your process for maintaining a sterile field, and what do you do if you notice a break in sterility partway through a procedure?
depth of infection-control knowledge, a core perioperative competency
Tell me about your experience with a variety of surgical specialties. Which ones are you comfortable circulating for and where do you still need to grow?
honest self-assessment of clinical range across the main OR's case mix
How do you document intraoperative care to make sure it meets Magnet and regulatory standards?
familiarity with the documentation rigor expected at a Magnet-designated teaching hospital
Situational
How do you perform a time-out and what do you do if the surgeon wants to skip or rush it?
whether the nurse will hold the line on safety protocols even under pressure from senior staff
You're on call and get pulled in for an emergent add-on case in the middle of the night. Walk me through what you do first.
readiness for the call schedule and ability to mobilize quickly with limited notice
How do you prioritize when you're circulating and also asked to help set up for the next case at the same time?
time management and problem-solving under competing demands, which the posting specifically calls out
This unit works PM shift with rotating weekends, holidays, and call. How have you handled that kind of schedule before, and what does it look like for you day to day?
realistic fit with the shift and call demands rather than just willingness to say yes
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As published by Advocate Health.
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