Can anyone give me any tips on how to work in Radiology as an RN? I'm not sure how to get started.
The main qualifications for Radiology Nursing is experience. It is an autonomous type of position and although you'll have the radiologist right there during the intraoperative period, very rarely do they come forward and take over during emergencies. They are very focused on the procedure at hand and are depending on you to keep the patient still and sedated if appropriate, to monitor important vital signs like respiratory rate, capnography values, and cardiac rhythm, just to mention a few. IR nurses really should have a minimum of at least one year of critical care nursing, two or more years if it's emergency nursing experience. IR nurses need to be highly independent, able to critically think and make split second decisions all while being able to keep a fast pace. IR nurses also need the temperment to deal with plans being changed at the last, most inconvenient minute due to emergencies like strokes and traumas. IR nurses administer Moderate Sedation on most patients and this is where those critical care skills come in to play. Do you know what to do if you're patient is in the CT tube and stops breathing? If all of a sudden they're throwing up everywhere while getting a med-port inserted? Or how about if their beautiful normal sinus rhythm turns into sustained V-tach? All of these things can ruin a seasoned nurse's shift, imagine what it will do to the new grad?
It's generally a Monday-Friday position, weekends and holidays off with the exception that one or two nurses and rad techs have to cover call 24/7. I've found that the call is the biggest challenge most nurses have to deal with. (It's on average 7-10 days per month). I want to point out one more slightly different challenge you'll find in most Interventional Radiology departments--it's how the place is managed. It's mostly a radiologist and rad-tech driven area of the hospital, tucked behind nondescript leaden walls away from the rest of the hospital. Many nurses are used to being the boss, leader, chief, head honcho, ... You get the picture. Keep this new dynamic in mind and always promote the value of teamwork. It'll serve you well to be upbeat with a good attitude and blessed with a clever sense of humor. And you're definity cut out for the job if you're also detail oriented, organized, and willing to roll with the punches. I hope I haven't scared you away. I've been a nurse nearly thirty years, almost two decades in the ICU. I did some Public Health, Home Health, and dialysis. Interventional Radiology is by far my most favorite place to work. I actually get up in the morning and look forward to my day! It's one of the few places left where you can spend one on one time getting to know your patient, providing them comfort and compassion. My best advice for getting hired is getting the critical care experience first. Then smile and stay positive and put your best self forward in your interview!
I would suggest reaching out to the manager, express your interest and see if you can shadow for a few shifts. I would also encourage you to take a peak at ARIN (The Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nursing) and have a look. Navigate through their website. If it continues to spike your interest, then apply. It is truly an amazing part of nursing that is extremely different from the bedside. Hope this helps.
Tanya described this area PERFECTLY!
I work in IR, IR usually requires critical care experience.
This very similar to measure except it's specialty is radiology.Apply if there's a position and go in with an open mind..it's a very broad area of Nursing that keeps growing.Very interesting to do the procedures too
Look on your hospital website for openings apply for it. Boom
