The larger medical centers may employ a Radiologic Nurse who provides for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the patient who is undergoing tests or treatment in a radiology department. The Radiologic Nurse usually develops and manages a care plan to help patients understand procedures and, later, recuperate from the procedures. This may also include working with a patient’s family.
The Radiologic Nurse can perform examinations or carry out preventive health measures within the prescribed guidelines and instructions of the radiologist. In addition, the nurse can record physician findings and discuss cases with either the radiologist or other health care professionals. Often, a radiologic nurse will assist during examinations or therapy. Radiologic nurses must have graduated from an accredited nursing school. Each nurse must also pass a national licensing examination.
A Radiologic Nurse falls into the category of a special procedures nurse, which means that they deal with the care of patients receiving various radiology procedures. For example, they can help with IV dye administration, rectal contrasting agents, and certain types of conscious sedation methods. Another example would be getting a claustrophobic patient ready for an MRI, which entails administering various sedation’s to the patient.
Types of radiology specialties in which nurses may work:
| Radiology job | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologic Nurse | $41,600 | $60,000 | $80,000 |
*data from iHireRadiology.com
The following is an actual job description taken from iHireRadiology.com:
CAH-Interventional Radiology-RN Department: Interventional Radiology 363092 Schedule: Active Full Time Shift: Hours: Job Details: BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of a radiologist and the supervision of the Director of Imaging Services, this position reports to the Lead Imaging-Interventional RN. This position exists to provide quality nursing care including sedation to both inpatients and outpatients within the Department of Imaging. Ages of the patients serviced are the neonate through geriatric.
The imaging nurse should be qualified and prepared to handle all unexpected emergencies that occur during any radiological procedure. Skills include assessment, communication, teaching, and leadership. Areas where the nurse might function are: general diagnostic, special procedures, ultrasound, computerized tomography, PET, magnetic resonance imaging and mammography. Maintains clinical competency by attending all required in-services and other continuing education programs. Knowledge/Requirements: Requires current certification from an accredited school of nursing and licensure from the State of Indiana. Requirement mandatory of several years of experience in Critical Care Unit/Intensive Care Unit or Emergency Department. Requirement preferred of experience with Interventional Radiology.
Requires general knowledge of all areas of nursing practice. Requires Basic Cardiac Life Support certification. Requires Advance Cardiac Life Support certification. Requires Pediatric Advance Life Support certification. Requires knowledge of sterile technique and supplies used during special exams. Requires ability to work effectively with a variety of professional and ancillary personnel. Requires ability to demonstrate mature judgment, initiative, and proficiency in nursing skills. Requires ability to work independently and without direct supervision. Requires ability to be a team player. Requires proficiency in holding arterial pressure. Requires proficiency in point of care testing. All employees are held to the Clarian Arnett Health Standard of Service that is defined by Service Excellence. Clarian Arnett Health requires all applicants for employment be tested for illegal drug abuse and have a criminal background check prior to the start of employment. Clarian Arnett Health campuses are a smoke free environment.
Need additional information about jobs in radiology? Visit our radiology careers page.