Hours of Radiology Nurses

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 14, 2005

I would venture to guess that the only Radiology Nurse positions available would be in a medium-to-large-sized facililty, and as such would be very busy ---- which means overtime and possibly sharing call with other nurses. Also, whenever we interviewed for potential candidates for a position, we always looked for ICU or ED or PACU experience (mainly for angio/cath lab work).

Now that I've posted that, I've had the thought that perhaps some free-standing imaging centers may have a Rad. Nurse position. As these centers aren't officially a hospital or medical center, you may not have all the add-ons for OT, nor the need to take call. I would think an RN would possibly sedate for MRI exams (unless it's an "open MRI"), or help with other minimally-invasive exams. But, a lot of techs can help with exams (and even start IVs for contrast; the MD may push it), so -- I'm just rattling ideas around in my head, I guess.

Anyway, you might check out those options. Perhaps office nursing or clinic nursing might be more along the lines of what you're looking for, if certain hours are most important to you. Keep an open mind. In Nursing school you'll be exposed to all sorts of specialties and sub-specialties; each area requires a different mix of skills. You may find, after you graduate, that what you perceive as an ideal position has changed. Good luck to you! -- D

ShellyB · Apr 14, 2005

I would venture to guess that the only Radiology Nurse positions available would be in a medium-to-large-sized facililty, and as such would be very busy ---- which means overtime and possibly sharing call with other nurses. Also, whenever we interviewed for potential candidates for a position, we always looked for ICU or ED or PACU experience (mainly for angio/cath lab work).
Now that I've posted that, I've had the thought that perhaps some free-standing imaging centers may have a Rad. Nurse position. As these centers aren't officially a hospital or medical center, you may not have all the add-ons for OT, nor the need to take call. I would think an RN would possibly sedate for MRI exams (unless it's an "open MRI"), or help with other minimally-invasive exams. But, a lot of techs can help with exams (and even start IVs for contrast; the MD may push it), so -- I'm just rattling ideas around in my head, I guess.
Anyway, you might check out those options. Perhaps office nursing or clinic nursing might be more along the lines of what you're looking for, if certain hours are most important to you. Keep an open mind. In Nursing school you'll be exposed to all sorts of specialties and sub-specialties; each area requires a different mix of skills. You may find, after you graduate, that what you perceive as an ideal position has changed. Good luck to you! -- D

Thank you very much for your reply! I currently work a 8-5 job with the holidays and weekends off. I would probably say that I've been spoiled with that kind of schedule but you're right if I plan to go into nursing I have to keep an open mind.

frann · May 9, 2005

I am currently a nursing student and would like to go into Radiology Nursing but I was wondering if there were positions out there in Radiology with a "normal" work schedule (i.e. 9-5)

I'm a rad nurse and I work 9-5:30,no weekends, no holidays. I work prn

work from 2-3 days a week.

I had 7 years med/surg experience before I came down.

ShellyB · May 10, 2005

I'm a rad nurse and I work 9-5:30,no weekends, no holidays. I work prn
work from 2-3 days a week.
I had 7 years med/surg experience before I came down.

Are Radiology jobs available for nurses right out of school?

frann · May 16, 2005

I dont think so. They prefer some icu experience. but a couple years med/surg might be ok.