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Discussion

Hard Decision

Hello, I am looking for advice about changing from critical care nursing to angiography/radiology nursing. I currently work in the cardio-thoracic ICU. I've done bedisde nursing for 7 years now, critical care for 5 years. I think the change would be less stressful. Is there any of you that have made a similar change and was it the right decsion or not? The money would be about the same, but my shedule would change dramatically!! I've done 12hr pm shifts for 7 years.....the angio spot is Mon-Fri 0830-1700. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

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    • Admin

    Personally I LOVED Radiology Nursing!

    I have just a few questions:

    How large is the dept?

    What do the nurses do: only angio, or would you help w/interventional Radiology procedures as well?

    How many nurses work there (and do they like the dept and the Radiologists)?

    If you have a late case how is it determined who stays to finish?

    Would you have to be on call and if so, would that be a problem for you (family responsibilities, etc)?

    Are you good at working autonomously?

  • Quote
    • Author

    The department is pretty large. I would be doing MOSTLY angio, but occasionally do MRI, CT, PICC insertion (after training), etc...

    The nurses do seem to enjoy it there and get along well with the radiologist.

    I go to shadow Monday and will be able to get a better feel on that.

    There is call. One of out approx. every 10 days, and every 10th weekend. I don't have any responsibilites that would interfere with that as of right now.

    I work weekend nights in CTICU so I am used to working autonomously.

    My biggest challenge is the complete schedule change. weekend nights to weekdays. I want to make sure it is a positive change before turning my life upside down.....it would mean a lot less time with the hubby :(

    But I am so tired of bedisde nursing.

  • Quote
    • Admin

    It will be interesting to hear your thoughts on it after you shadow for a day. :)

    I personally liked the M-F schedule, although it's harder to get personal things done (car to the shop, dental cleaning appts, medical appts etc) during the week.

    Those appts require personal time off.

    Now, can't help ya in the "a lot less time with the hubby" dept.

    That's something you two will have to weigh as you make the decision.

    Radiology is certainly different from bedside nursing, although your skills will be utilized. :)

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    • Author

    Well, I shadowed and it was a slow day. The staff did seem to work well together. I like the manager. The schedule is the only drawback that I can think of and I know what will have to personally.......

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    • Admin

    Some days it IS slow and some days you will be running your hiney off!

    Might want to look into joining ARIN (if you decide to switch depts):

    https://www.arinursing.org/

    Let us know what you decide. :)

    Ultimately you and your family are the ones most impacted by the decision.

  • Quote

    Nursing schedules are really very hectic. Whereas the radiology workers actually get a relaxation in terms of their shifts of work. The shifts are quite fixed and they need not work for extra time. But switching a career at this stage would be quite tough as you have already completed 7 years in nursing. But still there is a way. You can go for an online course in any field of radiology. MRI technician would be the best as there are few very good colleges providing genuine online education. These colleges are also offering the scholarships to the students.

  • Quote

    How did it work out? please let me know,

    I am in an identical situation.

    Thanks so much

    Rose

    Hello, I am looking for advice about changing from critical care nursing to angiography/radiology nursing. I currently work in the cardio-thoracic ICU. I've done bedisde nursing for 7 years now, critical care for 5 years. I think the change would be less stressful. Is there any of you that have made a similar change and was it the right decsion or not? The money would be about the same, but my shedule would change dramatically!! I've done 12hr pm shifts for 7 years.....the angio spot is Mon-Fri 0830-1700. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!
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