IR Nurses - Any tips/suggestions for upcoming interview?

[Guest869155]

I've worked as an ICU nurse in a major metro area trauma hospital, but recently have decided to look for a change. Radiology nursing has jumped out at me as a field that sounds very interesting.

I ended up applying for some positions at various local hospitals and have an upcoming interview for an IR position.

Any tips/suggestions for questions to ask in the interview? Also, for those who work in IR exclusively, what are some of the daily roles/tasks you do each day?

I've interviewed for a more general radiology position with another facility but nurses in that facility float around to various radiology areas (including IR) vs being exclusively in IR.

Thanks for any tips/advice!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hi and welcome to AN, the largest peer to peer nursing community.

While I can't answer your specific question, I'm sure someone will be along soon to help you.

[andiekae2]

It's great to have you interested in Radiology Nursing. I have been in radiology for 20 + years and still love it.

I have worked in both types of departments: pure Interventional radiology and IR mixed with radiology. I prefer a mixed practice to keep my skills sharp in all areas and because I enjoy lots of different types of procedures (anything from acute stroke to placing a drainage catheter). In addition, My knowledge of anatomy has never been better than it has been working in radiology. Some IR nurses also start PICC lines.

Whichever you choose, you will be working with a staff mix that includes rad techs, scrub techs, and ancillary staff. It is different from the nursecentric world you may be used to and some nurses struggle giving up control. Also, the labs I have worked in fall under the radiology administration and not nursing, but experience has been positive. I have come to appreciate the skills and knowledge of radiology professionals.

Some questions you might want to ask include:

What sort of orientation/mentoring will you be offered. You will be introduced to many new pieces of equipment and procedures.

Who will you report to-nursing or radiology administration (to be sure you are comfortable)

How much on-call will you take. Many nurses don't want to give up personal time.

Do you have the skills they need...ACLS, PALS, EKG, IV starts, etc.

Lastly, see if you can spend a day observing. IR nursing is a very different practice and not for everyone.

Good of luck and I hope you love it as much as I have.