New to IR

[YanRN]

Hello. I am leaving the ER and starting a new job in Special Procedures. I am very excited. I have spent some time in the department visiting but am wondering what to expect on a daily basis. I have had folks tell me I'll be bored (I don't think so). Any thoughts are appreciated. (The department consists of 3 RNs and 3 RTs. There will be a minimum of 3 of us on each case. Only one room.)

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

truly, many times i've been bored. it comes and goes. some days are very busy, some are very slow. i have had to come up with time worthy things to do when times are slow. i was told i could bring books to read but i write, study, clean, organize, etc...when i get totally bored i go help in nuc med or the pain clinic and that's only if they need me but many such times they are also doing nothing.

i used to tell my manager i don't feel like i'm earning my money. i've been told repeatedly by my manager that its not a problem when were not doing anything. learning the prices of the tests i'm beginning to understand why. they are definately making plenty of money. cta $8,000.

[dianah, ASN]

Long ago I remarked to our Chief Radiologist that I felt guilty "sitting" between cases or injections . . (I do find things to do, but still . . .)

He replied, "As long as you're here when we need you, that's the important thing."

Our IR is HOPPING!!

I work in Cath Lab (totally separate) but I visit there occasionally, to borrow a catheter or ask advice on a technicality. They're ALWAYS busy!! They have only two rooms and 5-6 staff (plus a Radiology Fellow, I believe).

At first, when learning the ropes, you certainly won't be bored. :)

You'll figure it out (procedures, time management, catch-up projects for down times, etc). :)

[AznMurse]

We are seldomly not busy in Specials. We have one room and a CT room for the guided drainage and biopsies. We do as much as 22-24 cases a week.