New radiology RN

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Hi there!

I worked for the past year on a pediatric med/surg unit (where we also primarily took care of adult med surg pts due to low pedi census). About 3 weeks ago I accepted a position in the radiology department. The RN I took over for was promoted to the nurse manager in our Cath Lab. I'm now the only radiology RN. The hours are great, the on call is a little rough but over all I really like my new position.

My biggest question for ya'll is what resources should I have available? What tools can I use to make my job better and in the future train up to 2 more RN's that my Rad director wants to hire on? I've already become a member of the ARIN I'm just looking for any resources now that I'm pretty much on my own and I want to excel at the position I'm in and not just get by as an RN that works in a department no one ever thinks about.

Thank in advance!

-Liz :up:

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Welcome to the exciting, cool world of Radiology Nursing!

I worked in it for 21 yr.

Have been exclusively Cardiology now for 11yr (but still in a procedure area).

Yes, getting your CRN would be wise.

Attend local ARIN meetings, if there is a chapter in your area.

Create and maintain your SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

Have a written plan for orienting new employees, with a check-off list for skills (one for them and possibly that you copy to keep for you).

Recognize that orienting someone to Radiology takes time -- time to be exposed to the many procedures and department needs, and time for new hires to adjust to this VERY different area.

We still use our nursing skills -- some moreso! -- in Radiology. We see this area with a nurse's eyes and think of procedures with a nurses's perspective and brain.

I hope you have good Radiologist support!

Good luck to you!

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Thank you for the reply and support! I was wondering if there were any other books besides the ARIN Core Curriculum that might be helpful?

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

I don't have any particular books in mind, but when I googled "radiology nursing books," many suggestions popped up.

Depends what procedures you will be doing, as to what info/books you will be needing.

:)

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Thank you for the reply I do appreciate it. I was wondering if you knew of any advanced nursing options in radiology? Do they utilize NPs? In the next 12 months I'm looking at getting my CRN but I'm just trying to think long term.

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Have no idea, but suspect some places do utilize them.

Check at some of the bigger facilities (Mayo, Stanford, etc).

Interesting question. :)

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