Julie186

PS--There are only 2 full time nurses in our department. We have 1 IR suite and also do sedation/monitoring in CT, US, and MRI and have a ton of odd duties. Since my coworker left, I am now on call every day until the new nurse is trained(which should be at least a month away). My sanity is not worth $3/hr.

I graduated with an unrelated BS, couldn't find a job.. I was about 23? Someone said I should try nursing--I figured, ehh, might as well give it a shot. Haven't regretted that decision for a second!!!

I was especially amused by the interest in counseling teenagers about getting circumcisions to prevent STDs. Are we that afraid to teach about safe sex that we are proposing surgeries rather than teach them to "wrap it up?"

How did everything work out? I've been in IR for about 2 years--its a really cool place to work. Yes, you get used to the lead, just use anti-fatigue mats if possible. If not, move around every few minutes. The most important quality to me for an IR nurse is being assertive, something as an ER nurse you should be very comfortable with. I've had quite a few pool nurses from the ER come through and they are the best adapters--always ready to jump in and try! It sounds like you have a great background and should do well. Best wishes!!!

Hey All, I'm looking to hear what is considered conscious sedation. I currently work in IR and our definition is a combination of a sedative and narcotic. Another hospital within my health system, however, frequently uses a "cocktail" of these medications and only consider the use of Versed with a narcotic to be sedation. There is also some questions about how much narcotic can be used before the patient has to be set up/documented as sedated. For example, one of our docs says he read somewhere that 100 mcg of Fentanyl or more is sedating, but I find no evidence of this. Looking for some input from the community:)

Wow! As unfortunate as this is, I am heartened to hear other IR nurses have the same issues and frustrations with non-nursing management. Recently I almost lost it when our tech Manager refused to let there be a nurse in on the interviews for a nursing position. He was offended when I pushed and stated that he knows how to hire a good employee and is doesn't matter which position. As everyone stated, unless you have a nursing background, you just "don't get it."

Hi All, There is a Perioperative Nurse Internship program starting soon at my hospital. This could be the magic opportunity that I have been looking for!! I am typically great at interviews, but this one will be different. My concern is the panel interview. I have never had an interview with this format, nor for this specialty. Any advice on good panel etiquette? What types of questions will they be asking? Any tips on impressing these folks? I cannot tell you all how much I would appreciate some insight!!!