Rad Tech degree useful as RN in Radiology?

suzanne4, RN · Apr 2, 2004

In the hospitals that I am familiar with, you are either a RN in the nurse position or a RT in the tech position. I don't think that your hospital would pay you an RN salary to work as a tech....................there is a distinct line of demarkation between the two. I wouldn't spend the time to go back for your certification, I don't think that it will benefit you. I also doubt that they would hire you as a new grad in the radiology dept, as now you would be responsible for any of the medical emergencies, etc.............................and I think that you should have floor or critical care experience under your belt.

Remember in the X-Ray dept, there isn't the staff availalbe to precept you for a few months, etc..

Good luck :balloons:

Lori Ann · Aug 28, 2004

I was a RT for 7 years. The last 2, I went back to school for my RN. Now, I'm a rad RN. The radiology background has been very helpful, even when I started in the ER. However, you don't need recertified to remember the basics. I wouldn't waste my time. Good luck!!!

NewEnglandRN, RN · Aug 29, 2004

Hi Lori Ann,

Thanks for your reply. Do you enjoy being a Rad RN? Do you mind taking a moment to tell me what a "typical" day is like? Though I realize there are very few "typical" days in the Radiology Dept!:rotfl:

Thanks,

Lori Ann · Sep 1, 2004

Thanks for the interest! From what I've learned, every radiology nurse has a different "typical day"! First of all, we have an unpredictable schedule. When I left for today, there was 3 patients on for tommorrow. When I go in in the morning, there will be more. Some cancelled, some changed from one modality to another. Since I am the full time nurse, it's my job to keep the interventional doctor and nurses moving...with alot of help from the techs, of course! The scheduled patients are usually myelograms, angios (anywhere but heart), CT biopsies, US biopsies, thoracentesis, paracentesis, drains, AV shunt declotting, and stuff like that. We also service nuclear medicine which is not included on our schedule. We start IV's for hidas and administer sincalide, do IV's for mugas, and provide IVs and meds for renal scans. Also throught the day, CT calls us for 'difficult sticks'. Combine this with all the little extras like sitting with floor patients that require a nurse, and helping the radiologist understand ACLS, it makes for a hetic day! Today was a good day (I got a 20 min uninterupted lunch!). The job would be perfect if there were just more hours in a day (without OT!!). The schedule is great for my family. Since I'm also a tech, I guess this is my home. Thanks for asking!

Lori

NewEnglandRN, RN · Sep 1, 2004

Thanks, Lori. Sounds like another area I might be interested in! :rotfl:

Take care!

RTR-RN · Sep 21, 2004

I

I graduated with an AS degree in Radiologic Technology in 1990, but left the field to raise my children within two years. In the early 90's the ARRT put mandatory CEU's into place and I did not keep up with it for lack of time with three little ones.
To go back to Radiology, I would need retake the national registry exam. I have been out of the field for 14 years and would need to take an exam review course and spend a few months reviewing the information. Problem is, I will be starting nursing school in September and don't know if I should spend the summer studying for to get re-certified in a field I may never use again. I would be very happy in other fields of nursing such as NICU. L&D or psych nursing. My heart is not set on Radiology nursing, but it is an area I am familiar with and the comfort level is there.
Did any of you go to nursing school after becoming a RT®
Any advice?
Michelle in MA[/quote
I also graduated with an AS in Radiologic Technology and I'm currently working on my BSN in nursing. I work in a level one trauma hospital on the weekends. You should always keep your registry open. It's a great part-time job and i make really good money! Working and going to school is alittle stressful and I don't have children. I am not interesting in Radiology nursing either but I do agree that there would be a comfort level there. I am interested in acute care nursing and I want to go back for my masters for acute care NP. Nice to know that there are other techs out there going into nursing like myself!!!!
RTR-RN

cjane9 · Apr 18, 2009

i am graduating as an RT ® here in a month and a half. I heard that i can go to school for RN then become a NP.... is this true... Can you help me?

SueJ,RT(R) · May 12, 2009

I noticed you posted ~ 5 yrs ago - did you pursue RN? Did you find a transition program? I'm an RT® and want to go into nursing, but don't want to have to start from scratch (nearest Univ.) for a BSN. Counselor suggested RN elsewhere and then RN to BSN at 4 yr Univ. Anyone out there find a transition program for RT® to RN?? All info gratefully received!