What Exactly does a Radiology Nurse Do???

TazziRN, RN · May 30, 2007

There are some things done in radiology that require a nurse: IV starts, med admin, cardiac monitoring......and that just touches the tip of the iceberg.

angel337, MSN, RN · May 30, 2007

radiology/MRI/CT nurse falls under the description of special procedures nurse. meaning that these nurses are responsible for the care of patients receiving procedures that cannot be done on the floor or in most outpatient settings. IV dye admninistration, rectal contrast admnistration and conscious sedation are just a few of the duties they perform for tests such as EGD's, ct scans and MRI tests. most nurses that work in this area have a few years of acute care experience. they usually have nice schedules (M-F) with holidays off (some hopsitals, not all) some hospitals require on call. it all depends where you work. i personally would not feel comfortable in this environment as a new grad. you need to have excellent assessment and critical thinking skills. good luck in whatever you decide, but keep your expectations realistic.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · May 30, 2007

I work in medical imaging in the outpatient center as well as in the hospital. It is considered a critical care nurse position. In the outpatient center I call patients back, fill out brief history depending on whether the test is a CT or MRI or contrast vs non-contrast. I start the IV's. Administer Versed as sedation for clostrophobic patients going into MRI and recover them for an hour post injection time of Versed.

When I go up to the hospital I push Versed & Sublimaze for conscious sedation for CT guided biopsies and push Lopressor for CT Angiograms. I transport the patients to and from the ER and or floor. No weekends, no nights, no holidays, no call. They do prefer seasoned nurses and ACLS.