What Is the Role of a Radiology Nurse?
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A radiology nurse, also known as a medical imaging nurse, is a registered nurse who provides care to patients undergoing diagnostic imaging procedures and radiation therapy. X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and ultrasounds are all examples of common diagnostic imaging examinations. Medical experts can view inside a patient’s body with these imaging procedures, which enables them to quickly detect illnesses and suspected injuries. Additionally, radiation therapy is frequently used to treat specific diseases, such as cancer. To offer effective treatment, radiology nurses must prioritize patient comfort while also ensuring that correct images are taken to aid in the diagnosis of various injuries and illnesses.
How to Become a Radiology Nurse
The first step toward any nursing career is licensure as a registered nurse. While an Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) degree is required, many organizations prefer individuals with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). ADN programs normally take two years to finish, whereas BSN programs take approximately four years to complete. After successfully completing either program, graduates must sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
What Education Do Radiology Nurses Need?
While RNs with an ADN or a BSN can work in radiology, those with a BSN will have a much better time finding job. Having said that, while radiology nurses are frequently hired at the registered nurse level due to their advanced education and expertise, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists function as mid-level providers in radiology departments. To practice advanced radiological specialist nursing, one must get a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner, an Adult Nurse Practitioner, or a Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Is it necessary to obtain any certifications or credentials?
The Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nurses offers additional qualifications for radiology nurses. After accumulating 2,000 hours of experience in radiography and completing a minimum of 30 hours of additional radiology education, the registered nurse is qualified to sit for the Certified Radiology Nurse exam.
Where Do Radiology Nursing Professionals Work?
The following are the most common employers of radiology nurses:
- Hospitals Facilities for diagnostic imaging
- Facilities for outpatient care
What Is the Role of a Radiology Nurse?
A radiology nurse is a member of a broader medical team that includes physicians, specialists, other nurses, and radiology technicians. As radiology nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals, efficient communication is critical. With the extent to which other medical professionals collaborate and the high turnover of patients, one must be adaptable. The primary responsibility of a radiology nurse is to assess, plan, and care for patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. A radiology nurse must possess a high level of technical expertise and understanding due to the rapid improvements in radiologic medical technology.
What Are the Responsibilities and Responsibilities of a Radiology Nurse?
A radiology nurse’s primary responsibility is to care for patients undergoing radiography procedures. Additional responsibilities include the following:
- Assessing patients before to their operations through the review of their medical histories and consultations with both patients and physicians
- Assisting patients in comprehending their required procedures and acting as a liaison between the patient, nursing staff, and physician
- Explanation of necessary procedures by responding to any questions/concerns that patients and family members may have
- Responsibilities include advising patients on what to do prior to a specific operation.
- Responsibilities include prepping the patient for the surgery on the day of the procedure.
- Responsibilities include injecting patients with specialized dyes/contrast media.
- Prior to procedures, administer barium enemas/solutions.
- Operation of radiography machines and, on occasion, interpretation of diagnostic pictures
- Following their surgery, patients are reassessed and cared for until they are ready to be discharged.
Salary and Employment for Radiology Nurses
As radiology and diagnostic imaging are fast evolving fields of medicine, employment opportunities remain favorable. Radiology is critical in detecting, managing, and treating a wide variety of ailments and disorders, which means that career opportunities in hospitals and/or diagnostic imaging centers are always in high demand. A radiology nurse earns an average of $62,107 per year, while a radiology nurse practitioner earns an average of $90,583 per year.
