How to Become an Interventional Radiology Nurse
Want to work in the field of cutting-edge medical interventions? Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that uses imaging guidance, computed tomography (CT scanning), magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), and ultrasounds to perform minimally invasive procedures for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
An interventional radiology nurse is a specialist who assists physicians in carrying out these procedures and provides care to patients before, during, and after these interventions. If you’re interested in joining this rapidly growing technology-driven field, this article is for you. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to kick-start your journey into IR nursing.
Interventional Radiology Nurse: Career Snapshot
- Mission: Elevate patient outcomes through advanced imaging interventions.
- Responsibilities: Assist in minimally invasive procedures — like angiography and biopsies — and provide pre/post care.
- Workplaces: Radiology departments, hospitals, and high-tech medical centers.
- Demand: 6% growth for all RN specialties — higher than average for all occupations.
- Path: Nursing degree followed by optional certification.
- Salary: Approximately $73,997 per year.
- Perks: Direct involvement in cutting-edge medical procedures and the opportunity to contribute to innovative patient care.
- Cons: Exposure to radiation.
What Is Interventional Radiology Nursing?
An interventional radiology nurse specializes in assisting other members of the healthcare team — including medical doctors and nurse practitioners — in performing highly advanced procedures. These procedures involve making small cuts and using complex surgical tools, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgical devices. The procedures these nurses assist with include:
- Ablation: Using heat or cold to destroy abnormal tissues, such as tumors or dysfunctional nerves.
- Angiography: Visualizing blood vessels and identifying blockages or abnormalities using contrast agents and imaging.
- Angioplasty: Opening narrowed or blocked blood vessels by inflating a balloon to improve blood flow.
- Biopsies: Collecting tissue samples using imaging guidance for diagnostic purposes.
- Central line insertion: Placing catheters into large veins for medication administration or blood sampling.
- Drain insertion: Placing drainage tubes to remove fluid or air from specific areas of the body.
- Pain management procedures: Performing nerve blocks to alleviate chronic pain.
- Embolization: Blocking blood vessels to treat conditions like aneurysms, tumors, or abnormal bleeding.
- Stent placement: Inserting a mesh-like tube (stent) to keep blood vessels open and maintain proper flow.
- Thrombolysis: Administering medications to dissolve blood clots within blood vessels.
What Does an Interventional Radiology Nurse Do?
In addition to typical nursing tasks like head-to-toe assessments, medication administration, and accurate documentation, IR nursing duties typically include:
- Collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure accurate imaging and precise guidance during procedures.
- Safely administering contrast agents for imaging studies, ensuring proper visualization during procedures.
- Implementing radiation safety measures for both patients and healthcare providers during procedures.
- Continuously monitoring the patient’s status throughout procedures to ensure immediate detection of any abnormalities.
- Educating patients about interventional radiology procedures, potential risks, and post-procedural care.
- Providing post-procedural care, including wound care, pain management, and monitoring for any potential complications.
- Offering emotional support to patients during sensitive and challenging procedures.
- Communicating with other members of the healthcare team, including oncology nurses, anesthesiology professionals, and the post-operative care team.
Where Can an IR Nurse Work?
Interventional radiology nurses usually work in technologically advanced centers, where such procedures are performed. Here’s a list of places where these nurses can apply their specialized knowledge:
- Radiology departments
- Interventional radiology suites
- Hospitals
- Specialized medical centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Ambulatory surgical centers
- Teaching hospitals
- Research institutions
- University medical centers
- Private practices
- Women’s health centers
- Cancer treatment facilities
- Cardiac catheterization labs
- Neuroscience centers
- Pediatric hospitals
- Emergency departments
- Pain management clinics
How to Become an Interventional Radiology Nurse
Getting into this meaningful nursing specialty may be simpler than you think. Let’s explore the key steps to start your journey as an IR nurse:
1. Earn a Nursing Degree
The fastest way to become a nurse is to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN). For a more comprehensive education, you can also choose to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.
Time to complete: six months to four years
2. Obtain a Nursing Licensure
To become a licensed registered nurse (RN), you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) and submit all required documentation to your state’s board of nursing.
Time to complete: one to six months
3. Gain Experience
Gain nursing experience in relevant specialties, such as:
- Acute care
- Cath lab nursing
- Endoscopy nursing
- ICU nursing
- Progressive care
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Neurorestorative care
Time to complete: one to two years
4. Attain IR Nurse Certification
If you want to boost your credibility and upgrade your skill set, you can choose to pursue a Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN) credential. This certification is offered by the Radiologic Nursing Certification Board (RNCB) and ensures that you meet high standards of competency.
Time to complete: You’ll need to submit evidence of at least 2,000 hours in radiology nursing practice and 30 hours of continuing education in the field to apply. The preparation timeline and exam scheduling details can differ.
5. Advance Further With Continuing Education
Want to become a top candidate in the job market? Enhance your credibility by attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and taking continuing education courses. IntelyEdu offers affordable, flexible, ANCC-accredited online courses. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity.
Time to complete: self-paced
6. Pursue Advanced Education
Do you aim for the stars? Explore advanced education opportunities, like earning a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. Although this step isn’t required to enter this field, this strategic move can take your career to new heights.
Time to complete: two to four years
How Much Do IR Nurses Make?
The typical salary for an interventional radiology nurse in the U.S. is about $73,997
per year, usually falling within the range of $63,336 to $85,193. Your earnings can vary based on factors like your education, certifications, experience, and the geographic location of your workplace.
If you are open to relocation, consider submitting your RN resume to one of these top-paying states:
Frequently Asked Questions About IR Nursing
Are IR nurses exposed to radiation?
Yes, IR nurses can be exposed to radiation while assisting in interventional radiology procedures. Many imaging technologies use ionizing radiation. Nurses working in this field often assist during these procedures and have to stay close to radiation sources.
How do IR nurses protect themselves from radiation?
To minimize radiation exposure, IR nurses typically use protective measures such as lead aprons, thyroid shields, and leaded glasses. They also follow strict safety protocols and guidelines to ensure safety.
Cath lab nurse vs. IR nurse — what’s the difference?
Cath lab nurses primarily focus on cardiac catheterization procedures, dealing with heart-related interventions. IR nurses work in a broader context, performing various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using imagine guidance across different body systems.
Radiation oncology nurse vs. IR nurse — what’s the difference?
Radiation oncology nurses specialize in caring for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. In contrast, IR nurses have a broader scope of practice, working across many different medical specialties.
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