At MedicsPro, our experienced team of professional recruiters ensures that we match qualified theatre professionals with locum and permanent roles worldwide.

We Offer:

• A dedicated compliance officer
• A market-leading referral scheme
• Access to exclusive ultrasound vacancies
• Expert consultative service
• Opportunities across the UK, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
• Preferred supply status with numerous NHS and private healthcare providers
• Weekly payroll

What is an Interventional Radiology Nurse?

An interventional radiology (IR) nurse is a highly skilled registered nurse who collaborates with interventional radiologists to care for patients undergoing minimally invasive, image-guided surgical procedures. These procedures leverage imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases, including cancer and vascular disorders. Interventional radiology is defined by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine as “a medical sub-specialty of radiology utilising minimally invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system.” While some patients may have swift outpatient procedures, others may be extremely ill or unstable, necessitating more intensive inpatient care. Understanding the role of an interventional radiology nurse can help you make a more informed career choice

Key Takeaways:

• An interventional radiology nurse is a specialised medical professional who works with radiologists in diagnosing and treating diseases using minimally invasive, image-guided procedures.
• Key responsibilities include educating patients, assessing and preparing them for procedures, ensuring their safety and care, administering post-procedure treatment, and advocating for their needs within the healthcare team.
• The path to specialising as an interventional radiology nurse involves first becoming a registered nurse, joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council, gaining experience, and potentially completing further postgraduate study in radiology nursing.

The Interventional Radiology Nurse

An interventional radiology nurse is a highly specialised and experienced radiology RN who assists physicians with minimally invasive radiology treatments and diagnostic testing.

The roles of both diagnostic and interventional radiology nurses include:

• Preparing Patients for Procedures: This involves checking and verifying vital signs, medications, NPO (nothing by mouth) status, lab results, and medical history.
• Providing Education to Patients and Families: Nurses ensure that patients and their family members understand the procedure and the plan of care before signing consent forms. They also provide discharge planning and instructions.
• Inserting and Removing Intravenous Lines: These nurses are skilled in managing IV access for procedures.
• Administering Conscious Sedation Drugs and Other Medications: They are responsible for providing necessary sedation and monitoring its effects.
• Monitoring Patient Patterns and Vital Signs During the Procedure: This includes careful observation to ensure patient stability.
• Overseeing the Safety and Comfort of Patients: IR nurses focus on patient comfort and safety before, during, and after procedures.
• Providing Post-Procedure Monitoring: After procedures, they observe for signs and symptoms of complications, such as bleeding from the puncture site, pain, and changes in mental status or vital signs.

Roles and Responsibilities

Interventional radiology nurses perform a variety of tasks, including:

• Educating Patients and Families: These nurses ensure that patients understand their procedures, providing them with instructions such as avoiding food for four hours before a CT scan. They answer questions, reassure patients, and inform them about home care post-procedure.
• Preoperative Assessment: They assess patients' health by performing routine investigations, checking vital signs, lab results, and medical histories, inserting intravenous (IV) lines, administering medications, and verifying allergies.
• Planning Patient Safety and Care: IR nurses are responsible for ensuring patient safety throughout the entire procedure. This includes confirming the procedure with the patient and the radiologist, ensuring the necessary equipment is available, identifying hazards, monitoring vital signs, and creating a therapeutic environment.
• Caring for Patients in Recovery: After the procedure, they monitor patients in a recovery room, documenting their condition and reporting to physicians. They look for early signs of complications, observe vital signs, and ensure patient comfort.
• Communicating with the Radiology Team: These nurses coordinate care by maintaining clear communication with radiologists and team members to promote optimal patient outcomes. They regularly update patient information to ensure comprehensive care.
• Training Staff Members: Senior IR nurses often train newly graduated nurses and students, guiding them through radiologic procedures and providing hands-on experience.
• Providing Support and Advocacy: IR nurses advocate for their patients, offering compassionate support throughout the treatment process. They advise families on home care and ensure patients understand their medications.

Skills Required

IR nurses rely on various skills, including:

• Communication: They must effectively explain complex procedures to patients, using clear and simple language to alleviate fears.
• Interpersonal Skills: Compassion, empathy, active listening, and patience are essential for building trusting relationships with patients and their families.
• Time Management: Effective time management is crucial for prioritising tasks and ensuring timely patient care in a busy environment.
• Attention to Detail: IR nurses must accurately monitor and document patient progress, ensuring precise administration of medications and interventions.
• Specialised Medical Knowledge: Proficiency in medical tasks such as inserting IV lines and measuring vital signs is essential. Nurses may also assist in procedures like ultrasound-guided biopsies.

How to Become an Interventional Radiology Nurse

To pursue a career as an interventional radiology nurse, follow these steps:

• Complete a University Course: Individuals must first become registered nurses by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This education provides foundational training in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Join a Professional Organisation: The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) helps nurses with continuing professional development and protects the public by maintaining standards for nursing practice.
• Gain Relevant Experience: After graduation, nurses typically undergo training in hospitals and may apply for specific roles in interventional radiology, learning from experienced colleagues.

Complete a Master's Degree:

To specialise further, nurses can pursue a Master of Science in Radiology Nursing, typically taking about two years. This degree expands their skills and technical knowledge for practice in interventional radiology settings.

Interventional radiology nurses work in outpatient radiology clinics and hospital radiology departments, caring for patients with a range of vascular and neurological conditions, as well as those who have experienced trauma.

This is the perfect time to work, with a strong demand for skilled professionals. By choosing MedicsPro, you'll have access to a wide range of opportunities and competitive pay rates.

Key Benefits:

• Access to a Wide Range of Opportunities: MedicsPro offers a broad selection of locum and permanent positions across various medical specialties.
• Competitive Pay Rates: The agency provides highly competitive pay rates to ensure you’re well-compensated for your skills and experience.
• Flexible Work Options: With locum and permanent roles available, you can choose work that suits your schedule and lifestyle, offering greater work-life balance.
• Dedicated Support: MedicsPro offers personalised support from a team of experienced recruitment consultants who are there to guide you through the job search process.
• Exclusive Roles: Many of the positions available through MedicsPro are exclusive, giving you access to roles that may not be advertised elsewhere.
• Ongoing Training and Development: The agency provides opportunities for continuing professional development, helping you stay current with industry standards and enhance your career prospects.
• Fast and Efficient Recruitment Process: MedicsPro ensures a smooth and streamlined recruitment process, minimising the time it takes for you to secure your next role.
• Nationwide and International Opportunities: Whether you're looking for work in the NHS, private sector, or overseas, MedicsPro offers positions across the UK and beyond.