Radiology Nurse

Radiology Nurse

By EveryNurse Staff on January 12, 2023

Radiology Nurse

Radiology nursing is a relatively new and lesser-known specialty area that is often overlooked as a career option for nurses. Nurses outside of radiology often have little exposure to this field and nursing students rarely have the opportunity to complete a clinical rotation in a radiology setting, which has kept the career prospects of this specialty somewhat obscured.

However, this is likely to change in the near future as advances in technology and imaging services have contributed to significant growth in this profession, making the role of a Radiology Nurse an interesting and increasingly desirable career option for today’s nurses.

What Is a Radiology Nurse?

A basic definition of the field would be to say that radiology nurses specialize in the care and treatment of patients undergoing radiological examinations and procedures. Common exams and procedures include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound, cancer screening procedures, and x-ray exams.

The role of a Radiology Nurse (CRN) encompasses managing pre-procedural, intra-procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Their care includes all the steps in between, such as transferring patients from their rooms to the imaging department, helping them change into a hospital gown, taking off all metal objects and accessories that would interfere with the image quality, and being at their side in the imaging department to comfort them and explain the entire procedure.

What Does a Radiology Nurse Do?

Many of the duties and skills utilized by CRNs are employed in other nursing specialties and are not unique to a radiology setting. Basic duties such as taking patient vital signs, charting patient data, communicating with doctors, and administering medications are similar to those of nurses in other settings.

However, other duties and responsibilities require specialized knowledge and expertise that distinguish this role from other nursing positions. In a radiology setting, for example, a nurse is required to have advanced knowledge of imaging techniques and operate high-end equipment and machinery to ensure patient safety. Neglecting to follow standard safety procedures may result in serious harm to the patient, so it is necessary for a nurse to be knowledgeable in its use and application.

Radiology Nurse Job Description

  • Complete pre-procedure checklists and review assessment information to identify patient risks and contraindications for specific imaging tests
  • Review imaging procedures with patients to ensure comfort and understanding
  • Monitor patient status during procedures to detect any changes that may require medical intervention
  • Observe for any unexpected patient reactions during procedures
  • Ensure provision of pain management for patients who are experiencing discomfort or pain during procedures
  • Start or check peripheral IVs, assess infusaports, and insert Foley catheters
  • Administer medication and IV sedation or analgesia
  • Operate radiology equipment and monitor equipment functions to ensure accurate results
  • Adjust and position patients to manage their pain levels, maintain comfort and optimal image quality
  • Comfort and reassure patients during and after procedures
  • Collect data, keep records, and report results to other nurses, technologists, radiologists, and physicians
  • Provide patients and their families with post-procedure, discharge, or treatment instructions
  • Respond to emergencies and adverse events after the procedure
  • Coordinate care between the radiology department and other care units

Radiology Nurse Jobs

Radiology nursing is a rapidly growing field with strong job prospects. As technology and radiologic techniques continue to advance and become more widely accessible, the demand for nurses with specialized skills will continue to increase. In 2016, it was estimated that there were almost 200,000 diagnostic imaging procedures performed per day in the U.S. alone, and that number is expected to rise.

There are a number of different career options in the field of radiology nursing that will allow you to take advantage of this growing demand. The most common career paths include:

Radiology Technician

Radiology technicians are vital members of the radiology department. They run most imaging equipment, including computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-ray machines. A technician is required to have an in-depth knowledge of the equipment used in their role, how it works, how it should be handled, and how to troubleshoot any errors that may arise during testing.

Interventional Radiology Nurse

An interventional radiologist is a professional who specializes in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. Their expertise lies in their ability to carefully navigate specialized equipment through small openings of the body to treat internal conditions without extensive surgery.

Interventional radiology nurses aid their colleagues by performing essential tasks during these procedures, such as connecting patients to monitors and machines, maintaining sterility, and positioning patients. They may also assist physicians with injecting contrast media into the body or inflating balloons used to treat conditions in the gastrointestinal system, urology, and vascular systems.

Radiology Nurse Practitioner

The Radiology Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who works in ambulatory centers or acute care settings, where they care for patients undergoing oncology treatments and radiologic imaging procedures. They are responsible for assessing patients’ needs, developing treatment plans, providing post-treatment care, and coordinating the patient’s entire radiologic testing experience.

Radiology Oncology Nurse

Radiology oncology nurses are registered nurses with special training in the field of Oncology, providing care for patients who are fighting cancer. They work in outpatient and acute care settings, treating patients who are experiencing the side effects of cancer treatments that require radiation, chemotherapy, or other interventions.

They provide nutritional guidance for patients who are experiencing side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, help with post-test prescription management, and coordinate follow-up appointments to ensure that patients stay on track throughout their treatments.

Level Up Your Career

How to Become a Radiology Nurse

Becoming a Radiology Nurse involves more than obtaining academic knowledge in nursing school. Nurses pursuing this specialty must develop a combination of nursing skills and gain vital clinical experience to succeed in this role. They must also meet other training and certification requirements to obtain their license.

Below, we outline the general steps you need to take to become a Radiology Nurse:

1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The very first step towards becoming a Radiology Nurse is to earn a BSN degree from a college or university accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Earning your BSN will provide you with the foundational knowledge as a registered nurse, as well as prepare you for more advanced roles in nursing. In addition, many employers prefer candidates with earned bachelor’s degrees over those without.

2. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)

The NCLEX-RN is a standardized examination for nursing graduates who wish to become registered nurses (RNs). The exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of nursing practices and procedures, as well as the judgement required to perform them. The NCLEX-RN is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which sets the exam’s standards and determines its content.

3. Obtain an RN License

Nurses who have earned their degree and passed the NCLEX-RN must meet additional legal requirements and provide additional documentation to obtain their RN license. The Board of Nursing in each state has the authority to establish the requirements for nurses to practice within that state and to determine whether or not a nurse has met those requirements.

For example, most boards require candidates to demonstrate good moral character, which requires a candidate to disclose any criminal or disciplinary history and pass a criminal background check. Additionally, most applicants are required to pass a drug test before receiving their license.

4. Gain Experience as a Registered Nurse

Nurses who plan to pursue CRN certification must meet the eligibility requirements established by Radiologic Nursing Certification Board (RNCB) before they qualify to sit for the CRN exam. Eligibility requirements include:

  • A current, unencumbered RN license in good standing
  • At least 2,000 hours of experience practicing as a registered nurse with the three years prior to applying
  • 30 hours of continuing education in Radiology

5. Pass the Certified Radiology Nurse Exam

CRN certification represents a significant milestone in your professional career. It signifies that you have met the high standards set by the Radiologic Nursing Certification Board (RNCB) and that you are ready to take on additional responsibilities as a Certified Radiology Nurse.

Radiology nurse certification is awarded to nurses who demonstrate mastery of basic and advanced knowledge related to radiation safety, patient care, medical imaging, and specialty-specific procedures. The RNCB is responsible for the development and administration of the certification program in radiologic nursing. The CRN certification program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), the nationally recognized accrediting body for specialty nursing certification programs.

Radiology Nurse Salary

Radiology nursing is an area of specialty practice for RNs, which means that Radiology Nurses are often compensated at a similar level to other registered nurses with similar work experience and education. According to wage and employment data published in May 2020 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for RNs was $80,010 per year, or $38.47 per hour.

Highest Paying States for Radiology Nurses

STATEHOURLY MEAN WAGE *ANNUAL MEAN WAGE *
Massachusetts$42.09$87,545
Hawaii$41.58$86,491
Connecticut$41.25$85,801
Tennessee$40.50$84,242
Minnesota$40.32$83,869
Ohio$40.20$83,624
Rhode Island$40.04$83,274
Washington$39.87$82,923
New York$39.44$82,031
North Dakota$39.36$81,867
* Zip Recruiter, Radiology Nurse Salary by State, October 2021

Helpful Organizations for Radiology Nurses 

Radiology Nurse FAQ

A radiology nurse typically works in a hospital or other health care facility. They may work in one specific medical specialty, such as a neurology ward, or they may rotate through the medical facilities.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report salary data on this speciality, however, ZipRecruiter does. The national average is $81,942 per year however some radiology nurses make upwards of $120,000 per year.  This is higher than many nursing careers and some radiology nurses obtain a Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN) credential to increase pay.

Radiology nurses work in the radiology department of a hospital to perform tasks such as tracking patients, preparing equipment, and assisting with procedures. They work alongside other medical professionals like a radiologist or specialists so it’s important that they are effective communicators to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

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