Radiology Registered Nurse (RN)

Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director of Radiology, the Radiology Registered Nurse (RN) provides specialized nursing care to patients undergoing diagnostic and interventional imaging procedures, with primary responsibility for supporting Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) services. The RN performs patient assessments, provides education, establishes IV access, administers prescribed medications, monitors patient status, supports procedural care, and responds to adverse events or emergencies in accordance with TJC, federal, state, local, organizational, and departmental requirements. This position serves as a clinical nursing resource for the Radiology Department and works collaboratively with radiologists, cardiologists, technologists, and other healthcare professionals to promote safe, efficient, high-quality imaging services and optimal patient outcomes. The Radiology RN also supports multiple imaging modalities through contrast reaction management, physiologic monitoring, procedural assistance, post-procedure follow-up, and nursing consultation.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

Radiology Nursing Assessment and Patient Preparation

• Review physician orders, referrals, medical history, allergies, medication profiles, required laboratory results, and imaging-related contraindications prior to radiology procedures.

• Perform and document pre-procedure nursing assessments, including vital signs, cardiac rhythm, oxygen saturation, medication reconciliation, allergy review, renal function status, pregnancy status when applicable, and contraindications to contrast, beta blockers, nitroglycerin, or other ordered medications.

• Educate patients and families regarding radiology procedures, medication expectations, contrast use, post-procedure care, and discharge instructions.

• Establish and maintain appropriate IV access, including access suitable for high-flow contrast injection when required.

Procedure Support and Medication Administration

• Administer IV contrast, oral or intravenous beta blockers, nitroglycerin, moderate-risk medications, and emergency medications as ordered or in accordance with approved physician protocols and scope of practice.

• For Cardiac CT Angiography (CCTA), triage patients for eligibility, collaborate with interpreting physicians regarding patient suitability, and prepare patients according to the approved CCTA medication and imaging protocol.

• Monitor heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, medication effectiveness, patient tolerance, and overall clinical stability before, during, and after imaging procedures.

• Determine readiness for imaging based on target heart rate, patient stability, and procedure-specific requirements.

• Assist radiologists, cardiologists, technologists, and other providers with imaging-guided and CCTA procedures as clinically appropriate.

Clinical Monitoring, Emergency Response, and Post-Procedure Care

• Recognize, monitor, and respond to contrast reactions, medication adverse effects, vasovagal episodes, hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory compromise, cardiac emergencies, IV infiltration or extravasation, and other changes in patient condition.

• Activate emergency response procedures when necessary and maintain readiness to support emergent patient care within the Radiology Department.

• Monitor patients following medication administration and procedure completion until discharge criteria are met.

• Provide post-procedure instructions, coordinate follow-up care when indicated, and document patient outcomes, interventions, and adverse events in the electronic medical record.

Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance

• Promote patient safety through adherence to nursing standards, imaging protocols, radiation safety practices, infection prevention requirements, HIPAA, medication storage standards, and accurate documentation practices.

• Maintain emergency medication and crash cart readiness in accordance with departmental and organizational requirements.

• Support compliance with applicable hospital policies, Georgia Board of Nursing requirements, CMS regulations, The Joint Commission standards, and accreditation expectations, including ACR when applicable.

• Participate in competency validation, continuing education, incident review, quality improvement initiatives, protocol review, and departmental accreditation activities.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Coordinate patient care and procedure workflow with radiologists, cardiologists, emergency department staff, hospitalists, primary care providers, CT/MRI/ultrasound technologists, Patient Access, Scheduling, and other interdisciplinary team members.

• Serve as a clinical nursing resource and liaison for Radiology-related patient care questions, procedure preparation, medication protocols, and escalation of clinical concerns.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned within the employee’s licensure, competency, scope of practice, and organizational policies.

Requirements

Minimum Level of Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of an approved Registered Nurse training program is required. 

Formal Training: Demonstrated ability to support Radiology and CCTA operations in a multidisciplinary clinical setting. Requires strong cardiac assessment skills; proficiency in IV therapy and cardiac monitoring; knowledge of contrast media administration, adverse reaction management, radiology workflows, imaging protocols, and cardiovascular medications, including beta-blockers and nitrates; and the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. Must communicate clearly, educate patients effectively, and plan, organize, coordinate, and support workflow and patient care activities with accuracy and professionalism.

Licensure, Certification, and Registration: Current, unencumbered Georgia Registered Nurse license is required. BLS, PALS, and ACLS certifications must be obtained within 30 days of hire. Preferred credentials include Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN), Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC), and/or advanced cardiac imaging training or certification.

Work Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of acute care nursing experience is required. Preferred experience includes Critical Care, Emergency Department, Cardiology, Cath Lab, Radiology, Procedural Nursing, CT, or cardiac imaging.

Computer Skills: Proficient computer skills required, including effective use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must be able to navigate and document accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR), review patient information, enter required documentation, and use electronic systems to support safe and efficient patient care.