Job Description
The Radiology RN IV practices at the level of an expert practitioner of nursing. The RN IV provides expert, high-quality nursing care to patients undergoing diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology (IR) procedures. This role includes comprehensive assessments, patient education, IV access and sedation monitoring, post-procedure recovery, and rapid emergency interventions as needed. Collaborates closely with radiologists, technologists, and the interprofessional care team to ensure safe, effective patient care throughout the imaging process. As a clinical expert and advanced leader, the RN IV serves as a mentor, educator, and resource to nursing staff, modeling excellence in communication, evidence-based practice, and patient advocacy. The Radiology RN IV drives unit and hospital-wide practice improvements, leads or contributes to shared governance, quality, and safety initiatives, and supports the continuous development of nursing practice and positive patient outcomes across the organization.
- Perform comprehensive pre-procedure assessments, obtain medical histories, and develop individualized care plans for patients undergoing diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology (IR) procedures.
- Prepare patients physically and emotionally for procedures; provide education on process, risks, and post-care instructions to patients and families.
- Establish IV access, administer medications, and monitor sedation and vital signs throughout procedures to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Assist radiologists during interventional procedures (e.g., angiography, biopsies, drain placements) and support exams in CT, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine.
- Recognize changes in patient condition and respond promptly with appropriate interventions, including leading emergency measures as needed.
- Manage post-procedure recovery, ensure appropriate discharge instructions, and coordinate care transitions with other departments.
- Serve as a liaison between the radiology team, patients, families, and interdisciplinary care providers to promote seamless care coordination.
- Promote and model the use of the nursing process to deliver evidence-based, high-quality care for a diverse patient population.
- Mentor, coach, and provide performance feedback to staff; support preceptorships and foster an environment that encourages professional growth and learning.
- Identify staff development needs and design, coordinate, and implement educational initiatives for staff, patients, and families.
- Collaborate with leadership to recruit, retain, and engage staff by modeling positive communication, conflict resolution, and peer-to-peer accountability.
- Actively lead or participate in performance improvement, quality assurance, and patient safety initiatives within radiology and across the service line.
- Support the development and integration of research and evidence-based practice changes, guiding staff in evaluating and applying findings to improve patient outcomes.
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) and ensure compliance with hospital policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Promote a respectful, diverse, and team-oriented work culture while modeling service excellence and high standards of patient care in the fast-paced radiology environment.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
- Demonstrates expert proficiency in IV therapy, sedation monitoring, and patient recovery for complex radiology procedures.
- Applies advanced critical thinking and clinical judgment to practice autonomously and lead complex patient care using the full nursing process.
- Provides expert anticipatory care, recognizing and responding to changing patient conditions before they become critical.
- Functions calmly under pressure, acting swiftly during emergencies and role-modeling best practices for crisis response.
- Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and the interprofessional team using clear, compassionate communication.
- Serves as a mentor and resource, providing peer review and coaching to elevate professional practice and patient outcomes.
- Expertly collaborates within a multidisciplinary team while demonstrating strong independent decision-making and accountability.
- Demonstrates strong assessment, organizational, and problem-solving skills to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced radiology environment.
- Maintains advanced working knowledge of imaging modalities, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and angiography.
- Stays current through ongoing competency validation, performance evaluations, and self-directed practice improvement.
- Role-models patient safety standards and contributes to a culture of “Do No Harm” by integrating safety systems and best practices.
- Champions research utilization and evidence-based practice, investing in the development of peers and the profession.
- Shares expertise through contributions to professional knowledge, supporting nursing excellence and institutional goals.
- Physically able to stand for extended periods, assist with patient transfers, and adapt to the demands of procedure rooms, prep/recovery areas, and occasional on-call or weekend shifts.
- Proficient in using electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to support documentation, education, and communication.
- Ability to serve as a preceptor and a mentor by fostering a teaching environment. Position eligible for preceptor premium pay with completion of preceptor education and leader approval.
- ** Additional Qualifications: *Current Texas Board of Nursing (or Compact State) RN license; Or a Temporary Texas RN License (Permanent TX license within 90 days upon hire). *American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, within 7 days of hire.