Interventional radiology (IR) treats many conditions through tiny cuts guided by X-ray, CT or ultrasound. IR nurses prepare, sedate, monitor and recover these patients.
Imagine helping a patient through a procedure to stop internal bleeding without open surgery. You monitor their vital signs, manage sedation and keep them calm, all in a room full of screens.
What IR nurses do
- Prepare patients before procedures
- Give and monitor moderate sedation
- Assist during procedures
- Monitor for complications
- Care for patients during recovery
- Educate patients about aftercare
Common procedures
- Angiograms and stents
- Embolisation to stop bleeding
- Biopsies and drains
- Central venous access lines
- Nephrostomy tubes
Skills that matter
- Critical care, emergency or recovery experience
- Sedation and airway skills
- Radiation safety awareness
- Ability to work in a fast, technical environment
How to get into IR nursing
- Gain experience in ICU, ED, cardiac or recovery
- Ask to shadow your radiology department
- Take sedation and radiation safety training
- Apply for radiology or IR nurse posts
- Consider radiology nursing certification where available
Frequently asked questions
Is radiation exposure a risk?
Staff wear protective lead aprons and follow radiation safety rules to keep exposure low.
But is it a quieter job than the ward?
Often more predictable hours, but procedures can be complex and patients can deteriorate quickly.
Your next step: Ask your hospital’s radiology department if you can observe an interventional procedure.
Related: Vascular access nurse role
Sources: Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing, Society of Interventional Radiology, Royal College of Radiologists, International Atomic Energy Agency radiation protection resources.
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