The demands and responsibilities on the radiology nurse have evolved to the point of requiring specially trained personnel. The old adage that a nurse is a nurse is a nurse does not apply. Our angiography suite is one of the finest in the state. Angiography nurses must be well versed in the care of critical patients and new and rapidly changing equipment/medications. Ultrasound and CAT scan assisted procedures are becoming popular alternatives to surgical intervention. These procedures present a sedation challenge to the radiology nurse. MRI and Pediatric CAT scans require a knowledgeable and skillful nurse to perform conscious sedation and to ally anxious parents. UMMC has a post procedure Radiology Recovery Room for its patients. This area prepares the patient for the procedure and monitors and discharges the patient post procedure. This provides continuity, plus the patient receives the specialized care that is required. The mammography suite doesn't just do mammograms. They perform breast stereotactic core biopsies, wire localization's, ultrasound cores, needle aspirations and duct injections. The nurse coordinates all this plus provides physical and emotional care to the patient.

Radiology nurses need to be competent in many specialized areas. This web site contains the mandatory competencies required for the UMMC's radiology nurses. Educational material is included for quick reference. Each competency has a quiz that can be gotten from this web site. The material is specific for radiology but it is hoped that it will also be educational for any other nurses looking at this site.

Every division at the University of Michigan has protocols and procedures. In addition to the mandatory competencies, this site will provide a frequently updated glimpse at the procedures being done in the radiology department. The primary function of this section will be to provide this information in a easily accessible form.

Go ahead and explore. We hope you enjoy learning about radiology nursing!