A day in the life of a radiology nurse

Why do you need a nurse for an X-ray?

At first glance, you might think you don’t. But in radiology, the role of a nurse goes far beyond a simple scan. When patients need extra care—whether it’s hoisting, monitoring deteriorating conditions, or assisting with complex procedures—the radiology nurse steps in. And X-rays are just the tip of the iceberg.

Imagine navigating high-stakes environments every day—cannulating patients with cancer, responding to stroke alerts, or providing life-saving interventions during biopsies. A wise Interventional Radiology Consultant once said, “Medical imaging nursing is the best-kept secret in health care.” They might be a bit biased, but they aren’t wrong. Radiology nursing is fast-paced, evolving, and full of critical moments that often fly under the radar. And no two days are ever the same.

Monday: Mastering cannulation

You’re rostered in CT today, and your first task is cannulating a patient undergoing chemotherapy. Their veins are tricky, but that’s ok—you’re a master at this. Even when they need an 18G PIVC for a CT angiogram, you’re confident. Some nurses are even accredited for ultrasound-guided cannulation, an expanded scope of practice for RNs. You’ve worked with many cancer patients through diagnosis, treatment, and remission, and you’ve been there during some of their final days.

Next, you’re helping with an ultrasound-guided ascitic drain to relieve the litres of fluid making it hard for your patient to breathe. You care for trauma patients, ICU patients, inpatients, and outpatients. Suddenly, an urgent call: “STROKE.” You quickly get an outpatient off the table to make room for a patient suspected of having a stroke. Time is critical, and you offer efficiency, kindness, and safety. The outpatient might understand—or they might complain loudly—but you focus on doing what’s right.

Tuesday: Facing difficult diagnoses

Today brings another set of challenges: a CT-guided lung biopsy. This procedure is high-risk because the lungs can bleed profusely, so you need to be on high alert. If there’s haemoptysis or a pneumothorax, you’ll have to act fast—it could be a matter of life and death. But it’s also important to handle the sample aseptically and get it safely to pathology. Situation awareness and graded assertion are key.

Later, a young mother comes in for a CT scan. “It’s probably nothing,” she says, “the doctor just wants to be sure.” You see the scan. It’s not your job to interpret, but you know what you’re looking at. It’s bad. Tumours cover her abdomen and liver. Her life is about to change, and for a moment, your team goes quiet. She leaves, none the wiser, but you hold back a tear. Just another day in CT.

Wednesday: On call for interventional radiology

“RING RING, RING RING”—your phone jolts you awake at 3am. It’s a bleeder, and you’re on call for Interventional Radiology (IR). You get to the hospital as quickly and safely as possible. The team gathers—radiologist, radiographer, and nurses—and you scrub in, prepping medication, fluids, and equipment. You’re wearing scrubs, PPE, a lead apron, and sterile gloves, it’s hot, and you’re sweating. You assist the doctor in locating the bleed, hoping to stop it before the patient deteriorates further. Another life saved, just another day in IR.

Thursday: Sedation specialist

Today, you’re working in IR again, this time as an accredited sedation RN. You conduct a thorough assessment on a patient before sedation. There’s no anaesthetist or anaesthetic nurse, so it’s up to you to advocate for your patient. You insert a PIVC, conduct baseline observations, and administer sedation under the direction of the consultant. You’re constantly monitoring the patient, checking if any deterioration is linked to the sedation, compromised airways, or bleeding.

Your next patient is a 19-year-old with a new cancer diagnosis. They need a TIVAD inserted for chemotherapy. They’ve already lost their hair and ask if they can keep their beanie on because their head is cold. A small part of your heart breaks, but you make them comfortable, offering to play their favourite music. Just another day in IR.

Friday: Gatekeeper in MRI

Today you’re in MRI, one of the most dangerous parts of radiology because the magnet is always on. You’re the gatekeeper, meticulously screening for any metal objects that could cause harm. Today’s list includes patients with pacemakers and ICDs. Before they enter, the ICDs are turned off, and the pacemakers are set in safe mode. You apply MRI-safe monitoring, but it’s not as reliable as a cardiac monitor, so you watch the patient closely. If they go into VF or VT, you’ll need to get them out fast. The external defibrillator is ready. You wait, you watch. Just another day in MRI.

It’s never just another day

What I love most about radiology nursing is the deep sense of purpose it gives me. Every day, I know I’m part of something bigger—helping patients through some of the most critical moments in their lives. The autonomy, the teamwork, and the constant learning all make me feel empowered as a nurse. It’s not just about the procedures; it’s about being trusted to make decisions, to act quickly, and to support my patients when they need it most. This job challenges me, fulfills me, and reminds me why I became a nurse in the first place.

How to specialise in radiology nursing

If you’re inspired by the dynamic, high-stakes world of radiology nursing, the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Graduate Certificate in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Nursing is your pathway to a rewarding career. This course equips you with advanced nursing knowledge, expanding your scope of practice and giving you greater autonomy in clinical decision-making. You’ll collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure evidence-based, patient-centred care. With a focus on clinical, professional, legal, and ethical aspects, this course prepares you to meet the diverse needs of patients in medical imaging, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in this fast-growing field.