Top 7 Interventional Radiology Nurse Interview Questions to Ask

Interventional radiology (IR) nurses are specialized in helping patients through minimally-invasive diagnostic tests and procedures, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), and ultrasounds. These nurses are typically quite tech-savvy and adept at communicating with a diverse mix of staff and patients. This is why asking the right interventional radiology nurse interview questions is crucial when hiring for this role.

To help you find the right fit for your team, we’ll outline seven essential questions to ask and tips for evaluating your candidate’s answers. Prepare these questions alongside a targeted job description that will help you attract a strong pool of talent. Need more insights? See what top qualities other facilities are looking for by browsing current IR openings on the job market.

Below you’ll find our free, downloadable interventional radiology nurse evaluation form to help you stay organized during your next round of interviews.

Interventional Radiology Nurse Interview Questions

The exact workflow and care protocols of a radiology department can vary quite widely by facility. So, instead of asking questions that are specific to your unit, make sure that you more broadly touch on foundational skills and knowledge. Candidates can always learn the specifics on the job, but these seven IR nurse interview questions will help you properly evaluate your candidates and find the right fit for your facility.

1. What inspired you to become an interventional radiology nurse?

At the start of the interview, it’s always nice to ask an open-ended question that allows candidates to share more about their career journey. This question can clue you in to a candidate’s motivations for working in radiology and highlight some of their core values.

What to listen for:

• Personal experiences that motivated the candidate to work in radiology
• Genuine interest in working with diagnostic imaging tools and minimally-invasive procedures

Potential follow-up questions:

• Describe how your past experiences have prepared you to become an IR nurse.
• What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an IR nurse?

2. Can you explain how the role of the IR nurse supports the work of the rest of the radiology team?

From radiologists to technologists, IR nurses must know how to effectively work with a range of staff to deliver the best care possible. It’s important to touch on teamwork in at least one of your interventional radiology nurse interview questions, and answers should reflect a candidate’s ability to work well with others.

What to listen for:

• Understanding how the specific duties of the IR nurse facilitate the team’s work
• Acknowledging the importance of collaborating and communicating with team members

Potential follow-up questions:

• How do you keep the rest of the healthcare team informed about pertinent changes in a patient’s condition?
• Have you ever had a disagreement with another member of the care team? If so, how did you handle it?

3. What steps do you take to maintain sterility during a procedure?

Maintaining sterility during any invasive procedure is crucial for preventing hospital-acquired infections. This question assesses a candidate’s understanding of this and their commitment to following proper protocols and protecting patient safety.

What to listen for:

• Knowledge of aseptic techniques and standard precautions
• Understanding how to properly sanitize and dispose of items in the sterile field

Potential follow-up questions:

• What are some other strategies you use to prevent infections?
• You notice that another member of the team is breaking sterility. What do you do?

4. What steps do you take to ensure the safety of patients prior to and during a procedure?

IR nurses play an important role in minimizing the risk of complications throughout a procedure. This question evaluates a candidate’s general approach to assessing patients and checking for common safety hazards in the radiology room.

What to listen for:

• Understanding of basic safety checks, such as confirming allergies and removing metal accessories before MRIs
• Appropriate process for monitoring vital signs and looking out for complications throughout a procedure

Potential follow-up questions:

• Walk me through your process of assessing patients before and after a procedure.
• How do you provide pain management to patients during a procedure?

5. Do you have experience with conscious sedation? If so, can you walk me through your process of administering sedatives?

One of the most important responsibilities of an IR nurse is to help administer conscious sedation. Asking interventional radiology nurse interview questions like this will allow you to gauge a candidate’s experience with this and whether they understand basic safety and assessment protocols.

What to listen for:

• Knowledge of what conscious sedation is and the IR nurse’s role during administration
• Understanding what to assess and monitor to ensure safe administration of sedatives

Potential follow-up questions:

• Describe your experience with vascular access devices.
• What types of diagnostic imaging tools do you have experience working with?

6. A patient is having an allergic reaction to contrast media during a procedure. What do you do?

An adverse reaction to contrast media is a common complication that can occur in the radiology room. This question assesses a candidate’s ability to manage and deliver optimal care in emergency situations.

What to listen for:

• Ability to swiftly, safely, and effectively intervene to stabilize a patient’s condition
• Ability to stay calm and communicate clearly with the team under pressure

Potential follow-up questions:

• What are some other common complications that can arise during a procedure?
• What strategies do you use to stay calm and manage stress during emergency situations?

7. A patient is feeling anxious before a procedure. What measures do you take to comfort them?

Beyond facilitating procedures and ensuring patient safety, IR nurses are also often the ones who tend to patient concerns before a procedure. It’s not uncommon for patients to feel anxious or scared, and a candidate must understand how to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

What to listen for:

• Acknowledging the importance of being understanding and empathetic toward patients
• Ability to actively listen to patients, establish rapport, and offer reassurance

Potential follow-up questions:

• Can you describe your approach to educating patients and families before and after a procedure?
• What experience do you have working with diverse patient populations (including pediatric)?

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