Enhancing Transition to Practice: A Radiology Experience Program for Newly Licensed Registered Nurses

Abstract

Although there is a growing number of minimally invasive image-guided procedures and diagnostics being performed, few newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) have had clinical experience in the radiology department. As a result, many NLRNs are challenged with understanding the wide variety of procedures that exist and knowing how to competently care for patients before, during, and after radiology procedures. This article discusses a unique collaboration between nurses from the education, simulation, and radiology departments with NGRNs participating in a new nurse residency program at a large metropolitan health-care system in the Midwest. A creatively designed Radiology Experience Program (REP), including targeted simulations and didactic content, was strategically integrated at an early entry point in a transition to practice program for NLRNs. The aim of the REP was to provide an immersive experience for NLRNs that would increase their knowledge of the most common diagnostic testing and procedures, build confidence levels, assist them in understanding the nurse's role as an effective team member, and promote safe and quality nursing care before, during, and after radiology interventions. The implementation of the REP will be discussed as well as quantitative and reflective findings obtained.