Grand Canyon State Chapter of the
Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing

Steven Pierce, RN from Casa Grande Regional
Medical Center is the Grand Canyon State Chapter
2008 Radiology Nurse of the Year.

Steven was chosen by his peers as the most qualified
candidate for this award in recognition of outstanding
radiology nursing practice as demonstrated through
leadership, mentorship, and ongoing professional development.

Steve has been a registered nurse for 18 years, and a radiology
nurse for two years.  Without knowledge of ARIN or the Core
Curriculum, he researched radiology procedures both for his own
information and to provide patient education

Steve adheres to the standards of radiology nursing.  He thoroughly reviews his patients charts for information
that may impact a procedure, is knowledgeable about the various procedures, gives excellent preprocedure
information in a manner that is easily understood, clarifies any questions or concerns the patients have, and can
easily put the most anxious patient at ease.  He is not afraid to challenge the ordering physician or the
interventional radiologist in his role as a patient advocate.  Steve is aware of radiation safety both for the staff
and the patients.  Steve has excellent nursing skills and is a resource for starting IV’s in the Medical Imaging
department.  Exams in all modalities are performed with the same high standard of care.

Upon learning about the Grand Canyon State Chapter, Steve immediately joined.  He helped recruit additional
members from both the nursing and technical staff.  He has attended all the educational opportunities provided by
our chapter, and made a large donation of food for the Casa Grande meeting. Steve buys lots of raffle tickets!  He
plans on attending the April meeting in Yuma even though he is returning late the night before from vacation.
Steve helped in the planning of the Casa Grande meeting by being a knowledge resource regarding local venues
to host the meeting.  Steve’s future plans with the Grand Canyon State Chapter include volunteering for the board
position of Treasurer when our current treasurer retires.

Steve is the “unofficial” preceptor for our department.  He willingly takes new staff under his wing, and helps
develop their confidence in a positive way.  Having worked at the hospital for over 5 years, he has considerable
knowledge of policies and procedures, and the all important “who to go to, and how to get around the roadblocks”
information.  Steve is the “go to” guy for problems, and knows everyone in the building.  He is a hard worker and
willing to help in any situation.

Education is very important to Steve.  He completes bi-monthly CEU’s for nursing, and plans on purchasing the
new ARIN Core Curriculum to study and test for the CRN exam within the next year.  Steve has learned sterile
technique and now assists with PICC line insertions. He also actively participates on hospital committees, and
communicates with the staff regarding updates.
Deb Thomas, RN BS CRN  presents Steven
Pierce, RN the GCSC Nurse of the Year Award