Radiation Hazards, Protection, and Cultivating a Radiologically Safe Environment for Nurses

Abstract

Medical diagnostics has been revolutionized with the discovery of X-rays. The number of radiological procedures performed globally has increased rapidly during past decades and according to UNSCEAR 2021 report, 4.2 billion medical radiological procedures are performed annually. Ionizing radiations if not used appropriately and carefully can lead to health hazards for health professionals involved in the radiation work as well as patients undergoing the radiological procedure. However, the awareness about the ionising radiation and radiation safety is very limited among the healthcare professionals. This educational paper will provide basic insights in radiation protection training, and key topics to cover during education and training for nurses working in various medical radiological procedures of patients. Nurses need to understand radiation protection principles and ways to minimize their exposure of radiation during radiological procedures. They should be able to practically apply radiation protection principles in healthcare settings with enhanced patient and occupational safety without Radiophobia. Applying radiation safety culture in nursing practice improves quality and safety in patient care.