NICU Nurses Radiation Safety

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses' work environment has X-ray exposure at times. Since their patients are newborns X-ray photographs are usually taken in the NICU. Hospitals have radiation safety guidelines to reduce this risk.

Government Regulations

• States regulate the operation of X-ray equipment to minimize the health hazards of radiation exposure. These regulations are implemented by Radiation Safety Officers.

Radiation Safety Officer

• Hospitals have a Radiation Safety Officer. This officer is responsible for the hospital's radiation safety procedures. The RSO keeps the procedures current as new developments in x ray technology are implemented in the hospital.

Greatest Risk Exposure

• X-ray technicians need to have the newborn held in a certain way to get the required photograph. An NICU nurse will do this. Hospital radiation safety rules require the NICU nurse to wear a lead apron and special gloves for these procedures.

Other Exposure Risks

• Nurses not required to hold the baby are advised to move at least 6 feet away from the infant being X-rayed. X-rays are scattered off of the infant. The 6-foot distance combined with the lowest power setting due to the patient's size reduce radiation risk to negligible amounts.

Tip

• If a NICU nurse has concerns about the exposure level in the NICU, she should talk to her hospital's Radiation Safety Officer. The RSO will be glad to furnish information on the NICU's radiation levels and why the guidelines manage the exposure risk.