Is there an estimate as to how much radiation one needs to be exposed to before cells begin to mutate? In the course of a day at work it seems as though through portable cxr, taking pts to CT etc. nurses are exposed to radiation and at least at my facility they do not provide nurses, only xray techs with dosimeters. Anyone else concerned?

You should be concerned. Contact your facility safety officer and request dosimeters and a demonstration. Im sure the BON would get involved if the facility refuses. Also contact the Health Department. Squeeky wheel gets the grease you know.

There are simple precautions that you can do to protect yourself. With portables, you just step outside the room. Our X ray techs always make sure the room is clear before the film is shot. You are not exposed to radiation by taking a pt to CT as long as you are out of the room when the scanner is on. Again, our techs do not scan with staff in the room except in rare instances or traumas when the nurse can't leave the pt's side. In that case you must wear one of the leaded aprons. Honestly, by taking these basic precautions, I'm not concerned about exposure.

You can call you State OSHA office and report your concerns by only giving the name of your workplace and the department your in. OSHA is then required to start an investigation where they will contact the health and safety reps at your work and either set up an appointment to go through the injury and illness prevention plans (including radiation engineering controls, personal protective equip. and admin controls currently in place) or just stop by unannounced. For permissible exposure limits in your area check out you State Osha website and the Federal Website. Whichever limit is lowest is the maximum exosure allowed during one work-shift. Hope this helps.

Welcome lehua!

Hope to see more of your posts. Greast advice, learned something new today!

Here is some good advice I got while in school. Stand behind the X-ray tech because they know how far away is safe.