CRNA radiation exposure

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I want to become a CRNA, but Im worried about my health. Ive read online and it seems CRNAs are exposed to radiation everyday. Is this true? should I be concerned?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

There are certain surgical procedures that require imaging, whether it's a flat plate (single shot) or c-arm (live imaging). They may also be providing care for patients undergoing imaging studies.

But, if it were unsafe, it wouldn't be allowed to happen. Staff are protected by lead aprons and thyroid shields to reduce exposure and wear dosimeters to monitor exposure. Any staff who even come close to the limits are flagged. Additional precautions may be taken for those who are pregnant- an additional dosimeter worn under the lead at waist limit, a special "pregnancy apron", or reduced requirements to take those types of cases.

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is the face/ head protected too? especially eyes?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

There is the possibility of purchasing lead goggles. However, the only ones at my facility who do are those who are in imaging cases every day, all day, such as cath lab personnel, electrophysiology personnel, and angio personnel.

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I might sound ignorant because I don't know much about these procedures. But Those procedures you just listed, shouldn't that be the job of a technologist, why do crnas do them?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

They are jobs done by those trained to work in those areas, not CRNAs. But they are the only people who wear the lead googles because their exposure level is so much higher. CRNAs do not see that level of exposure and therefore rarely protect eyes/head. A lead apron with thyroid shield is sufficient.

If you really want more information, you can look up the regulations published by OSHA in regards to x-ray exposure.

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There is the possibility of purchasing lead goggles..

Lead goggles? For real or are you messing with OP? Either I'm flaunting my ignorance or LOL!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
Lead goggles? For real or are you messing with OP? Either I'm flaunting my ignorance or LOL!

For real. Not cheap. Lead Glasses | Radiation Glasses | Leaded Eyewear

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Okay, I was flaunting my ignorance, lead goggles are a real thing.

https://www.bar-ray.com/products/eyewear

Now to look up that glass hammer I heard about.

ETA: Rose is quick with the posting.

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thank you for your help!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
ETA: Rose is quick with the posting.

Not like I'm addicted to this place or anything.

But seriously, OP, radiation exposure is taken seriously by all facilities. You will be required to meet certain expectations (wearing lead, wearing the dosimeter) and the facility is required to ensure your safety.

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Technologists are responsible for the imaging, but ancillary personnel in the room, who are required to be tableside (scrubbed in) or who are attending to the patient's airway (CRNA, for example), will be exposed to radiation in certain cases.

Depends on the case.

Ortho, Electrophysiology, Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology and Radiology, to name a few.

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