Help with Xrays

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Help! For years I've been interested in learning more about reading xrays. I work in ER and ICU and have always been curious. I always look at my patient's chest xrays when I can. Does anyone know if there are any courses for nurses on radiography? Is this the sacrosanct ground of physicians on which we may not tread? Or, is there simply too much to know? Any information would be appreciated, thanks!

[GreyGull]

There are many online courses for nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Ex.

http://www.learningradiology.com/

This CE article is best viewed with a split screen so you can look at the images while reading the text.

http://www.aacn.org/WD/CETests/Media/CI1941.pdf

The AACN has many great articles available for viewing.

http://www.aacn.org:88/DM/CETests/CELibrary.aspx

Once you get some general knowledge you can start asking questions when the physicians are viewing the X-rays. The Radiology Technologists are also excellent resources for questions about the technology, safety and the principles of radiology.

Nurses who work in various intensive care units may attend the X-ray discussion on their patients during rounds. Many will have access to the X-rays at anytime especially the CXRs. There are also nurses who double check line and tube placement especially when working with residents or even attendings because mistakes can be made at all levels. If on a transport team like neonatal, pedi or a Flight team that does IFT/Critical Care, the nurses may be well trained and educated for viewing X-rays and interpretation to at least identify immediate problems or where the lines/tubes are.

Radiology itself is a very broad field which is why Radiology Technologists have at least an Associates degree now and many will have a Bachelors if they specialize. This will just cover the techniques and there is much more to the interpretation of the many different diagnostic tests. There is also a Masters program for the Radiologist Assistant (RA). That is probably more info than you wanted to know. But, the above links I listed will give you some very general information about the basics.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Of course you can train yourself to view them..take the on-line course and start practicing. In my state am able to view them for line placement and release the the CVC/PICC to be used. I took a class and have a yearly test

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Thanks GreyGull, I'll check those links. I do, of course, know the basics from experience and asking questions, but I wanted something more academic. This looks perfect, thanks!