New RN & Pregnant - Does the lead vest protect me from the c-arm radiation?

Published

Hello all!!

I accepted my first new job as a nurse last week. I am working in an ambulatory/clinic and part of the week I will be assigned to the procedure room. While in the room, we wear lead protection from the c-arm, while doing spinal injections. I JUST found out today that I am pregnant, 4 weeks along. I don't want to tell anyone yet, until my first doctor's visit.

One main issue - the PROCEDURE room. I feel like I must tell my employer so I can ensure I am safe in procedures. Do I need additional safety measures beyond the lead vest? Does anyone have advice, a history with this, or any additional information?

Thank you in advance :).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Med Surg.

I am an OR circulator, and I am trying to get pregnant. I also circulate in many radiation cases. Once a staff member becomes pregnant at my facility we try to have other staff circulate the radiation cases, especially in the first trimester. If this is not possible, it is okay to wear lead but you must get a fetus badge to wear at your waist when you are in these cases.

I believe you should let your manager know so that you can take these extra precautions.

Congratulations!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am an OR circulator, and I am trying to get pregnant. I also circulate in many radiation cases. Once a staff member becomes pregnant at my facility we try to have other staff circulate the radiation cases, especially in the first trimester. If this is not possible, it is okay to wear lead but you must get a fetus badge to wear at your waist when you are in these cases.

I believe you should let your manager know so that you can take these extra precautions.

Congratulations!!!

Thank you for the response. After doing research today, I'm definitely telling them first thing in the morning. I hope they will schedule me as much as possible in the other three areas. I believe the center is short staffed and hope it will all work out. Good luck to you, we have tried for so long and I kind of gave up this month. I literally started work last week and just found out. Thanks again for the advice!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

We cannot give medical advice as per the TOS but I would let them know ASAP your exposure should be minimal especially in the first trimester.

thread closed

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion