Risks Working in NICU????

Specialties NICU

Published

I am very concerned about a problem in a NICU in my area. Some of the nurses (12) have developed thyroid problems. One has cancer, one had to have a partial thyroid removal and the others are on thyroid medication. The hospital is investigating if something they are being exposed to is causing this, which to me is obvious. I was wondering if this is just an isolated incidence or is this common in other NICU's as well. Thanks in advance.

I had calcified thyroid nodules bilaterally and the surgeon scared me into immediate surgery...he was 99.9% certain it was cancerous. Well, I lucked out for now...he couldn't get all of it so it may 'change' eventually, and now I have to be on thyroid meds forever...yuch.

I've been an ICU nurse for 20 some yrs, back when the portable machines put out higher levels...and I've also had to remain in the rooms holding patients up with no lead protectors (I've only seen them very recently actually, those neck protectors)

So...who knows? My doctors wondered the same thing I did...and I too know many unit nurses exposed to pxr's who also have thyroid tumors. We probably need a study.

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We probably need a study.

We need a study long time ago, since X-ray machine were invented. The only thing... all studies are sponsored by someone who expect some money in return. (This world is driven by money). And I guess this study does not promise anything profitable to anyone. So, I don't expect it sometime soon unless of course nurses will vocalize it more to non-profit/government agencies.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

I worked as an Xray Tech for five years and have thyroid problems diagnosed at age 32. I will be on thyroid medication for the rest of my life. That being said, I always wore a lead apron while doing portables and my radiation badges never registered any exposure in the entire five years. It is interesting that of my specific clinical group 3 out of 5 students have thyroid issues now and 3 out of 5 experienced significant fertility difficulties.

Please always make sure you wear a lead apron while holding babies in the NICU. The Radiographer should always provide you with one, if the tech does not ASK FOR ONE! Be sure to leave the room if you are pregnant (stand at least 10' away) and don't xray your hands along with the baby!

Remember radiation exposure is cumulative during your lifetime. Take whatever precautions you can. If your particular department seems to have a higher incident of health issues, ask for radiation detection badges.

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Specializes in NICU.

Of course we have nurses on our unit who had different cancers (mainly breast), maybe 10-15 women that I can think of. But we have 130+ nurses (aged 22-70) on our unit, so that's only 10% when you look at it that way. That seems about average, compared to the non-medical population.

Maybe it's because our unit doesn't have much money to spend, and we still use those ancient blue bili lights! :chuckle

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Specializes in NICU,ICU,PACU,IV Therapy.

It might be interesting to find out how many nurses with a thyroid problem work on the night shift. On that note how many patients in the nicu or any other unit for that matter require the use of thyroid medications? Anyway just a thought.

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Yikes! That is a scary thought. The hospital I just left (YIPPEE!!!) only had ONE apron with a thyroid shield on it, and it was NEVER offered to a nurse!! Most times, we weren't even offered an apron, but I always asked for one since I'm still of childbearing age and desire!

Now those bili lights, we need some SERIOUS studies on those things. I've always been concerned about damage to my retinas from them, and now my thyroid?? Seriously, if the kids get to keep their eyes covered, why do we have to suffer all night by staring at those things??

Interestingly, I did have a wacky thyroid result right after I started working in NICU. It was normal before then, but then it went all crazy. It was normal again a few weeks later when I followed up. This is definately something we need to get some studies done on.

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I bought a pair of UV rated sunglasses w/ amber lenses. I got the big huge ugly things that fit over my own glasses. When I have to give care in those lights, I wear them. My younger sister, who lives in Hawaii, and didn't wear shades just had a cataract removed earlier this year. I've always worn sunglasses, so at least I'm ahead that way. Now when I come out from the bili lights, I'm not blinded for a few moments. I highly recommend those sunglasses.

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Hie everyone

I am new here and hailing from the UK.I am suprised at the news about the cancers and thyroid problems. Its scary really. Here in the Uk the NICU and PICU's I have worked in we are always asked to leave the room when x-rays are being done and the nurse remaining to hold the baby has to wear a lead apron.The radiographer and evryone else always shouts "x-ray" to alert the others in the room and nurses and parents have to stop what they are doing and go outside the room.

The other thing is the radiologist always has a book and askes you (nurse) your name to put in the book and at times your baby may need 4 or more x-rays in a 12hr shift, then they always ask if someone else can hold the baby as one nurse will have done enough for the day in case of exposure.

I think we need to speak up for ourselves as nurses and demamd the aprons.

I think all nurses need to ask for an apron and to ask that it be a standard thing coz as you say over the course of one's carrer we are exposed to so much radiation it accumulates hence the problems some of our colleagues are having.

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