Exploring radiation safety knowledge among nurses

Abstract

Aim: As part of the medical team, nurses often take part in both controlled and supervised radiation fields. For this reason, nurses need to know about radiation and radiation safety. This study is aimed to determine the knowledge level of nurses in a tertiary pediatric hospital about radiation safety through a questionnaire. Material and Method: Within the scope of the survey conducted, the age, gender and years of experience data of the participants were collected. In addition, they have been asked whether they have received radiation safety training throughout their professional life and whether they want to receive such training now. Basic questions about radiation safety and questions to measure the general level of information about radiation are also addressed. Results: The link of the survey was delivered to 583 nurses in the study center and 313 nurses completed the questionnaire. 53.67% of the nurses stated that they do not know the name of the beam used for x-ray imaging. 64.28% of the nurses stated that they did not receive such education in their professional life. 78.57% of all participants stated that they wanted to receive a training how to protect themselves while X-ray is being performed in their environment. Conclusion: A significant number of nurses do not receive radiation safety training. Those who received such an education state that they are not satisfied with the training. Nurses want to receive radiation safety training. Trainings with regular and appropriate content can increase nurses’ radiation safety knowledge and awareness.