Background

Nuclear medicine (NM) involves the use of radioisotopes (radiopharmaceuticals) for either diagnostic or therapeutic purposes which emit ionizing radiation used for image formation. Despite patient benefit from medical radiation, the nursing staff caring for patients administered with radioisotopes may be exposed due to limited knowledge of radiation protection principles since they do not undergo formal training. Exposure my raise the risk of cancer induction among nurses.

Aims

 This study aimed at evaluating radiation knowledge and awareness among nurses working in a NM department (NMD).

Methods

 A cross-sectional study. Using a validated questionnaire, demographic information (age, gender, work experience), radiation knowledge and related training as well as awareness were measured among a group of consenting nurses.                                              

Results

 A total of 5 nurses participated in the study mean with age 45 and age range 20 – 60 years. Eighty percent (4/5) nurses showed limited knowledge of radiation and awareness of radiation protection principles irrespective of years of service. All nurses expressed fear of radiation exposure from patients.

Conclusion

 Efficient execution of nursing duties in a NMD may be compromised by lack of formal training in radiation protection. Conducting work on radiation protection and providing nurses with self-study material can boost their moral and improve their efficiency while caring for patients in radioactive environments such as a NMD.