Nurses’ knowledge of ionizing radiation in Northern Gauteng state hospitals in South Africa

Abstract

Nurses are part of the team that often visits the radiology department and often participates in bedside procedures during mobile radiological examinations. Researchers observed that nurses often withdrew assistance during radiological examinations, standing behind curtains in wards without adhering to radiation-protection measures. To assess nurses’ knowledge of ionizing radiation, the researchers conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive research study. More than 50% (n = 123) of nurses lacked basic knowledge on principles of radiation safety, and 63% of nurses were never taught or attended a workshop on radiation safety. Radiation safety should be included as basic knowledge in nursing curricula, and radiation-safety guidelines are needed in radiography suites.