Nursing in nuclear medicine is an unknown field for most nurses. This article sheds light on the impact nuclear medicine can have on patients and on the nursing role in caring for patients undergoing diagnosis and treatment using radioisotopes.
The aim of this article is to equip the reader with a basic knowledge of nuclear medicine, which includes radioisotopes, the preparation of radiophamaceuticals, radiation protection, equipment used, the role of the nurse, and the concerns of the patient and other healthcare workers. After reading this article you should be able to:
Regional medical physics departments provide scientific support services including:
Nursing staff are employed in some of these specialties, particularly in nuclear medicine, where they are the main point of contact with patients.
Nuclear medicine is an area which is not widely understood and seems to cause some confusion among patients and other healthcare professionals. Words such as nuclear and radiation can induce all sorts of anxiety, and there is a need for nurses to be able to inform and reassure. The purpose of this article is to enlighten, inform and give a brief insight into nursing care in nuclear medicine.
Sherry I. Nuclear medicine: will I glow in the dark, nurse? Nursing Standard, 14, 19, 48-53.
Isobel Sherry, Cumbria Unit, Carlisle. Tel: +44 (0)1228-523-444.
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