Cath Lab Technologists: How to Minimize Work Hazards
This blog is now focused on laboratory specialties. This article is here for your information only, as jobs are no longer provided for any radiation technician specialties.
There are many risks in the field of cardiac catheterization including radiation, bacteria, drugs, acids, gases, working in tight spaces, and stress caused by abuse by patients, death and shift work. Since there are so many possible dangers, it is important for all professionals working in the field to practice strategies to avoid them. These hazards should be of great concern to both administrators and health care professionals because many of them are preventable.
Each health care professional can help lessen the chances of injuries by being aware of the risks and conscious of protecting themselves. Routines should be developed and followed to reduce chances of an accident. Also, if an employee sees a potentially dangerous situation in the workplace, it should be reported.
Facility administrators can help maintain a safe workplace by establishing and enforcing policies, providing regular training and information about preventing hazards, and making sure employees can confidentially report any problems they see.
Cardiac catheterization labs will never be completely hazard free, but practicing these guidelines can make them safer.
Learn More about hiring Cath Lab Technologists.
Source:
- Charles C. Barbiere, RN, CCRN, RCVT, CCT, CRTT, EMT, President, SICP (2006) Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals http://www.sicp.com/positionstatment6.html
