Re[2]: Rad workers - but not trained -Reply

[Steven.Rima@DOEGJPO.COM (Steven Rima)]

     I generally agree with the opinions stated so far regarding x-ray/nuc. 
     med. technician training. I can offer a slightly different perspective 
     to this discussion, however.
     
     The State of New Mexico requires three hours of radiation safety 
     continuing training every two years for dental personnel taking 
     patient x-rays. I have applied to and have been approved by the State 
     to do this; they will accept the CEUs from the course I teach. What I 
     have found, however, is that most dentists/hygienists are not willing 
     to pay enough to even cover costs for training that is required, let 
     alone for "extra" training not required by regulation. I have tried to 
     charge $30.00 to $40.00 per person for this course, and have had very 
     few takers; they are not willing to pay this much. Since I hand out a 
     booklet, which includes typical patient doses, answers to common 
     patient questions, and other useful information, I need to charge to 
     cover expenses. I even taught this course at the statewide dental 
     hygienists' conference last year; the dental hygienists' association 
     was only willing to pay $300.00 to train 400+ people in a hotel 
     ballroom and they even thought that was too high!!! (Needless to say, 
     I did not supply the booklets to all attendees.)
     
     Bottom Line: While some continuing training is a great idea, my 
     experience is that people are not willing to pay for it.
     
     
     Steven D. Rima, CHP
     steven.rima@doegjpo.com


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Rad workers - but not trained -Reply
Author:  "CAPT J. A. Thomas" <jathomas@radlinux1.usuf1.usuhs.mil> at Internet
Date:    2/11/97 7:18 PM


To add to what Joe Nick said below.  This is an issue that should be 
brought to the attention of the HPS education committee as well to the 
local chapters.  We can expand our influence by networking with the 
technologists in Radiation Safety, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and 
Radiation Oncology, by offering to provide speakers at their chapter 
meetings as well as offering to run ... at a reasonable rate, affordable by 
a technologist .... refresher training that carries technologiet CEU credit 
in Radiation safety and the health affects of radiation.....just to mention 
a few areas of need and interest for these groups.
     
JERRY THOMAS
     
At 14:19 02/11/97 -0600, you wrote:
>I agree with Sandy's position.  How about some 
>educated members of the Health Physics Society stepping
>up to the plate and organizing a short course (evening class) 
>in the basics of radiation safety?  This could be done for 
>profit or as a public service.  We have seen previous 
>postings regarding training for the media, why not other 
>professionals who could also use some education?  Specific 
>groups (i.e. dental technicans, x-ray technicans, etc.) could 
>be targeted, or invited to attend.
>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>In my opinion, there needs to be some continuing education 
>program  whereby many subjects can be presented, i.e., 
>radiation safety,  basics, etc. This is good for the institution 
>and the employee both.  A well-trained and educated worker
>is more apt to do a better job,  feel better about themselves >and their 
employer, for taking the time  to advance their >knowledge level. In the area of
radiation training,  I believe >that this should be essential. At lesat the 
basics of what  a >dose and an exposure mean to them, as an individual. 

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