Playing it Safe
It is a well known fact in the radiology community that the amount of radiation from a CT is much higher than that of a traditional x-ray. Doctors working in emergency rooms order numerous CT scans each day hoping to diagnose, save lives, and avoid law suits. Working in CT in a busy ER there is never a shortage of patients who have orders for scans.
Radiation safety is a prime concern for me and my co-workers. I wear my radiation badge each day as part of my uniform just like when I was in school and would feel naked without it. I am given my written dose report and make certain that all of my levels are safe. If a particular exam requires one of us to be in the room during the scan we make sure we "gown up" and never turn our exposed backs to the scanner. If this happens numerous times during a shift we make sure we take turns. I find that I am much more concerned with avoiding being hit, accidentally or on purpose, by a patient. Other dangers of the job, at least for me, include physical strain. Numerous colleagues of mine have back problems from moving patients and pushing heavy patients on stretchers or beds. Doing portable CT has proved to be quite physically demanding for me as well.
All in all, wearing your lead apron, thyroid shield, and radiation badge should keep you safe. Always keep ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) in the forefront of your thoughts and actions and you will safely enjoy your career as a CT Technologist.