Radiation Therapist, Radiation Oncology

Position Summary :

The Radiation Therapist II is an experienced radiation therapist and provides accurate radiation treatment to patients as prescribed by the radiation oncologist while also developing a positive, trusting, caring, and professional relationship with patients and coworkers. Responsible to administer therapeutic radiation to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients under the direct and indirect supervision of the radiation oncology team leaders including Lead Therapist, Supervisor / Manager / Director of Radiation Oncology, Medical Physics, and the Radiation Oncologist. Increased responsibilities including acting as primary therapist, independently completes or leads more complex tasks, shares insights, and trains new or less experienced RTs. Enhances departmental operations through consistently respectful and positive communication with coworkers, patients, patients’ family members, and visitors. Uses independent judgment to maintain continuity of patient care of the highest standards, in an efficient, caring manner.

Responsibilities

• Reviews prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and patient identification for accuracy prior to every treatment.
• Works with radiation oncology team to identify, prepare, and construct equipment such as immobilization devices, treatment tools, and protection devices to achieve repeatable patient positioning per the radiation treatment plans.
• When working as a team with another therapist, acts as a double check for safety and quality.
• Positions patients for treatment (utilizing treatment devices when prescribed) with accuracy according to radiation oncologist's prescription.
• Administers the prescribed doses of radiation defined in patient's treatment plan, to the specified target area of the patient's body using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
• Performs all safety and quality checks on radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation. Effectively communicates treatment machine issues to radiation oncology leaders and the operating engineers.
• Educates, prepares, and reassures patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physician's advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care.
• Enters accurate patient data into equipment computer and set controls to operate and adjust radiation therapy delivery equipment and regulate dosage.
• Observes and reassures patients during and after treatment and reports to physician any unusual reactions or concerns about changes in patient's status.
• Consistently follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
• Analyzes problems when patient setups are not reproducing and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Troubleshoots problems with equipment, patient medical conditions, and patient satisfaction situations and escalates concerns that cannot be immediately corrected.
• Maintains treatment schedules, gives proper notification to patients of treatment times, and notifies patients of any scheduling delays or changes.
• Maintains accurate and timely records per department / practice guidelines, including information as radiation dosages, elapsed days, equipment settings, appropriate charge capture, and patients' reactions.
• Works within scope independently, utilizing self-direction to prioritize the workload and carry out tasks with flexibility for volume variances.
• Follows procedures to respond quickly and without immediate assistance in an emergency.
• Communicates effectively in writing and speaking to convey information professionally and accurately.
• Participates in maintaining neat, clean, and stocked treatment rooms and console area.
• Works toward achieving department goals and objectives and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Trains and supervises Radiation Therapy students or newly hired radiation therapists.
• Participates in radiation specific educational opportunities and training sessions to further professional growth and skills.
• Reviews simulation and treatment charges for accuracy and completion.
• Acts as treatment room lead for SBRT Delivery.
• Acts as treatment room lead for pediatric sedation treatment delivery.
• Safely administers IV contrast for CT Simulations.
• Collaborates with medical physics and equipment / proton engineers to complete daily machine QA.
• Completes patient specific QA as requested by Medical Physics.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education :

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and / or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience :

Minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a Certified Radiation Therapist and demonstrated ability to complete tasks, meeting the required skills to promote into the Radiation Therapist II position is required.

Licensure Requirement :

Maintains ARRT (T) and CPR certifications. CPR required.