Radiation Therapist

POSITION TITLE:STAFF RADIATION THERAPIST

RESPONSIBLE TO:Assistant Chief, Chief Radiation Therapist and/or Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for administering state-of-the-art ionizing radiation to the patient in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver, accurately, the prescribed course of radiation therapy.
• Visually and verbally verify each prescription, diagnosis, and chart name with patient identification to assure proper treatment distribution.
• Prepare treatment room and equipment according to standard treatment practices; i.e., immobilization devices, IGRT, treatment distance, lead protection devices, lift 5-30 pounds.
• Assist in the transfer of patients safely from wheel chairs, stretchers, etc. to and from the treatment table. Requires lifting, pulling, pushing, supporting (patients may weigh up to 250 pounds or more).
• Verbally explain treatment procedures to the patient, advise the patient of visual monitoring, and communication capabilities during treatment.
• Maintain patient skin markings and tattoo permanent markings.
• Reinforce the proper care and treatment of any side effects and/or reactions that occur during treatment as directed by the Oncologist and/or Physician.
• Observe patient for unusual reactions and report same to the Radiation Oncologist.
• Exercise at all times the generally accepted radiation safety measures (as posted by each treatment machine) for the benefit of the patient and staff personnel.
• Performs and/or assists in tumor localization procedures and simulation as needed.
• Assist in dosimetry procedures. (making bolus, blocks, treatment devices etc)
• Maintain accurate records of daily treatment and other records as required.
• Maintain adequate supply inventory levels in treatment room and treatment area. Report shortages to Chief Therapist for ordering.
• Procure patient's signature on consent form.
• Perform IGRT as required per RT prescription: ie CBCT, Exactrac, KV imaging.
• Responsible for the vital importance of remaining focused and undistracted while performing IGRT and monitoring patient during treatment.
• Perform portal localization films weekly on patients as required according to RBOI standards.
• Review images in EMR to ensure accurate orientation, text, and field attachment.
• Assure images are reviewed by Oncologist before the next treatment.
• Maintain equipment in proper operational status and report all problems to the supervisor.
• Insure treatment patients are weighed and seen by the Radiation Oncologist and/or Physician for their weekly routine clinic examination.
• Responsible for supervision, training and evaluation of students and new therapists as requested.
• Responsible for performing assigned quality assurance program tasks.
• Orient new technical employees as requested.
• Provide a leadership role when working a treatment unit with therapists of lesser experience.
• Monitor and regulate schedules for potential problems, work flow and efficiency.
• Report any questions or concerns related to Medicare billing compliance issues to the appropriate person.
• Attendance to chart rounds
• All other duties as deemed necessary.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Current State of Florida license as Radiation Therapist.
• Must be registered in Radiation Therapy by the A.R.R.T. Education requirements as required by the ARRT to hold a registration in Radiation Therapy Technology.
• Must keep current C.P.R. certification as required by RBOI policy.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. She/he will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by the Supervisor, Radiation Oncologist, Physician, and/or Administrative Director.

This position requires much dexterity to perform generally accepted radiation therapy operational standards and procedures under general supervision and under pressure caused by the physical, mental and emotional nature of the work, case load, deadlines, interruptions and other distractions.