Radiation Therapist

Both full time and part time positions available.

POSITION:  RADIATION Therapist

JOB DESCRIPTION

SCOPE:

Radiation therapists apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology, oncologic pathology, radiation biology, radiation oncology techniques, treatment planning procedures, and dosimetry in the performance of their duties.  They deliver prescribed doses of radiation to patients for mainly oncological therapy. Radiation therapist must provide appropriate patient care, apply treatment protocols, apply tumor localization technique as well as having a good understanding of dosimetry.  They must also communicate effectively with patients, physicians, nurses and other health professionals, as well as the public.  The Radiation therapist accepts responsibility for administering a radiation oncologist (physician) prescribed course of radiation therapy, providing patient care during treatment (by assessing daily physiologic and psychologic response of patient to treatment, and maintaining treatment records  Radiation therapists must display competence and compassion in meeting the special needs of the oncology patient.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Maintains a professional manner with patients, physicians, staff and general public while in work environment.

·       Arrives as scheduled and can be relied on to complete assigned tasks in a timely and accurate manner.

·       Able to direct questions to the proper people at the proper time.

·       Accepts responsibility for actions and is willing to lend assistance where needed.

·       Exhibits good follow-through on given tasks.

ADMINISTERING AND MONITORING OF RADIATION THERAPY

·       Understand and perform daily office and machine Quality Assurance as set forth by Cancer Care Institute physics department.

·       Able to deliver a planned course of radiation therapy as directed by the Radiation Oncologists by:

·       Reviewing the Radiation Oncologist’s prescription for treatment, simulator notes and physics calculations.

·       Verifying the plan matches, pinnacle treatment planning system

·       Accurately setting treatment units per prescription

·       Operation of the treatment management computer verifying correct settings and correct patient.

·       Able to maintain and document daily records including technical details of treatment administered and accessories used, by entering information into treatment management computer.

·       Observe clinical progress of patient undergoing radiation treatments, and if first sign of any complications, report immediately to Radiation Oncologist.

·       Consistently monitor patient while on treatment.

·       Able to simulate treatment set-ups including proper documentation.

·       Able to perform CT procedures for treatment planning including virtual simulation.

·       Be able to construct immobilization devices as needed for reproducibility.

·       Perform cone beam CT  daily treatment set-ups.

·       Assist in HDR treatments by being available to turn key on Varian unit.

·       Be able to detect equipment malfunctions and report to the proper authority.

·       Attend annual OSHA/Biomedical update meetings and application in the clinical setting of the updates. Practice of safety precautions and wearing of personal protective equipment when needed.

·       Apply rules and regulation for radiation safety.  Detect any radiation hazards and provide for appropriate patient and employee safety and report to physicist, engineer and supervisors.

CAREGIVING

·       Identifies patients and patient’s charts.

·       Observe first signs of any complications and report to Radiation Oncologist and document report.

·       Provide patient care and comfort that is essential to radiation therapy procedures.

·       Be able to deliver clear and concise instructions appropriate to the level of comprehension of the patient.

·       Able to assist in lifting or transferring patients in a safe manner.

·       Assist patient on and off the PSA and into the correct position.

QUALIFICATION / REQUIREMENTS:

·       Maintains required license and continuing education credits.

·       Minimum 1 – 3 years experience as a Radiation Therapist.

·       Maintain work area by keeping treatment room clean and organized.

·       Follow HIPAA rules by protecting patient privacy.

·       Keep treatment, CT and simulation rooms stocked.

·       Participating as a full team member in all areas of the department.

·       Good communication, organization and interpersonal skills.