Radiation_Therapist

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General Summary

Under general supervision, administers ionizing radiation (radiation therapy treatments) to patients as specifically prescribed by a physician in a detailed treatment plan according to established standards and practices.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Delivers a prescribed and planned course of radiation therapy to patients as per physician instruction in accordance with generally accepted radiation therapy practices and departmental procedures.

A. Checks prescription, diagnosis, chart, patient identification and other relevant information. Schedules patients and explains procedure, including pre- and post-treatment. Answers questions and reassures patient prior to procedure.

B. Interfaces with physicist, planning and mold technicians at initiation of treatment. Works in consultation with supportive care physicians, nurses and social workers in implementing therapy plan.

C. Prepares room and equipment for patient according to the prescription, including placement of immobilization devices, setting of field size, setting of treatment devices, parameters, distance, lead (Pb), protection devices.

D. Transfers patient to treatment table with care for IV’s and catheters. Maintains visual and /or audible contact with patient during treatment. Checks daily patient treatment schedule and delivers prescribed dose. Maintains patient markings. Changes these according to physician’s direction. Documents treatment, in accordance with departmental protocols. Keeps physician informed. Changes therapy as ordered. Takes and checks films of all treated areas; processes and files same. Observes radiation safety measures for patient and personnel.

E. Ensure charges to patients for services rendered are accurately recorded to eliminate and correct errors. Performs weekly billing audits.

Observes patient during therapy procedure for any unusual reactions or events; uses judgment and withholds treatment if indicated by patient’s condition. Reports significant or questionable information to designated supervisory personnel and assists in emergency treatment as appropriate.

Reinforces recommendations given to the patient by the physician, dietitian, and other relevant health care personnel concerning reaction to treatment and care of the radiated area (dressings, hygiene, etc.), prevention or treatment of generalized and local side effects. Changes patient dressings as necessary.

Complies with established department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.

Assists with the maintenance of department facilities, equipment, and supplies. Maintains stock levels of supplies and materials. Report maintenance and repair needs to supervisor.

A. Prepares beam therapy equipment for patient treatment; checks beam direction and protective devices (calibrate, temperature, barometric), heavy and dangerous equipment. Keep records of these and report erratic operation to the Biomedical Equipment Technician, Medical Radiation Physicist or other designated personnel.

B. Assists with orientation, supervision, and training of technical staff to ensure competence of the functionality of all therapy related equipment.

Maintains records, reports, and files as required. Collects statistics as directed.

Aids in the training of radiation therapy students as directed.

Attends in-service meetings and others as required.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from an AMA approved program in Radiation Therapy Technology or Radiologic Technology is required.
• Registration as a Radiation Therapy Technologist by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) is required.
• Licensure in Radiation Therapy Technology within the state of Maryland is required.
• Associate of Science degree in Radiation Therapy Technology is preferred.
• One year of clinical practice in Radiation Therapy is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of radiologic technology, radiation therapy, routine nursing procedures, radiation protection and safety procedures. General familiarity with dosimetry, mathematics/physics, anatomy and physiology.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate the various types of radiation therapy equipment, such as, linear accelerator and cobalt treatment units, general radiography equipment, simulators, block cutting equipment and personal computers.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills are required in order to work with patients, medical and nursing personnel.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

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