RADIATION THERAPIST

Under direction of the radiation oncologist, lead therapist, and chief therapist, the radiation therapist will be responsible for ensuring the most optimal radiation therapy treatments are provided to our patients. This will be a team approach in professional operations with treatment delivery, simulation, and brachytherapy, or any other care related to the radiation therapy treatments.

Duties and responsibilities

• Maintains an atmosphere of caring, concern and support for patients, visitors, medical staff and co-workers on a consistent basis
• Fulfills patient care responsibilities, as assigned, which may include but not limited to: Checking schedules and organizing patient flow; accompanying patients to treatment area; assisting patients as needed with walking, transfers, and preparing for treatment
• Performs warm-up and calibration checks of equipment as necessary. Performs linear accelerator, HDR, and CT warm-up procedures. Checks photon beams and all electron beams for consistency. Checks physic components for accuracy of beam alignment. Documents findings outside the range established by physics. Notifies lead radiation therapist/physicist/chief therapist immediately of findings outside the normal range of operations
• Fabricates blocks, molds, bolus material, and immobilization devices as needed
• Accurately delivers radiation treatment according to written prescription and treatment plan. Provides safety and patient care through the consistent practice of departmental procedures for treatment administration. Recognizes deviation from prescribed treatment delivery and reports all deviations to the lead radiation therapist/physicist/chief therapist
• Assures the quality of treatment delivery through the complete and accurate documentation of treatment records
• Assures the quality and consistency of treatment portal placement by taking portal films, CBCT or KV imaging according to departmental procedures and adjusts treatment fields as indicated
• Under the direction of a radiation oncologist, takes localization radiographs, CBCT or OBI Images according to planned treatment delivery. Assists physician or nurse in the administration of contrast agents used during treatment localization. Performs measurements for use during treatment calculation. Collects and documents data acquired during the simulation procedure. Accurately inputs treatment-related data into the verify-and-record system
• Assists, as needed, in all treatment-related procedures (including but not limited to: HDR, Brachytherapy, CT Simulation, Hyperthermia, and external beam radiation therapy)
• Uses effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills to provide explanations for treatment-related procedures
• Explains procedure to patient, communicates during treatment and procedures, and if an emergency arises during treatment
• Responds effectively to patient concerns
• Assesses patient physical and emotional needs.
• Observes patients for expected and unexpected reactions to treatments and communicates this to appropriate staff members
• Reinforces patient education/side effect management information and indicates non-compliance to medical/nursing staff
• Coordinates and completes the daily treatment schedule in an effective manner
• Maintains an accurate record of procedures including billing information and codes
• Maintains a safe, orderly patient care/treatment room
• Prepares room and equipment for patients according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lead protection devices, etc.
• Answers phone calls to the machine when not the treating therapist
• Checks phone messages hourly and return all calls before lunch, midafternoon, and prior to leaving for the day
• Work shifts as assigned
• All therapists will rotate work shifts/locations according to clinical needs
• Performs initial and weekly patient chart checks on all radiation therapy patients
• Performs all duties as assigned by lead radiation therapist(s), chief therapist, and radiation director

Qualifications

• Maintains registration in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the State of Arizona
• Meets all continuing education standards as they apply to registry eligibility
• Computer experience with EMR knowledge
• Excellent work ethic, including integrity, positive attitude, productive, organized, treats leadership with respect, excellent attendance, continuously learning and willing to ask for help
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a detail oriented, fast-paced setting

Licensure/Certification

ARRT Certification required

Must maintain CE credits to retain certification

Arizona RTT license

Valid CPR certification

Valid Drivers License

Working conditions/Physical requirements

Medical office setting

Moderate noise levels from medical setting and equipment

Controlling machines and processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects

Ability to see details at close range

Ability to listen and understand information through spoken words and sentences

Ability to read and understand information in writing

Ability to communicate information in speaking so others will understand

Standing for long periods of time

Minimum lifting requirements of 25 pounds in order to transfer equipment, help patients with positioning, and pack/unpack supplies

Frequent bending, twisting, and position changes in order to assist patients

Other Requirements

Up to 20% travel by vehicle required