Radiation Therapist

Eligible for $13,000 sign-on bonus
Relocation reimbursement provided
Weekly work schedule: four days, ten hour shift

General Summary: A non-exempt position responsible for administering radiation treatment to patients under the direction of a radiation oncologist.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Responsible for performing the accurate delivery of prescribed ionizing therapeutic radiation under the direction of the Radiation Oncologist, using a variety of complex techniques and equipment.  Shares and coordinates key information, through documentation and oral communication, with other members of the healthcare team.  Ensures the ability to obtain and interpret information while considering each patient’s specific needs.

• Maintains proper licensure from ARRT and Arizona Department of Health Services.
• Maintains active CPR BLS certification.
• Prepares treatment room and equipment.
• Explains procedure, skin care, side effects and nutrition to patient.
• Accurately utilizes image guidance tools for target localization and adjusts patient’s positioning appropriately as advised by program and overseeing physician.  These include stereoscopic localization as well as cone beam CT. 
• Accurately performs CT Simulation procedures under the direction of a radiation oncologist including the administration of oral and IV contrast materials.
• Accurately constructs custom immobilization devices such as aquaplast masks, stereotactic masks, and vaclok bags
• Accurately delivers the prescribed planned course of radiation therapy. Monitors patient’s physical condition during treatment to determine any adverse side effects. Documents all pertinent information in medical record including treatment area, dose per fraction, dose to date, time outs, and patient communication.
• Monitors patient’s clinical progress; withholds treatment if necessary and refers patient to medical or nursing staff for appropriate intervention.
• Performs daily linear accelerator warm-up procedures. Checks photon beam and all electron beams for consistency. Checks physics components for accuracy of beam alignment.
• Communicates any issues noted during warm-up and/or treatment procedures for linear accelerator and CT simulator to manager and physics staff in a timely manner.

• Accurately completes and charts all simulation and treatment documentation.
• Communicates clearly and concisely with all members of the healthcare team, patients and family.  Practices effective verbal and written communication skills.  Explains procedures to patient, keeps means of communications open during treatment, and knows procedure to follow if emergency should arise during treatment.
• Follows radiation safety protocols in competent manner.

• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies.  Stays up to date on Continuing Education requirements.

• Maintains a cooperative relationship among health care teams by communicating information, responding to requests, building rapport, participating in team problems solving methods.

• Calls service engineers when approved and accurately maintains machine error logs.

• Accurately performs initial, boost, and weekly chart checks through the use of the electronic medical record chart check forms.

• Attends departmental meetings.

• Must be self-motivated with the ability to assess difficult situations and implement suggestions or changes as needed.

• Maintains clean and organized work environment.

• Maintains confidentiality of all information related to physicians, patients, and medical staff.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education: Successful completion of an Associate's or Bachelor’s degree program in Radiation Therapy.  Also acceptable is completion of a Radiography Certificate program plus a 12-month Radiation Therapy Certificate program.

Experience: Minimum of one year experience as a staff therapist is preferred.

Other Requirements: Current certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).  Current licensure through the Arizona Department of Health Services for Radiation Therapy.  CPR certification.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of radiation therapy theory and applications.
• Knowledge of radiation safety protocols.
• Knowledge of dosimetry and treatment planning.

Skills:

• Effectively perform radiation procedures, particularly safety procedures.
• Explains radiation plans and treatments to patients and their families.
• Identification of unsatisfactory set-up situations and/or errors.

Abilities:

• Ability to work in team based work setting which places high patient satisfaction as the major focal point for measuring success.
• Ability to observe and deal competently and compassionately with patient’s emotional condition, maintaining a positive attitude and providing emotional support.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with health care team.
• Ability to demonstrate manual/finger dexterity, eye–hand coordination, and agility for use with equipment.