Radiation Therapist

POSITION SUMMA

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Radiation Therapy Manager, the Director, Radiology and Radiation Oncology and the Radiation Oncologist and in accordance with the prescription, operates radiation therapy equipment, to simulate and/or treat patients for benign and malignant tumors and/or pain.   Document treatment procedures in patients’ charts and verifies for accuracy.  Perform quality assurance checks daily on equipment.  Performs calculations when required under the direction of the radiation oncologist. 

SERVING THE PATIENT:

The radiation therapist serves the patient by explaining treatments and processes to patients, administering radiation treatments, emotionally supporting patients during treatment, and protecting patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Sets up patients with proper alignment to CT/Simulator and/or PET/CT laser system and radiation treatment units to accomplish accurate treatments.

• Operates radiation treatment units to deliver prescribed dosages of radiation to patients as directed by the radiation oncologist.

• Utilize devices such as CBCT, kV/MV imaging and ultrasound for the purpose of aiding simulation and localizing for treatment.

• Plans radiation treatments according to the physician’s prescription by marking areas of treatments on patient’s skin, positioning patient for treatment, verifying treatment position and portal alignment, and making required physical measurements.

• Explains CT/simulation and treatment procedures to patients. Reinforces the advice of the physician regarding reactions to the treatment and instructs patients in emergency procedures as necessary.

• Fabricates and/or designs patient immobilization and treatment aides such as Styrofoam cradles, Aqua Plasts, bolus, masks and bite blocks as instructed by the radiation oncologist.

• Checks prescription, diagnosis, chart and patient identification. Prepares room and equipment for patient treatments including set-up of immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, shielding devises, and other necessary treatment aides.

• Transfers patient safely from wheelchair or stretchers to the treatment couch, providing special attention to catheters, I.V.’s, oxygen tanks, respiratory apparatus, etc.
  • Performs required quality assurance procedures including daily equipment testing and verifying chart and portal images for accuracy.  Reports and corrects discrepancies of treatment.

• Documents information pertinent to the daily radiation treatment in patient’s therapy charts. Operates the computer system to accomplish patient scheduling, patient treatment, statistical analyses, charges for services, and other maintenance logs.

• Maintains visual and aural contact with patients during CT/simulation and radiation treatment to ensure patient’s safety and comfort. Monitors patient side-effects and reports concerns to nurse or radiation oncologist.

• Cleans simulation and treatment rooms, maintains linen and medical supplies at established levels, and checks ancillary equipment for safety and reports repairs as needed.

• Must provide clinical instruction to radiation therapy technology students as instructed so long as therapist is A.R.R.T. registered.

• Promotes guest relations; anticipates and responds to needs of others; provides assistance in a courteous quick manner; treats others with care and respect while maintaining privacy, confidentiality and dignity.  Maintains a professional appearance and a clean, safe environment

• Maintains the practices and principals set forth by MHO Leadership with a strong commitment to service, excellence, and quality.

• Maintains professional behavior, confidentiality, and discretion at all times, along with the ability to work with all levels of staff through a confident and professional demeanor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to set-up and administer individual treatment procedures with minimal supervision.

• Technical and analytical skills necessary to set-up and administer individual treatment procedures and to calculate patient doses

• Visual acuity to recognize color code and fine discriminate detail.

• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate sensitive or confidential information with Physicians, various levels of clinic personnel and a variety of external organizations.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office preferred.        Working knowledge/experience in electronic medical records and/ or other medical software if applicable.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills along with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment; prioritize tasks and workloads.

• Must possess the ability to work with patients and family members in a confident, respectful, and socially professional manner.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Lifting of Cerrobend blocks weighing up to 35lbs, wedges and electron applicators.

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WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Clinic environment.  Work requires sitting, standing, and/or walking in and around the clinic.   Good manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination, along with the ability to read and comprehend written instructions.  High traffic area dealing with patients, family members, other staff, and physicians.   Interaction with others may be constant and interruptive.  Requires working under stress.  Working knowledge of computers, with the ability to type, operates a keyboard, calculate, and operate equipment common to the field.  Ability and knowledge to perform professional care appropriate to a chemotherapy nurse.  Knowledge of administrative policies, regulations, and procedures to administer patient care.  Knowledge of medical equipment and instructions.  Skill in applying and modifying the principal methods, and techniques of primary care to provide ongoing patient care.  Skilled in understanding medical history, assessing, and interpreting findings, along with the knowledge of common safety hazards and emergency situations.  Skill in preparing and maintaining records, reports and responding to correspondence as needed.  Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with physicians, patients, family members, employees, and the public.  Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines.  May be required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; lift and/or move patients.  Frequent exposure to toxic substances, medical preparations, and other conditions common to a clinic environment.