Radiation Therapist (PRN)

Radiation Therapist (PRN)

SUMMARY : Under general supervision of the Radiation Oncologist, the Radiation Therapist provides radiation therapy treatments to patients as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist and in accordance with established procedures. The Radiation Therapist also explains procedures to patients, positions patients for treatment and administers the radiation treatments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Clinical Practice - Radiation Therapist
   1. Delivers accurately a prescribed course of radiation therapy as directed by the Radiation Oncologist (and documented in the patient's medical record) and in accordance with established procedures.
      1. Confers with the Radiation Oncologist as necessary to clarify orders.
      2. Prepares treatment room and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
      3. Positions patients under equipment in accordance with established procedures and standards of accuracy to expose only the appropriate body area to ionizing radiation treatment and protect all other areas.
      4. Assesses and monitors the physical and psychological condition of patients during treatments and communicates findings to the physician. Monitors, evaluates and properly refers each patient daily for side effects, nutritional status, and prevention of generalized and localized side effects. Reinforces recommendations given to the patient by the physician or nurse.
      5. Participates in the verification imaging process for all treatment areas including: actual filming initially and weekly, labeling, comparison to simulation films, documentation in chart, electronic medical record, and submission to Radiation Oncologist for final approval. Ensures approval of portal images and CBCTs in a timely manner and makes changes as necessary.
   2. Assists in treatment planning and performs simulations in accordance with established procedures.
      1. Reviews treatment plan with physician and obtains tumor localization images and/or scans.
      2. Places necessary markings on patient.
      3. Ensures all films, measurements and other necessary data are available for dosage calculations and treatment planning.
      4. Maintains accurate documentation of simulation set up data.
      5. Assists in the planning and fabrication of immobilization devices, boluses or custom shields.
         1. Makes bolus or other simple treatment aids as required by the physician.
         2. Pours heated metal alloys into molds to fabricate radiation blocks used to define treatment fields on patients. Cuts blocks utilizing power tools for final shaping.
   3. Exhibits competency in the proper operation and use of all radiation treatment and simulation equipment.
   4. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of patient treatment records, films, summaries and boost schedules.
   5. Maintains scheduling of all patients to provide smooth and efficient patient flow with consideration for patient needs, adequate lead-time for treatment planning and custom block fabrication, and proper pre-planning for any field reductions, boosts or modifications as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist.
   6. Inspects all equipment safety interlocks, monitors equipment and performs quality assurance tests. Follows established procedures relating to: machine warm-ups, service requests, incident reports, chart checks, and weekly chart rounds. Reports malfunctions and variances to appropriate contacts. Participates in quality assurance and improvement activities as assigned.
   7. Provides patient education.
      1. Provides and reinforces patient and family teaching, such as explaining treatment procedures to the patient prior to and during treatments; providing brochures on radiation oncology treatment, potential side effects, etc.; informing the patient of possible treatment reactions; advising on care of irradiated body areas; and answering questions.
      2. Documents patient and family educational needs and documents intervention and understanding.
   8. Bills accurately and in a timely manner for: treatments, simulations, port films, treatment devices, and other clinical services provided in the Center.
   9. Maintains inventory of supplies and linen, as needed in each technical area assigned.
   10. Completes required continuing education and training.
   11. Complies with all applicable safety and health regulations, and center and hospital policies and procedures. Complies with established personal protective equipment requirements necessary for protection against exposure to blood and body fluids, ionizing radiation, chemical disinfectants, radiology chemicals, metal alloys and other hazardous substances.
   12. Assumes on call status as scheduled.
2. Professional Communication
   1. Maintains confidentiality in matters relating to all aspects of employment, including patient/family/significant other confidentiality.
   2. Interacts with patients/family/significant others with a variety of developmental and sociocultural backgrounds.
   3. Provides information to patients and family/significant others that reduces anxiety and conveys an attitude of acceptance, sensitivity and caring.
   4. Maintains professional relationships and conveys relevant information to other members of the health care team.

Internal Contacts: Physicians, other radiation therapists, dosimetrists, secretaries, nursing staff, laboratory staff, billing representatives, etc.

External Contacts: Physicists, contract maintenance personnel, hospitals, x-ray departments, couriers, pharmacies, laboratories, floor nurses, other physician offices, etc.

1. Relays information appropriately over telephones, facsimiles, pagers, and other communication devices, and follows-through as needed.
   1. Communicates appropriate information to physicians, supervisors, and/or other members of the healthcare team as needed, and follows-through on physician orders and requests.
2. Teamwork
   1. Works collaboratively as a health care team member.
   2. Reports on patient conditions as needed to those who require information, including physicians, lead radiation therapists, and other professional staff (such as medical technologists, chemotherapy nurses, and pharmacists).
   3. Assists with tasks necessary for the general operation and organization of the Radiation Oncology unit.
   4. Maintains positive attitude with patients, family/significant others and coworkers.
3. Professional Development
   1. Attends staff meetings and mandatory inservices.
   2. Participates in continuing education opportunities.
   3. Obtains necessary certifications and licensure, such as CPR certification and Radiation Therapy license.
   4. Contributes to the quality of patient care and participates in quality improvement initiatives.

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS : American Registry of Radiologic Technology in Radiation Therapy certification (ARRT/RT(T)) or registry eligible. Current licensure in the State of Illinois for practice in Radiation Therapy. Current CPR certification or willingness to become certified. Must take EPIC training and successfully pass required tests.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: One to two years of radiation oncology experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: Knowledge of radiation therapy procedures, equipment operation, basic radiation physics and safety, and patient care techniques as required through an approved program in Radiation Therapy. Ability to function in a sometimes demanding and fast-paced work environment related to changing patient needs, including work with patients with acute, chronic, and complex disease processes and those who are dying. Verbal and written English communication skills for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards. Organization and interpersonal skills. Understands and practices patient confidentiality. A positive attitude towards health care team members and diverse patient populations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB : Standing, walking, sitting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, twisting, reaching, handling, kneeling, and wrist and digital dexterity. Patient lifting, ambulating, and transfer of patients in wheelchairs, on gurneys and beds. Speaking, hearing, and visual acuity to assess patients and administer treatments; receive and interpret instructions; communicate with other health care professionals; chart; and operate equipment. Exerting force (frequently up to 10-20 pounds and occasionally more) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including supplies, medical charts, x-rays, treatment aids, etc. Able to support persons (possibly 200 pounds or more) in emergency situations. Able to move quickly from place to place on occasion. Possible driving.

MENTAL DEMANDS: Must be able to work under stress and adapt to changing conditions.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Job duties involve the potential for exposure to blood and body fluids, ionizing radiation, chemical disinfectants, and metal alloys. Normal patient care environment.

BENEFITS:

1. Health insurance
2. HSA Option
3. Dental insurance
4. Paid Time Off (PTO)
5. Sick Time
6. Vision insurance
7. 401(K) w/ match & profit sharing
8. Life Insurance
9. Short- & Long-Term Disability

Pay Range: $38 - $40 per hour