Radiation Therapist

Summary The Staff Radiation Therapist in the Radiation Oncology Department applies ionizing radiation to adult and geriatric patients in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist. They must be capable of operating radiation-producing equipment utilizing radiation safety measures, and be able to perform a series of complex and precise technical procedures. Responsibilities Accurate delivery of prescribed dose (60%) – Responsible for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose of radiation for treatment of cancer. Verifies calculations of treatment values and prescription according to parameters. Takes images as directed by the radiation oncologist prescription. Carries outpatient treatment parameters in accordance with set up instructions and proper immobilization to accurately deliver radiation to the proper site and dosage. Assists in the fabrication of treatment devices when required. Assists physicians with various procedures by making recommendations and/or suggestions with regard to technical limitations of equipment or patients and the ability to successfully administer therapy. Refers patients to the physician or nurse when indicated due to changes in symptoms and/or treatment side effects. Schedules patients for outpatient appointments. Maintains supplies and inventories. Provides instruction and supervision to students participating in a clinical program. Completes weekly patient chart checks to maintain quality and accuracy. Documentation and record keeping (30%) – Performs proper documentation in the patient treatment record according to procedure which is consistent with an environment of safety and good communication. Equipment monitoring and QA (10%) – Responsible for monitoring equipment operations and reporting of any malfunctions or peculiarities to the manager and/or radiation physicist to ensure proper function prior to treatment of patients. Performs morning QA output checks on a daily basis consistent with radiation physicist recommendation. Other Duties and Responsibilities Maintains compliance with State and Federal regulations, and applicable accreditation requirements in regard to radiation safety and protection for patients and staff. Attends scheduled in‑services to review policy/procedure and safety measures. Maintains American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) certification and demonstrates evidence of it. Follows hospital dress code and wears appropriate monitoring device to detect personnel exposure. Performs and documents proper charge capture for all procedures performed. Proficient in simulation and fabricating treatment devices. Participates in process improvement activities. Contributes to the development of students in the department and is responsible for teaching and completing radiation therapy student competencies. May be asked to rotate to another Radiation Therapy center to cover staff shortages or fluctuations in patient volume. Has a thorough understanding of proper billing practices and is able to use site specific office management system for scheduling and billing. On call/standby rotation details: the department manager will decide which employee in the radiation therapist job title will be assigned to take call/standby pay and receive additional compensation, determined fairly and equitably using work and skill related factors. All status hour radiation therapists will be required to be placed into this rotation. Other duties as assigned. Certifications and Licensures Basic Life Support (BLS) American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) – Registered Radiation Therapist; must be registered within one year of employment. Required Education High School diploma or GED required (at the time of hire or transfer). Graduate from an accredited Radiation Therapy School. Bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy preferred. Experience, Training, and Skills Knowledge of a variety of treatment modalities, including experience with Linear Accelerators and Simulators. Excellent verbal and writing communication skills. Minimum of 6 months clinical experience in Radiation Therapy (equivalent to one-year clinical experience) gained from an accredited radiation therapy school. Ability to effectively communicate with others in person and on the telephone. Competency in Microsoft Windows. May be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health. Experience in treatment planning and computer dosimetry desired. Physical and Mental Requirements and Typical Working Conditions Exposure to stressful situations, including public contact, trauma, grief, and death. Ability to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitutes. Ability to move freely about the facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description. Overall vision and hearing necessary with or without assisted device(s). Frequently required to sit, stand, walk for long periods. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching. Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material; must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required. Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake. Overall dexterity required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis. Physical demand level: Light. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 11-20 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 10 lbs. and/or walk/stand/push/pull of arm/leg controls. #J-18808-Ljbffr