Radiology - Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapist

Under the direction of a radiation oncologist, performs radiation therapy procedures including assisting in examinations and operation of therapeutic equipment. Delivers prescribed doses of external beam and radioactive elements. Duties occur in all areas of the radiation oncology department including treatment and exam rooms. May be required to go to the operating room or nursing unit to perform radioactive implants. Frequent standing and walking. Intermittent lifting, moving, or carrying, pushing, or pulling, up to 50 lbs. Frequent use of finger/hand dexterity. Constant reaching with hands and arms. Frequent talking or hearing. Corrected hearing and vision to normal range. Exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissue. Possible exposure to infectious materials, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, communicable diseases, and/or other conditions common to a healthcare environment. Frequent exposure to the risk of radiation. Intermittent exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals. Intermittent exposure to the risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Quiet to moderate noise level in the work area. Requires work under stressful conditions, deadlines, or irregular hours. May be required to take call and/or work weekends/holidays based on the needs of the department.

Delivers accurately prescribed course of radiation therapy. Performs patient set-up accurately and carefully delivers the correct dose per radiation oncologist orders. Performs clinical simulations on the treatment machine and on CT Simulator per radiation oncologist orders. Fabrics custom blocks or other patient immobilization devices. Maintains electronic medical record of daily treatments including keeping accurate dose totals of treatments and records when treatment aids are used. Accurately uses electronic medical records for scheduling, notes, photos, etc. In treating patients, explains radiation therapy procedures appropriately and adequately. Answers questions fully. Knows how and when to use patient immobilization devices. Makes treatments as comfortable as possible using pillows, blankets, sponges, etc. Notifies physician and/or nurse of any treatment complications. Performs other job duties and responsibilities as required. Will have constant interaction with oncology patients and their families. Will interact daily with radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, physicists, and other departmental employees. Will also interact daily with nursing staff in other departments. May occasionally be asked to interact with outside vendors and the general public. Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance. Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, co-workers, and the public. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures. Ability to communicate clearly. Ability to handle multiple tasks with frequent interruptions. Must be self-directed and able to work independently. Professional and neat appearance is required. Must maintain strict confidentiality of work-related information.