Radiation Therapist

Summary The primary purpose of the Radiation Therapist position is to provide direct patient care in the Department of Radiation Oncology. The scope is defined by the New Mexico Environment Department’s Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Program, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Practice Standards of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, and the Standards of Care for Radiation Therapy Services for the Department of Radiation Oncology. Qualifications Graduate of a JRCERT accredited program in radiation therapy or a suitable equivalent. Certified and registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Radiation Therapy. Licensed by the New Mexico Environment Department’s Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Program within 30 days of hire. Associate Degree. NM Radiography Technician credential. Responsibilities Administer safe and accurate radiation therapy treatment. Ensure accurate treatment delivery and data capture, demonstrating sound clinical judgment and adherence to accurate treatment and simulation delivery. Gather necessary setup aids and prepare room and equipment for patient. Demonstrate manual dexterity and psychomotor skills to operate and manipulate mechanical motions of complex radiation‑emitting treatment units; work under stress and pressure. Adapt without difficulty to changes in work schedule or assigned area as departmental patient load dictates. Visually monitor patient for unusual reactions and events and report to radiation oncologist throughout the course of radiation therapy. Explain treatment procedure to the patient as performed, communicating in a clear, concise voice; answer patient’s and family’s questions and defer those not within competence to the radiation oncologist. Verbally reinforce radiation oncologist’s advice regarding reactions and care. Recognize patient needs and respond appropriately. Refer patient to allied health specialists such as social workers, dietitians, and nursing. Perform and maintain quality assurance activities. Comply with departmental quality assurance practices. Visually ascertain that consent forms are in the treatment record and signed by the patient before administering treatment. Monitor and maintain daily treatment records and machine QA, including portal image review/approval guidelines, and make adjustments in field placement as needed. Notify physics or engineering if measurements do not fall into accepted parameters; recognize and report erratic operation of equipment to supervisor, engineering staff, and/or Administrative Director for Therapy Services. Check prescription, setup instructions, new start procedures, and patient information, verifying records for discrepancies between prescription, treatment plan, and amendments. Attend planning clinic as assigned. Perform, monitor, and maintain mandatory quality control activities and documentation. Ensure appropriate clinical skills are learned and maintained to support treatment and simulation delivery. Maintain departmentally identified base competencies, including performing calculations. Document and maintain competency assessment criteria. Facilitate learning consistent with documented competency level by attending lectures, seminars, and in‑services to stay abreast of new techniques and comply with licensure and competency requirements. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and professional behavior, and participate in competency assessments. Consistently work within the scope of practice and competency level outlined in the Natural Progression Plan. Demonstrate practice‑related learning, share knowledge and skills with students and peers. Participate in departmental/institutional learning initiatives and in‑services. Orient and teach new students/therapists rotating to the treatment unit. Adhere to department policies, guidelines, and procedures. Complete internal variance forms for any error and forward to supervisor for follow‑up within 24 hours. Adhere to all departmental policies concerning radiation therapy treatment, attendance, and dress code. Follow Kronos procedures and manage time effectively. Utilize and manage resources and supplies carefully. Use experience and abilities of other staff members. Willingly accept instruction, discipline, correction, and guidance. Show enthusiasm and initiative to complete and improve all job actions. Other duties as assigned, including safe and effective use of linear accelerator for basic radiation treatments, and treating a heterotopic site from beginning to end. Mastery of daily quality assurance of linear accelerator, Active Breathing Coordinator, and iGuide system. Complete in‑depth chart check of new patients. Fabricate electron block. #J-18808-Ljbffr Presbyterian Healthcare Services