Senior Radiation Therapist: Per Diem

Overview

The Senior Radiation Therapist, operating under the oversight of the Chief and Lead Radiation Therapists, administers prescribed ionizing radiation treatments following protocols established by the Radiation Oncologist.
This position requires autonomous decision-making capabilities in the execution of sophisticated radiation therapy procedures, demanding both advanced technical expertise and the ability to independently evaluate and respond to complex treatment scenarios. Core responsibilities include: the assessment and precise delivery of prescribed radiation therapy regimens; independent verification and meticulous documentation of treatment records; discretionary implementation of radiation safety protocols; execution of specialized procedures; Training and mentoring staff members and students and self-directed participation in comprehensive quality assurance initiatives.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Performs radiotherapy on site at assigned department.
• Responsible for daily patient care and education. Appropriately involves the patient and their family in care and care decisions. Maintains and demonstrates respect for patient confidentiality and modesty. Explains all treatment and imaging procedures. Arranges daily radiation treatment schedule. Attentive to patient needs and concerns by continuous monitoring of the patient’s physical and physiological response and reactions to treatment and refer patient for appropriate management as needed.
• Administers radiation therapy treatment accurately and safely, following departmental policy and procedure.

• Positions and immobilizes patients according to the treatment plan and effectively evaluates images according to standard guidelines. Mobilizes patients using appropriate mechanical assistive devices, such as ceiling lifts and lateral transfer devices, during the provision of patient care.

• Assesses patient relative data as deemed pertinent to age-specific needs and provides care as described in the department’s policy and procedure manual.
• Participates in the clinical instruction and evaluation of the Radiation Therapy students. Accurately perform and teach all policy, procedure, and QA measures including New Start and Cone Down chart checks, weekly chart checks, scheduling, treatment procedures, image review guidelines, and billing procedures.

Simulation Procedures:

• Explains simulation procedure, including the administration of permanent tattoos for set up purposes.

• Operates equipment and software, including but not limited to CT scanner and software, Treatment planning software (Eclipse), LAP Lasers, IV contrast Power injectors.
• Create immobilization devices, bolus, and accurately documents set up instructions.

• Assists and interacts with all departmental Radiation Therapists, demonstrating the ability to answer all questions and details pertaining to simulation to ensure quality treatment.
• Participates in the IV contrast program, including Patient Screening, and Peripheral IV placement.
• Administers Oral Contrast.
• Assists in scheduling/rescheduling appointments, as needed.
  

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Assists the Lead Radiation Therapist in the efficient operation of the assigned clinical area. Performs daily QA measures to ensure proficient operation of all imaging and treatment equipment. Performs daily shutdown procedures. Assists in organizing team during equipment failures and notifies patients as well as all functional areas of the department. Assists in resolving clinical problems and difficult set-ups.
• Assumes Lead responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Radiation Therapist, when requested. Assists the Chief and Lead Radiation Therapist to ensure coverage for meeting attendance and administrative duties.
• Strives for continuous improvements and technique standardization.
• Assists with the triage of emergent cases and demonstrates the ability to negotiate the scheduling of emergent cases with other care team members.
• Accurately performs all new start QA measures, weekly chart checks, patient scheduling, treatment delivery, image review, and billing procedures involving the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Utilizes the Quality Assurance (QA) program to encompass all aspects of treatment, treatment delivery and quality patient care.
• Accurately documents treatment variances and inconsistencies using the appropriate tools.
• Practices the QA program of each treatment unit and assists with the instruction of new staff members and students as part of orientation.
• Responsible for the safe and accurate utilization of all aspects of the electronic medical record (EMR) and Record and Verify system. Accurately documents all treatment delivery information in the EMR.
• Participates in and appropriately documents the Time Out procedure for every treatment.
• Assists with orientation, teaching, and instructing new staff, students, visitors, and other staff members who are unfamiliar with the department or specific procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated competencies for all procedures performed within assigned treatment and/or simulation areas, including but not limited to 3D, IMRT, Align RT and tattoo less workflows, stereotactic related procedures, Adaptive Radiotherapy and contouring, Craniospinal Radiotherapy, Pediatrics, Total Body Irradiation.
• Demonstrated ability to care for patients, including acute inpatients, pediatric patients, and pediatric patients requiring anesthesia.
• Demonstrated ability to perform all aspects of both treatment and simulation.
• Understands the function of all equipment and software, accessories, treatment policies, procedures, and protocols and applies knowledge appropriately. Including but not limited to CT scanner and software, Treatment planning software (Eclipse), LAP Lasers, IV contract Power Injectors.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of growth and development from all life stages, ranging from infancy to geriatric. Able to assess patient relative data as deemed pertinent to age-specific needs and provide care as described in the department’s policy and procedure manual.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the patient functional mobility assessment tool and mobilizes patients using appropriate mechanical assistive devices, such as ceiling lifts and lateral transfer devices, during the provision of patient care.
• In-depth knowledge and demonstrated ability to accurately perform all new start QA measures, weekly chart checks, patient scheduling, treatment delivery, image review, and billing procedures involving the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Advanced knowledge of and ability to accurately perform and teach all policy, procedure, and QA measures including New Start and Cone Down chart checks, weekly chart checks, scheduling, treatment procedures, image review guidelines, and billing procedures.
• Demonstrated proficiency in patient scheduling systems and revenue cycle management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School + Certificate in radiation Therapy or associate’s degree in Radiation Therapy required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Valid Massachusetts State License in Radiation Therapy required.
• Valid ARRT certification required.
• Valid BLS certification within 60 days of hire date.

Minimum of three (3) years of continuous clinical experience required

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).