Radiation Therapist (PRN)

1. Performs a variety of radiation oncology procedures for radiation oncology patients as requested by the healthcare provider and assists in managing the overall care of the patient. Provide precise/accurate radiation treatments and simulations to ensure patient safety and quality care. Maintain technical expertise in operation of radiation therapy equipment. Accurately perform basic dose calculations. Accurately interpret and implement prescription and treatment plan as directed by the radiation oncologist. Maintain complete chart for each patient including all pertinent clinical information. Assist with brachytherapy procedures. Practice within the published task inventory or scope of practice for radiographers and radiation therapists as defined by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology. Monitor patient’s clinical progress and refer patients to medical or nursing staff for appropriate intervention. Accurately communicate patients’ needs and issues with other members of the healthcare team. 2. Prepares room and equipment for radiation therapy. Carefully follow warm-up procedure/dose check on linear accelerators, simulators and CT scanners daily to ensure accurate and safe treatments. Ascertain equipment malfunction and/or output variances and report to physicist, lead therapist or manager. Check the prescribed dose and verify machine settings prior to initiating treatment. Disinfect all equipment before and after each patient contact. Follow infection control procedures. Maintain and restock appropriate supplies. Follow established protocol in accordance with the requested procedure being conducted. Ensure all equipment is maintained and in optimal function condition. Report and follow up on equipment issues. 3. Prepares patient for procedures. Validate the procedure to be performed with the patient and obtain necessary consent. Validate patient prep and medical history for exam ordered. Explain procedures to the patient effectively. Perform weekly chart checks to ensure accuracy in patient chart. Assist in performing first aid as needed. Anticipate and respond appropriately to the needs of the patient and his or her family. Schedule all patients to allow enough time to thoroughly complete each procedure while maintaining well‑run, efficient operation. Respond appropriately to unexpected scheduling changes and ensure patient care and convenience are maintained whenever possible and patients are notified of any changes. Educate and instruct patients about treatment and reinforce advice given by physicians and nurses at a level the patient can understand; including education on procedures, skin care, side effects, and nutrition within their scope of practice. Observe patients for physical and emotional changes, side effects and nutrition needs. Ensure patients are seen by physicians in accordance with departmental policy and procedure. 4. Completes Quality Assurance measures to promote patient safety and outcomes. Participate in performance improvement and quality assurance programs to ensure the accuracy and safety of radiation treatments delivered, meet regulatory requirements and ensure patient and personal safety. Follow quality assurance procedures to guarantee daily accuracy throughout a patient’s course of treatment. Obtain treatment field localization and review films with physician per policy. Accurately identify anatomy and adjust ports solely when policy allows. Actively participate in weekly departmental patient conferences to discuss patient progress, complications, field changes and other issues relating to the care of the patient under treatment. Perform data collection for designated QA/QI monitors as requested. Adhere to strict safety guidelines. Maintain knowledge of basic radiation physics and principles of ionizing radiation in handling and use of radioactive materials. Provide clinical instruction, in‑services, and continuing education as needed in support of the radiation therapy curriculum. 5. Follows established radiation safety policies and procedures to protect patients and staff and performs in a manner that ensures patient safety. Follow policies/procedures/regulatory requirements and perform other work assignments. Wear personal radiation monitoring device while on duty. 6. Performs patient documentation and completes necessary office duties. Ensure patient reports are received in a timely manner for the health care provider. Ensure patient charges are accurately documented using the EHR system. Provide input and assist with maintaining department policies, procedures, and product information. Provide patient demographics and reports to hospital billing system. Ensure correct patient exam is filed so charges are accurate for billing. Document patient set up information and daily/cumulative dosage and verify at regular intervals to ensure accuracy. Communicate and collaborate effectively with other health team members regarding patient condition, nursing plan of care, patient satisfaction needs and recommendations for meeting identified outcomes. Identify and recognize abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, established priorities, and take appropriate action. Appropriately report condition changes to medical provider. 8. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Skills Behaviors Motivations Education Experience Licenses & Certifications Required Registered with ARRT Preferred Basic Life Support Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Shenandoah Medical Center