RADIATION THERAPIST

Radiation Therapist

Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital - Freeport, IL 61032

Salary Range $32.38 - $53.43 Hourly Position Type Flexible Full-time; F.8 (64-80) Job Shift Days - 8:00am-4:30pm Category Health Care

Job Summary

Administers therapeutic doses of ionizing radiation and simulates patients in accordance with prescription and instructions of radiation oncologist. Performs routine tumor localization procedures with general guidance and direction from the Dosimetrist. Displays a commitment to excellent customer service, critical thinking, technical and interpersonal skills to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Incorporates a positive team approach. Key public relations position which may involve patient's complaints and concerns.

Job Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned.

Focus verbal communications on patient/customer care, business operations, and/or topics to create a positive work environment.

Delivers accurately the prescribed planned course of radiation therapy utilizing megavoltage, kilovoltage and teletherapy equipment. Duties performed at this level increase in complexity but still require general guidance and direction from the Dosimetrist/Radiation Therapist and/or medical staff.

Observes the general condition of each patient prior to daily treatment and reports any unusual situation to the nurse and/or physician.

Surveys treatment room to assure all equipment is operational and quality assurance checks have been performed.

Checks patients' prescription and diagnosis prior to delivery of each treatment.

Explains procedure to patient, means of communication during treatment and procedure to be followed if emergency arises during treatment.

Prepares room and equipment for patients according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distances, shielding devices, gantry and/or collimator angles, etc.

Transfers patients safely to treatment couch, giving special attention to catheters, IV's, wheelchairs and cart wheels locked, and insures adequate personnel are available to transfer if patient cannot move on their own.

Checks daily treatment time and delivers prescribed dose.

Maintains visual and/or audio communication with patient during treatment.

Maintains patients' field markings.

Takes required port films during prescribed course of treatment.

Observes patient for unusual reactions and/or medical problems and reports conditions to medical staff and/or director.

Assists in emergency treatment in accordance with instructions of the radiation oncologist.

Observed radiation safety procedure for patients and personnel.

Schedules patients for daily treatments.

Assists in ordering supplies and maintaining inventory.

Maintains records of daily treatments and other records as required.

Secures X-rays and lab reports as needed.

Performs limited quality assurance procedures and reports any deficiencies to Director and/or physicist.

Maintains orderliness and cleanliness of radiotherapy department.

Provides general instruction-direction to new technologists in correct practices and procedures of routine and less complicated treatments.

Performs routine tumor localization procedures with general guidance and direction from Dosimetrist/Radiation Therapist.

Performs routine and simulation procedures; interprets simulation requests and prepares patient and room for desired procedure.

Explains simulation procedure to patients and answers limited technical questions.

Accurately positions patient: selects prescribed treatment distances, gantry angles, radiographic exposure technique, arranges simple shielding. Takes required radiographic films. Checks with another technologist or medical staff to ensure proper treatment fields is established before patient is ready for treatment.

Accurately applies skin marking solution on patients' skin and instructs patient in proper care in persevering markings.

Records all pertinent set-up information in patients' treatment chart.

Demonstrates clinical competency in providing age specific care to patients in designated areas of practice.

Performs dosimetry and mold room tasks as assigned by Dosimetrist.

Provides general clinical instructions to new technologists.

Assists with input into the performance review.

Displays competency for the Radiation Therapist role as evidenced in the annual performance appraisal following the FHN PRIDE Standards.

Provides superior, individualized customer service for patients, families, and other visitors.

Serves as a patient advocate, proactively working to identify and resolve patient concerns while practicing within FHN policies and procedures.

Understand and able to perform functions related to computer programs, telecommunication equipment, and other technology.

Participates in activities to support FHN's mission, goals, and strategic plan.

Serves as a mentor or preceptor to coworkers displaying a positive radiation therapist image and promoting a positive educational experience.

Contributes to a positive, supportive, and healthy work environment that is conducive to the education and professional growth of radiation therapy staff and other healthcare providers.

Applies the professional codes of ethics that ensures individual rights in all areas of practice, preserving patients' right to confidentiality, privacy, and self-determination within legal, regulatory, and ethical parameters.

Qualifications

Requirements

Education: Graduate of a school in Radiation Therapy Technology approved by the Committee on Allied Health Education and accreditation.

Required Experience: Zero to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

ARRT registered in Radiation Therapy; IDNS in Radiation Therapy. Current CPR certification

Complexity of Work:

Populations Served:

While performing this job, the employee may care for patients in the following age groups.

• Young Adult: 17 to <30 years
• Middle Adult: 30 to <60 years
• Older Adult: >60 years

While performing this job, the employee does not care for patients in the following age groups.

• Neonate: <30 days
• Infant: <1 year
• Early Childhood: 1 year and <5 years
• Late Childhood: 5 years and <13 years
• Adolescent: 13 to <17 years
• Serves patients in areas other than patient care.