Radiation Therapist

Under direction of the radiation oncologist, lead therapist, and chief therapist, the radiation therapist will be responsible for ensuring the most optimal radiation therapy treatments are provided to our patients. This will be a team approach in professional operations with treatment delivery, simulation, and brachytherapy, or any other care related to the radiation therapy treatments.Duties and responsibilitiesMaintains an atmosphere of caring, concern and support for patients, visitors, medical staff and co-workers on a consistent basisFulfills patient care responsibilities, as assigned, which may include but not limited to: Checking schedules and organizing patient flow; accompanying patients to treatment area; assisting patients as needed with walking, transfers, and preparing for treatmentPerforms warm-up and calibration checks of equipment as necessary. Performs linear accelerator, HDR, and CT warm-up procedures. Checks photon beams and all electron beams for consistency. Checks physic components for accuracy of beam alignment. Documents findings outside the range established by physics. Notifies lead radiation therapist/physicist/chief therapist immediately of findings outside the normal range of operationsFabricates blocks, molds, bolus material, and immobilization devices as neededAccurately delivers radiation treatment according to written prescription and treatment plan. Provides safety and patient care through the consistent practice of departmental procedures for treatment administration. Recognizes deviation from prescribed treatment delivery and reports all deviations to the lead radiation therapist/physicist/chief therapistAssures the quality of treatment delivery through the complete and accurate documentation of treatment recordsAssures the quality and consistency of treatment portal placement by taking portal films, CBCT or KV imaging according to departmental procedures and adjusts treatment fields as indicatedUnder the direction of a radiation oncologist, takes localization radiographs, CBCT or OBI Images according to planned treatment delivery. Assists physician or nurse in the administration of contrast agents used during treatment localization. Performs measurements for use during treatment calculation. Collects and documents data acquired during the simulation procedure. Accurately inputs treatment-related data into the verify-and-record systemAssists, as needed, in all treatment-related procedures (including but not limited to: HDR, Brachytherapy, CT Simulation, Hyperthermia, and external beam radiation therapy)Uses effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills to provide explanations for treatment-related proceduresExplains procedure to patient, communicates during treatment and procedures, and if an emergency arises during treatmentResponds effectively to patient concernsAssesses patient physical and emotional needs.Observes patients for expected and unexpected reactions to treatments and communicates this to appropriate staff membersReinforces patient education/side effect management information and indicates non-compliance to medical/nursing staffCoordinates and completes the daily treatment schedule in an effective mannerMaintains an accurate record of procedures including billing information and codesMaintains a safe, orderly patient care/treatment roomPrepares room and equipment for patients according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lead protection devices, etc.Answers phone calls to the machine when not the treating therapistChecks phone messages hourly and return all calls before lunch, midafternoon, and prior to leaving for the dayWork shifts as assignedAll therapists will rotate work shifts/locations according to clinical needsPerforms initial and weekly patient chart checks on all radiation therapy patientsPerforms all duties as assigned by lead radiation therapist(s), chief therapist, and radiation directorQualificationsMaintains registration in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the State of ArizonaMeets all continuing education standards as they apply to registry eligibilityComputer experience with EMR knowledgeExcellent work ethic, including integrity, positive attitude, productive, organized, treats leadership with respect, excellent attendance, continuously learning and willing to ask for helpAbility to work efficiently and effectively in a detail oriented, fast-paced settingLicensure/CertificationARRT Certification requiredMust maintain CE credits to retain certificationArizona RTT licenseValid CPR certificationValid Drivers LicenseWorking conditions/Physical requirementsMedical office settingModerate noise levels from medical setting and equipmentControlling machines and processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processesInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defectsAbility to see details at close rangeAbility to listen and understand information through spoken words and sentencesAbility to read and understand information in writingAbility to communicate information in speaking so others will understandStanding for long periods of timeMinimum lifting requirements of 25 pounds in order to transfer equipment, help patients with positioning, and pack/unpack suppliesFrequent bending, twisting, and position changes in order to assist patientsOther RequirementsUp to 20% travel by vehicle required #J-18808-Ljbffr Arizona Center for Cancer Care