Radiation Therapist

Reports to the Director, Oncology Services. Responsibilities include optimum planning and treatment of the patient, including accurate simulation and application of ionizing radiation to the patient, in accordance with the instructions of the Radiation Oncologist, and listening and caring for the patient. Monitors and reports patient side-effects.
MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Delivers a planned course of radiation therapy by:

• Reviewing the Radiation Oncologists prescription for treatment, simulator notes and physics calculations.
• Verifying the mathematical accuracy of the prescription.
• Accurately setting treatment units per prescription and physics calculations.
• Operating the treatment management computer to ensure correct settings for the correct patient.
• Observing the clinical progress of the patient undergoing radiation therapy, observing the first signs of complication and determining when treatment should be withheld until a physician may be consulted.
• Providing patient care and comfort essential to radiation therapy procedures.
• Positioning patient in accurate position for specific treatment as defined in simulation instructions.
• Filming ports to be treated prior to initial treatment and weekly thereafter, and reviewing films with Radiation Oncologist to ensure accuracy.
• Consistently monitoring patient while on the treatment table.
• Simulating and planning a prescribed course of treatment.
• Performs CT procedures for treatment planning.
• Performs ultrasound procedures for seed implants and daily set-ups.
• Assisting in the care and treatment of Pediatric patients.
• Assisting in HDR treatments.
• Constructing immobilization and beam-directional devices.

Maintains accurate records of treatment by:

• Entering treatments into treatment management computer system and scheduling next treatment.
• Logging all treatment doses and cumulative doses in patient chart, as well as any pertinent treatment notes.
• Completing appropriate quality assurance forms as determined by department policies.

Participates in department quality assurance programs by:

• Completing warm-up procedure daily and safety checks on units.
• Assisting the physicist in calibration of equipment, in quality assurance and in treatment planning procedures.
• Detecting equipment malfunctions; reporting same to the proper authority and knowing the safe limits of equipment operation.
• Applying the rules and regulations for radiation safety, detecting any radiation hazards and providing for appropriate public safety in the event of a radiation accident.
• Participating in the patient follow-up program and in recording statistical data.
• Participating in patient education procedures.

Maintains work area and general appearance of equipment by:

• Cleaning equipment on a regular basis.
• Keeping work area and treatment room clean and organized.
• Stocking and shelving supplies for treatment, simulation and block cutting rooms.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Participating as a full team member in all areas of the department.
• Participating in quality improvement teams as they are developed in the department or between departments.
• Participating, when appropriate, in community education programs and events.
• Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience:

The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an accredited radiation therapy technology educational program and registration in good standing by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).


Knowledge & Skills:

• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of radiotherapy modalities, function and utilization of equipment, use of all treatment accessories and treatment methods and protocols necessary in developing patient treatment tools and in the administration of prescribed radiation therapy.
• Requires ability to operate linear accelerators, high dose rate, CT for simulation and associated accessories, block manufacturing equipment, tattoo devices, camera, oxygen delivery systems/suction, crash cart, computers, calculators, etc.
• Demonstrates analytical skills necessary to read and interpret calculations used for the development and adaptation of patient treatment modalities.
• Demonstrates knowledge of related state and federal regulations necessary to ensure safety measures are met and/or exceeded.
• Demonstrates high level of communication skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, physicians and other team members.

Working Conditions:

• Patient care area requiring excessive walking, standing and the ability to communicate and visually monitor the patient during treatment.
• May be required to handle strong emotions concerning patients health, treatment, anger and prognosis.
• Flexible work hours and overtime may be required.
• Evening, weekend and holiday call is assigned on a rotating basis.

Physical Demands:

Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.