Radiation Therapist

Job Description

Principal duties and responsibilities:

1. 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 the treatment procedure.

• Arranges daily radiation treatment schedule.

• Monitors patient's physical and physiological response and reactions to treatment and refer patient for appropriate management as needed.

2. Responsible for 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.
• Confirms and reviews status of new patient and cone down information in a timely manner.
• Performs accurate QA measures for all new start information.
• Reviews schedule to confirm number of patients, imaging, and new patient starts.
• Notifies Lead/Chief Radiation Therapist when inventory and supplies are needed.
• Assists during equipment failures and notifies patients as well as all functional areas of the department.

3. Assists the Lead/Chief Radiation Therapist to develop new techniques or resolve clinical problems.

4. Administers radiation therapy treatment accurately and safely.

• Monitors and reports treatment variances and inconsistencies.

• Accurately document all treatment delivery information in the electronic medical record (EMR).

• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to perform all aspects of treatment.
• May be asked to participate in and demonstrate knowledge in one or more specialty areas and programs, including but not limited to: all aspects of simulation, Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), HDR, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

5. Possesses knowledge and demonstrates ability to accurately perform all new start QA measures, weekly chart checks, scheduling, treatment delivery, image review, and billing procedures involving the electronic medical record (EMR) system.

6. Responsible for the safe and accurate utilization of all aspects of the EMR and Record and Verify system.

7. 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.
• Utilizes correct procedure checklist as necessary for each procedure.
• Accurately documents all treatment delivery information in the EMR.
• Participates in and appropriately documents the Time Out procedure for every treatment.

Skills/abilities/competencies required:

1. Must have proficient technical knowledge and skill set. This includes but is not limited to demonstrating efficient knowledge of all equipment operation, tools and procedures specific to assigned area. This also includes demonstrating the ability to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise.
2. Demonstrates competency on all equipment, software, policies, procedures, department workflows etc., through successful completion of initial 90 day competency and annual competency thereafter.
3. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal professional relationships with physicians, management, peers, patients, and their families.
4. Must convey a positive attitude and present a professional appearance.
5. Must have effective communication (both oral and written) skills sufficient to resolve conflicts, and relay information concisely to staff, patients, and other hospital personnel.
6. Must have sufficient organizational skills.
7. Must be proficient in the use of the Radiation Oncology Information Systems and software and Hospital Information Systems that integrate with the Department of Radiation Oncology, including, but not limited to: ARIA, Meditech

Licenses, certifications, and/or registrations:

Required:

• Valid CT State License in Radiation Therapy

• Valid ARRT certification in Radiation Therapy must be obtained by the end of the 3-month probation period

• Valid BLS certification

Education:

Minimum Required: Associate Degree

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree