Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapy Technologist

Under the general supervision of the Chief Therapist Radiation Oncology, interprets physician's prescriptions, assists with machine preparation and interprets computerized treatment plans. Prepares patient for treatment, being mindful of the aging process, human development stages and cultural patterns, and administers therapy using sophisticated machinery. Maintains detailed patient records. Responsible for supervision of a particular machine and staff members operating that machine. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs duties on treatment machines to assure smooth patient flow and accurate administration of treatments, including proper dose and machine settings.
• Assists physician and physicist with treatment planning and basic dose calculation.
• Takes and develops portal film, takes measurements and contours and photographs treatment fields.
• Orients new employees to policies of department and provides functional guidance in treatment procedures.
• Provides instruction and functional guidance to new staff members and supervisors in positioning patients for treatment and performing basic dose calculation.
• Checks machinery for proper functioning including pressure, temperature and water level reading.
• Takes and develops films to assure proper machine output, beam and alignment.
• Performs contrast media studies and special procedures such as IVP and fluoroscopy.
• Interprets computerized treatment plans including use of immobilizing and blocking devices and carries out physician's prescription for dose.
• Maintains an awareness of dose tolerance levels for certain organs of the body.
• Operates the equipment and machinery used to deliver therapeutic radiation treatments; this also includes the operation of simulators, CT simulators, film processors and computer terminals for treatment planning.
• Positions patient and explains procedures to allay anxieties and elicit cooperation being mindful of the patient's age and needs.
• Monitors patients and treatment to assures safety and accuracy. Remains alert to patients' reactions to treatment and changes in physical and mental status. Alerts physician to significant reactions or changes.
• Assists nurses as necessary including changing of dressings and certain sterile techniques for post-operative patients.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records for each patient including appointments, treatments administered, dose and monitor settings, photographs, etc. Assures that patients see physician as scheduled. Maintains scheduling records including appointment times, number of patients, number of treatments and patients starting and finishing treatments.
• Keeps treatment room stocked with necessary supplies and in clean and orderly condition.
• Maintains radiation safety rules and regulations for the protection of self, patient, other staff members, and visitors. Attends departmental and interdepartmental conferences as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

• Completion of an accredited program in Radiation Therapy Technology and registration through the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists.
• Current and valid license from the Department of Health to practice in the State of Rhode Island.
• Thorough knowledge of the techniques and procedures of radiation therapy.
• Analytical ability to assist in treatment planning and to interpret physician prescription for dose and treatment plan.
• Numerical ability to perform dose calculations.
• Technical ability to operate equipment and carry out treatment.
• Ability to position patients and machinery for treatment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:

• Two to three years progressively more responsible related experience, preferably gained in a similarly diverse and operationally complex health care environment is desired.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Continuous standing and walking.
• Frequent lifting of equipment and patients.
• Exposures to low energy radiation, but hazards are minimized by adherence to safety precautions. Wears badge to monitors exposure.
• Visual acuity to accurately position patients and machinery for treatment.
• Physical ability to lift and position patients and machinery for treatment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None