Description

Job Description

To deliver ionizing radiation to the patient that is compliant with the radiation therapy plan and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist while under the general supervision of the Chief Therapist.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and prepares rooms, equipment and materials for patient care as needed and as required by supervisorAssesses treatment rooms to assure all equipment is operational and quality checks have been performed
• Prepares treatment room and equipment for patients according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distances, shielding devices, gantry and/or collimator angles, etc
• Performs quality assurance procedures and reports any deficiencies to chief and/or physicist
• Troubleshoots and corrects minor machine faults and/or notifies service providers and supervisor to initiate corrective action as guided by established protocols
• Assists in checking treatment rooms for outdates and in stocking the room with appropriate equipment
• Implements and delivers accurately the prescribed planned course of radiation therapy utilizing megavoltage equipment, adhering to acceptable departmental, institutional, governmental, and professional standardsReviews patients' treatment plans and parameters as part of a “time-out” and quality audit prior to the first treatment and daily checks patient ID, prescription, and dose to date prior to delivery of treatment
• Explains procedures to patients as well as the means of communication during treatment and procedures in case of an emergency
• Maintains patient field markings
• Positions patients and modifies standard procedure to accommodate patients' conditions
• Reviews and verifies daily treatment time and/or monitor units and delivers prescribed dose while monitoring machine operation
• Maintains visual and/or audio communication with patient during treatment
• Obtains required electronic portal images during prescribed course of treatment according to department standards. These images could include but are not limited to MVCT, KVCT, KV portal image, MV portal image, and MRI image
• Practices radiation protection for the patient, self and others; applies radiation safety principles
• Assesses and evaluates patients for unusual reactions and/or medical problems and reports conditions to the supervisor, a radiation oncology nurse and/or a radiation oncologist
• Recognizes emergency patient conditions and assists and/or initiates first aid and/or basic life support procedures when appropriate
• Reinforces radiation oncologist's and nurse's advice to patients regarding skin care, diets, general welfare and/or reactions to treatment/care
• Responsible for following department guidelines and treating an emergent patient in Unplanned Treatment Mode when necessary late in the day or on the weekend
• Responsible for treating critical care patients, patients under anesthesia, or patients with a cardiology device such as a pacemaker
• Performs routine and complex tumor localization procedures if required by supervisor using a CTEnsures that physicians have obtained patient consent
• Explains simulation/CT procedure to patient and answers technical questions
• Accurately applies skin markings on patients' skin and instructs patient in proper care in preserving markings
• Accurately positions patient: lying straight and/or in correct treatment position
• Determines and adapts exposure factors for various patient conditions, equipment, accessories, and contrast media and obtains diagnostic scans with minimum radiation exposure
• Demonstrates knowledge of computed tomography instrumentation including, selecting appropriate menu options, performing quality assurance tests and archiving
• Prepares and administers proper contrast agents under the direction of a physician and correctly labels all syringes and containers
• Fabricates selects and uses appropriate immobilization devices using safe practice techniques
• Performs routine tumor localization procedures and interprets simulation requests
• Takes required electronic images
• Correlates cross-sectional anatomy with other anatomical presentations
• Properly stores final CT images
• Records all pertinent information electronically using simulation software and in patients' treatment charts
• Evaluates radiographic images for appropriate positioning and image quality
• Provides basic patient education in relationship to skin care, diet, parking and daily radiation therapy routine
• Use vaginal markers, rectal markers, or wire scars when indicated by the physician order
• Performs patient related and clerical function in the ambulatory settingAnswers telephones, checks patients into clinic, makes appointments for patients, prepares charts
• Maintains orderliness and cleanliness of radiation therapy department
• Applies correct billing codes to procedures performed
• Assists billing specialist when needed to audit charts for accuracy of documentation and billing codes used for charge entry
• Schedule patients for daily treatments, new starts, boosts and finishes
• Communicates client/patient/family needs to appropriate health care provider
• Communicates to appropriate team member and/or patient information necessary to safely and accurately treat each patient
• Reports significant events to appropriate team member
• Participates in weekly chart rounds
• Participates as a member of the team to achieve business goals, clinical/quality outcomes and customer satisfactionParticipates on committees/ councils as requested/required
• Communicates operational issues clearly and effectively within the team and outside the team as appropriate
• Safeguards confidential information
• Participates in performance improvement activities
• Regular and timely attendance is required for this position

Qualifications
Education:

Associate's Degree Graduate of accredited school of Radiation Therapy
Preferred: Bachelor's Degree Graduate of an accredited school

Experience:

0 None

Preferred: 1 Previous experience as a Radiation Therapist in a Radiation Oncology Department.
Skills:

Skill and ability in communicating with staff and patients, earning patient confidence, and respecting patient concerns including privacy and confidentiality