Radiation Therapist

Summary

The Staff Radiation Therapist in the Radiation Oncology Department applies ionizing radiation to adult and geriatric patients in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist. They must be capable of operating radiation-producing equipment utilizing radiation safety measures, and be able to perform a series of complex and precise technical procedures.

Responsibilities

• (60%)
• Responsible for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose of radiation for treatment of cancer. Verifies calculations of treatment values and prescription according to parameters. Takes images as directed by the radiation oncologist prescription. Carries outpatient treatment parameters in accordance with set up instructions and proper immobilization to accurately deliver radiation to the proper site and dosage. Assists in the fabrication of treatment devices when required. Assists physicians with various procedures by making recommendations and/or suggestions with regard to technical limitations of equipment or patients and the ability to successfully administer therapy. Refers patients to the physician or nurse when indicated due to changes in symptoms and/or treatment side effects. Schedules patients for outpatient appointments. Maintains supplies and inventories. Provides instruction and supervision to students participating in a clinical program. Completes weekly patient chart checks to maintain quality and accuracy. (30%)
• Performs proper documentation in the patient treatment record according to procedure which is consistent with an environment of safety and good communication. (10%)
• Responsible for monitoring equipment operations and reporting of any malfunctions or peculiarities to the manager and/or radiation physicist to ensure proper function prior to treatment of patients. Performs morning QA output checks on a daily basis consistent with radiation physicist recommendation. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Maintains compliance with State and Federal regulations, and applicable accreditation requirements in regard to radiation safety and protection for patients and staff. Attends scheduled in-services to review policy/procedure and safety measures. Maintains American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) certification and demonstrates evidence of. Follows hospital dress code and wears appropriate monitoring device to detect personnel exposure. Performs and documents proper charge capture for all procedures performed. Proficient in simulation and fabricating treatment devices. Participates in process improvement activities. Contributes to the development of students in the department and is responsible for teaching and completing radiation therapy student competencies. May be asked to rotate to another Radiation Therapy center to cover staff shortages or fluctuations in patient volume. Has a thorough understanding of proper billing practices and is able to use site specific office management system for scheduling and billing. The department manager will decide specifically which employee (s) in the radiation therapist job title that will be assigned to take call/ standby pay and receive additional compensation. These decisions shall be made fairly and equitably using work and skill related factors. All status hour radiation therapists will be required to be placed into the On Call/ Standby rotation, as determined by the department manager. Other duties as assigned.