Under the supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist, the Radiation Therapist performs treatment and simulation procedures, as directed by the Radiation Oncologist.
- Perform radiation treatment and simulation procedures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologists instructions and departmental procedures.
- Provide thorough documentation of simulation set-up, and procedure information.
- Prepare and/or administer IV and oral contrast. Perform POCT testing for pregnancy, and in preparation for IV contrast administration.
- Prepare treatment room and equipment for patient according to the prescription and simulation, including placement of immobilization devices, setting of treatment devices, verifying parameters and any protection devices.
- Explain procedure, including pre- and post-simulation or treatment.
- Answers questions and reassures patient before and after procedure.
- Transfer patient to treatment table with care for IV s and catheters.
- Checks patient treatment plan and delivers prescribed dose. Maintains patient markings.
- Changes markings according to physician's direction or need. Documents treatment, in accordance with departmental protocols.
- Keeps physician informed and adapts treatment per physician orders.
- Acquires and analyzes digital radiographs of all treatment areas.
- Observes radiation safety measures for patient and personnel Performs patient positioning and immobilization device construction to promote set-up consistency for daily treatments.
- Operate CT simulation unit, and supporting equipment; Power injector, gating, model construction equipment. May assist in special procedures including HDR; Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Implants.
- Evaluate images for technical quality, and proper positioning. Perform initial set-up checks to facilitate daily set-up consistency, and confirm congruency between prescription, treatment site, treatment plan parameters, and other relevant information.
- Monitor patient visually and audibly during therapy procedure for any unusual reactions or events.
- Uses judgment and informs physician if indicated by patient's condition, before proceeding with treatment. Reports significant information to designated supervisory personnel.
- Interface in a highly collaborative manner with all members of the patient's care team including: radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, social workers, administration and others.
- Schedule patients for treatment to optimize department efficiency and patient convenience.
- Reports changes in patient's condition or inappropriate response to treatment to Radiation Oncologist or Nurse.
- Assist with orientation and training of new or transfer staff to ensure competence in the functionality of all therapy related equipment.
- Support training and oversight of radiation therapy students within the guidelines of the program and the department. Assist with the maintenance of department facilities, equipment, and supplies.
- Reports maintenance and repair needs to supervisor. Maintain a clean and order work area. Participate in educational in-services, as appropriate.
- Participates in professional activities and organizations to maintain and expand knowledge of current trends, practices, and developments.
- Ensure charges to patients for services rendered are accurately recorded. Perform on-call duties to provide emergency treatments during non-clinic hours.
- Demonstrate continuous competency on an annual basis on all applicable equipment in the department. Participate in the evaluation of treatment devices.
- Maintain compliance with medical center and regulatory agency standards in regard to annual training, infection control, Radiation Protection guidelines, and credentialing requirements.
- Ensure adherence to patient safety standards. Complete daily QA process for CT scanner and Linear Accelerators.
- Records results and reports suboptimal performance of these systems to the Medical Physicist and other designated personnel.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Level I - Certificate or degree from an accredited Radiation Therapy Technology program and at a minimum be registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or be registry eligible; less than 3 years¿ work experience as a radiation therapists.
- If registry eligible must pass registry exam within 6 months of employment.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock , Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation , Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.