Radiation Therapist

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for administering, simulating and recording radiation treatments to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist. Responsible for accurately delivering prescribed dose, imaging tumor volumes and outlining the corresponding target on the patient’s surface. Responsible for radiation therapy procedures, dose calculations, chart checks and routine consistency QA checks on the treatment machines and simulator/CT machines to ensure high quality radiation therapy.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Performs radiation therapy procedures according to physician's orders and departmental guidelines, determines and prepares set-up within established parameters, calculates monitor units and records patient treatment information in chart while maintaining confidentiality.
• Performs daily warm-up and start-up procedures of equipment, quality control checks and notifies proper personnel of equipment malfunction and/or adverse conditions.
• Communicates to patients and families pertinent information pertaining to routine during radiation therapy, i.e., appointments, skin care, treatment field care, proper attire, etc.
• Assess and evaluates patient needs and treatment problems, recommends intervention and acts in accordance with physician practices and departmental policies while maintaining confidentiality.
• Investigates problems or unsatisfactory procedures and recommends possible solutions.
• Constructs patient treatment aids, bolus material, positioning and immobilization devices and checks for suitability and accuracy.
• Performs checks on patient's charts for accuracy and proper documentation according to established procedures.
• Schedules patients for daily treatments.
• Maintains quality control of patient charts and treatment parameters by implementing guidelines on a regular basis.
• Maintains room cleanliness, linens and needed supplies in treatment room and notifies proper personnel of areas needing attention.
• Evaluates accessories for damage and coordinates repair.
• Evaluates, teaches and monitors the clinical and didactic education of radiation therapy and diagnostic students.
• Monitors and adheres to general radiation safety guidelines.
• Implements new processes regarding EMR updates and equipment updates.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Subject to overtime and call back as required by the institution.
• May be required to travel to multiple CARTI Cancer Centers and Clinics.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE and REGISTRATION:

• Completion of an accredited program of radiation therapy technology.
• Current registration as a radiation therapist by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or registry eligible with a passing score within 360-days* from date of employment. (*360-days is the maximum period for an Arkansas Department of Health temporary license without having passed the registry.)
• Current Licensure as a Radiation Therapist with the Arkansas Department of Health.
• BLS required.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Skill and proficiency in the technical field of radiation therapy technology
• Knowledge of institution and departmental policies and procedures, chart coding, scheduling, physicians' protocols (prerogatives), equipment operation, maintenance, safety and quality control guidelines as acquired through clinical rotation of all treatment areas (machines) for a period of six months to one and one-half years.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

• Must interact and communicate both verbally and in written form.
• Must interact and exchange information regarding patients with physicians and other departmental personnel, and outside agencies on a frequent basis while respecting the confidentiality of patient information.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy in making recommendations, reporting errors or problems, securing information or discussing patient treatments when dealing with physicians and therapists on a frequent basis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee frequently performs moderate lifting of patients, machine accessories, and patient devices/equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position involves potential exposure to infectious diseases. Colleagues are offered appropriate vaccinations and safety training.

COMMENTS:

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

SAFETY SENSITIVE

This position is a Safety Sensitive Position. The essential functions, physical demands, and mental competencies of this job require the employee maintain the ability to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner.