Radiation Therapist

Overview

Performs radiation treatment procedures, administers radiation treatments as prescribed by the physician, and charts daily treatment information.

Responsibilities

Administers radiation treatments to patients on the linear accelerators per physician prescription.

Detects and reports significant changes in patients’ conditions and determine when to withhold treatment until the physician is consulted.

Performs other clinical and technical duties with direct or indirect supervision.

Constructs/prepares immobilization, beam directional and beam modification devices.

Performs quality assurance activities, detecting equipment malfunctions and taking appropriate action.

Stocks linen and supplies in work areas in an orderly manner and maintains work rooms/area in a neat and orderly manner.

Assists the radiation oncologist in simulation procedures.

Reconfirms patient identification and verifies the procedures requested or prescribed.

Applies principles of radiation protection (as low as reasonably achievable, or ALARA) at all times.

Documents pertinent information in the patient’s medical record.

Performs CTC patient escort duties as needed.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

ARRT in radiation therapy registered or registry eligible with an JC approved school.  Must be able to use the following:  telephone, calculator, computer, linear accelerators, simulator, record and verify system, custom block cutter, ostalloy, drills, drill press, vacuum system and beeper.  Must be able to read and speak English.

 WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK CONTEXT

Must be able to work with others in a team setting.  100% of time in contact with others. Occasionally must deal with difficult people and explain various issues involved in radiation therapy. 100% of time responsibility of safety and health of others in your care. Occasionally public speaking will be needed for tours. Electronic mail will be used for informational use.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Physical presence onsite is essential. Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range. Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical presence onsite is essential. Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking. Must be able to lift a maximum of 100 lbs. at least 5% of an 8-hour day. Must be able to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, reach, push, pull, and carry certain objects with good coordination over the course of a day’s activities. Is able to push stretcher / wheelchair with average adult patient. Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction. Must be able to run in emergency situations. Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner. 100% of time working indoors in an environmental controlled conditions. Includes working with others in a close proximity 100% of the time. Occasionally requires climbing a ladder. Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection and/or cleaning solutions. Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.

STRUCTURAL FACTORS

Due to the complexity of radiation therapy being exact and highly accurate is expected in performing this job. Work schedules are adjusted as needed due to patient volumes.

OTHER JOB FACTORS

• Assist physicist with monthly, quarterly, and annual machine QA
• Trains students and new radiation therapists
• Able to take call on weekends and holidays and get to Cancer Center in 30 minutes.
• Preparing and/or administering contrast media as prescribed by a licensed practitioner with
• the appropriate clinical and didactic education where state and/or institutional policy  
• permits.
• Schedule simulations and daily treatments.
• Monitors the treatment console during treatments.
• Perform and checks weekly and daily MV. KV AND CBCT images.
• Check patient information in Aria before treatment.
• Perform daily morning machine warm-up procedure for liner accelerators, CT simulator, and Respiratory Gaiting
• Transport patients when needed.
• Accurately record patient charges.
• Attends monthly department meetings.
• Attend weekly chart rounds.
• Stock supplies and linen daily.
• Keep treatment and CT rooms clean and organized.
• Record a journal note in Aria for patient issues
• Work as a team for the patients and fellow employees.
• Must adhere to AIDET principles.
• Work over or come in early when needed.
• The above statement reflects the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.