Radiation Therapist

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Under the supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist, a staff Radiation Therapist 1 will perform high quality and technical Radiation Therapy related duties that support comprehensive patient care. These duties include direct and indirect patient care, assisting in special procedures, and participation in the clinical supervision of Radiation Therapy students. Demonstrates outstanding customer service and the key behaviors Standards of Professional Behavior? that are outlined in the Hospitals Core Success Factors in all interactions. All duties must be performed according to departmental and organizational policies and procedures. To meet the staffing needs of the department, as necessary, Radiation Therapist staff may be assigned to any of the YNHH Radiation Oncology locations. EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities

• 1. Clinical Process
• 1.1. The Radiation Therapist utilizes the process of assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation while caring for our patients, maintaining confidentiality and dignity.
• 1.2. The Radiation Therapist provides safe, effective evidence-based care tailored to the individual needs of the patient and family. As a core member of the RT delivery team, the Radiation Therapist verbally reinforces the Radiation Oncologists advice to patients regarding reactions to treatment and their care.
• 1.3. Adhere to radiation safety procedure protocol. Perform Time Outs at key points of the Radiation Therapy Treatment procedure to ensure that the correct site and treatment is performed on the correct patient using the correct equipment, technique, and daily dose.
• 1.4. Demonstrates the ability to navigate the hospital electronic medical record and department record and verify system for the purpose of verifying patients/treatment plan parameters, scheduling patient appointments, and assigning appropriate billing codes.
• 1.5. Performs all technical duties according to department policy and procedure.
• 1.6. Provides technical support where needed as required for patient care. Provides coverage where needed when a change in schedule is indicated.
• 1.7. Identifies, prepares, and/or administers medications as prescribed by a licensed practitioner.
• 1.8. Employee is required to be available for emergency and weekend call, as required and scheduled for patient care.
• 1.9. Detects and immediately reports equipment malfunction to the Lead or Chief Therapist, Chief Medical Physicist, and Engineer.
• 1.10. Operates all therapeutic equipment according to manufacturer's standards and departmental policy.
• 1.11. Maintains a quiet and clutter-free work area. 
• 1.12. Other duties as assigned.
• 1.13. Appropriately involves the patient and their family in care and care decisions.
• 1.14. Maintains and demonstrates respect for patient confidentiality and modesty. 
• 1.15. Explains all treatment and imaging procedures.
• 1.16. Arranges daily radiation treatment schedules.
• 1.17. Attentive to patient needs and concerns by continuous monitoring of the patient?s physical and physiological response, reactions to treatment and refer patient for appropriate management as needed. 1.18. Administers radiation therapy treatment accurately and safely. Adheres to departmental policies and procedures.
• 1.19. Positions and immobilizes patients according to the treatment plan and effectively evaluates images according to standard guidelines.
• 1.20. Demonstrates the ability to care for acute Inpatients. (Waterford, New Haven, Trumbull, Greenwich)
• 1.21. Demonstrates the ability to care for pediatric patients. (New Haven)
• 1.22. Collaborates with nursing team to ensure a full understanding of the patient functional mobility assessment tool and mobilizes patients using appropriate mechanical assistive devices, such as lifts and lateral transfer devices, during the provision of patient care and communicating to all team members.
• 1.23. Collaborates with care team members to resolve clinical problems. 1.24. Other duties as assigned by Chief Therapist: Chart Rounds, Committee meetings and projects.
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• 2. Clinical Expertise / Problem Solving
• 2.1. Demonstrates the ability to be flexible and adaptable in managing diverse clinical situations. 
• 2.2. Maintains continuing education requirements. Maintains Connecticut licensure and professional status as a member of the ARRT, as documented in employee records. 
• 2.3. Assumes responsibility for continued learning and skill development by discussing with the Chief RTT/Regional Manager, setting appropriate goals, and following through to meet those goals. 
• 2.4. Delivers excellence in patient care through compliance with all patient safety and regulatory initiatives. 
• 2.5. The ability to troubleshoot routine problems encountered during simulation, treatment, or any part of the patient care process. 
• 2.6. Troubleshoots and corrects minor machine faults and/or notifies service providers and supervisor to initiate corrective action as guided by established protocols.
• 2.7. Proactively assesses treatment schedule for optimization. 2.8. Actively communicates with physics, dosimetry, and nursing as necessary to ensure optimal patient care.
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• 3. Clinical Instruction
• 3.1. Actively participates in the training of students in the School of Radiation Therapy, working with the Program Director to teach and review students appropriately.
• 3.2. Treats students with respect and dignity to ensure professionalism. 3.3. Assumes responsibility for students in the treatment room, actively teaching clinical techniques.
• 3.4. Conducts student clinical rotation evaluations, observed by clinical supervisor and/or Program Director. 3.5. Practice Development / Positive Impact 
• 3.6. Role models Standards of Professional Behavior. 
• 3.7. Consistently demonstrates positive impact on clinical practice.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Graduation from an approved school of Radiation Therapy Technology; A.R.R.T. registration and CT Licensure required. BLS Certification required.

EXPERIENCE

New Graduate in radiation therapy/1-5 yrs. experience in radiation therapy. 1-5 years of clinical radiation therapy experience preferred. New Graduates are encouraged to apply.

LICENSURE

ARRT Certification, CT State License, BLS Certified

SPECIAL SKILLS

Requires clear communication and active listening skills. Demonstrates problem -solving skills and promotes collaborative, team-based decisions. Careful attention to safety procedures. Ability to communicate and relate well with patients who are under physical and emotional stress.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

- Intense concentration, attention to detail with computers and devices that are used within the Radiation Oncology Department. Must have the ability to hear and observe all the surroundings of the department and have manual dexterity. Working on equipment with lifting, pushing, and pulling heavy objects. Standing and walking most of the day, assisting in lifting patients with physical limitations, as well as exposure to patient with mental and emotional issues. - Must have the ability to lift up to 50lbs.- Must have a steady gait in order to be able to assist patient mobility.- Must be prepared to work overtime, holidays and weekends, as needed.- Must be prepared to work and excel in a stressful, complex, and demanding team environment with varying workload, necessitating varying working hours.- Works with ionizing radiation, radioactive isotopes, MR, computers, cancer patients, both adults and children, and their families.- Exposure to human waste and disease.- Physical demands include but not limited to:- Lifting and repositioning patients, using mechanical assistive devices.- Lifting and positioning immobilization devices and beam modifying devices.- Continuous standing.- Subject to frequent stressful situations.

YNHHS Requisition ID

191576