Radiation Therapist

Job Description

The Radiation Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Therapist is responsible for delivering radiation therapy treatments to patients while adhering to all policies and procedures that ensure high-quality, safe, and compassionate care. This role requires consistent compliance with established standards governing radiation therapy treatments and simulations. The Therapist collaborates effectively with team members to ensure all treatment procedures are performed accurately, compassionately, and in accordance with the prescribing physician’s orders.

Responsibilities:

• Delivers the prescribed course of radiation treatment to the patient.

• Verifies treatment daily and cumulative treatment dose.

• Positions patients using patient specific devices created in the simulation procedure.

• Monitors patient throughout entire duration of treatment delivery process.

• Acquires treatment imaging per the prescription.

• Matches daily imaging with reference image and applies resultant shifts prior to treatment.

• Monitors therapy peer image matching and consults on final positioning discrepancies.

• Collaborates openly on image matching and suggests revision as needed.

• Maintains complete and accurate treatment delivery records.

• Reports and documents treatment deviations in accordance with department policy.

• Prepares supplies and equipment needed for treatment setup and simulation.

• Documents patient setup instructions in accordance with department format.

• Fabricates custom devices per physician order during simulation.

• Establishes optimal, reproduceable patient position during simulation.

• Acquires all ordered simulation images.

• Documents in writing and photos simulated patient position and alignment markings.

• Creates proper documentation for simulation and treatment procedures.

• Submits correct charges for services rendered per department policy.

• Assesses patient visually and verbally for performance status changes through treatment course.

• Charts relevant treatment dose details and changes in patient condition.

• Notifies appropriate ancillary personnel to assess patients as needed.

• Adheres to all departmental policies and procedures, ensuring patient, visitor and staff safety.

• Completes and documents daily QA per department procedure.

• Completes initial, boost, and plan change chart parameter verification.

• Provides timely patient education aligned with the patient’s ability to learn.

• Identifies and overcomes barriers to patient education utilizing department resources.

• Refers patients to physician, nurse or social worker as needed.

• Communicates with patients in a timely manner regarding any delay or wait time.

• Ensures that all patients are treated in a safe and timely manner.

• Offers service recovery resources to patients when appropriate.

• Assists in problem solving daily operational issues.

• Assesses supply inventory and reports purchasing needs to therapy leadership.

• Identifies quality concerns and communicates them to therapy leadership.

• Operates and maintains equipment.

• Triages equipment issues per department protocol.

• Elevates concerns to leadership when unable to self-rectify.

• Establishes and maintains collegial relationships with all intra/inter department NM employees.

• Promotes an environment of cultural safety and dignity in verbal and written actions.

• Maintains a positive attitude, even in difficult or challenging situations.

• Supports all department and hospital quality and safety initiatives.

• Maintains infection control standards in procedure rooms/areas of patient care services.

• Ensures assigned work area meets hospital safety and professional appearance standards.

• Identifies and addresses maintenance and facility issues as needed.

• Renews and submits all required licensure and certifications prior to expiration.

• Maintains competencies and complies with credentialing continuing education requirements.

• Completes other duties as assigned by Manager.

Qualifications

Required:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent (Radiologic Technologist with advanced training and board certification in Radiation Therapy)

Licensure:

• IEMA- Illinois Emergency Management Agency in Medical Radiation Technology licensure

Certification:

• ARRT- American Registry of Radiologic Technology certification

• AHA BLS- Basic Life Support certification through the American Heart Association certification

Preferred:

• Multilingual Proficiency in other languages

• Extensive computer proficiency

• Prior experience as a Radiation Therapist in a comparable clinical setting

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. 

Background Check 

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. 

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.  

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. 

Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information https://jobs.nm.org/benefits  

Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings.  

If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.  

Compensation: 46.44 to 61.41 (USD) (HOURLY)