PRN Radiation Therapist (44563)

Position Type PRN

Job Shift Day

Education Level Certification

Travel Percentage None

Category Health Care

Description

The Radiation Therapist is responsible for providing the highest level of care while delivering ionizing radiation to the patient in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist and under the general supervision of the Physicist.

Must be able to adhere to the Behavioral Expectations/Customer Service Standards, demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to ensure safe operation of the facility, demonstrates compliance with HIPPA policies and procedures and an understanding of the population served.

Maintains the integrity of radiation treatment processes:

• Maintains the accuracy of the treatment chart including patient identity, treatment prescription, diagnosis, calculations, and thorough knowledge of Aria.

• Document all parameters of simulation and treatment in ARIA

• Follows proper protocols for procedures

• Maintains technical/clinical competency in all routine procedures and on all equipment

• Prepare room and equipment for patient according to physician instructions regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, etc

• Ensures proper radiation doses are delivered and recorded daily

• Ensures all images are taken and checked according to department standards.

• Assists in scheduling patients for their appointments

• Transfer patient safely to treatment couch, giving special care to catheters, intravenous drips, etc

• Ensure patient treatment meets all expectations and safety guidelines

• Deliver accurately the prescribed planned course of radiation therapy with minimal supervision

• Maintain patient markings

• Observe patient for unusual reactions and events and report accurate information to the nursing staff and/or Radiation Oncologist

• Maintain a clean area including treatment rooms, console and patient changing rooms

• Perform weekly chart checks to verify accuracy of documentation, billing and treatment

• Submit appropriate CPT charges for services rendered

• Simulate patients using CT simulator or clinical setup

• Ensures equipment is warmed up every morning; daily output checks

• Solid basic knowledge on CT Simulations and applications

• Solid basis knowledge on Linear Accelerator and applications

• Other duties as required by Physician, Physicist or management

Adheres to safety and radiation policies for the protection of patients, staff, physicians and self:

• Utilizes proper radiation protective equipment when exposure to radiation is a possibility, while maintaining radiation exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)

• Follows Universal Precautions related to Bloodborne Pathogens

• Reports any safety concern by documenting in maintenance log any repair needing attention

• Reads and signs Radiation Safety Manual annually

• Follows State regulations for reporting of misadministration

• Maintains visual and auditory contact with patient during treatment

Assist in patient education, provides instruction and support to patients and family:

• Explain procedure to patient, means of communication during treatment and procedure to follow if emergency arises during treatment and confirms their understanding

• Reinforces care plans on management of side effects and general care

• Reports changes in the patient's condition to physicians and nurses

• Assists Physician and nurse in follow up care

Performs daily analysis on equipment to assure proper worker conditions for minimum downtime:

• Perform daily and weekly QA on Linac and CT, communicating any discrepancies with Physicist

• Coordinate service and repairs for Linac and CT with engineers

• Trouble shoots technical, software problems, writes problems in logbook when repair is needed

• Reports equipment breakdown to Director, Physician and physicist

• Shows responsibility in handling equipment and avoiding intentional breakage.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Must have completed and Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Radiation Therapy.

• Must have completed 12-month certificate program in Radiation Therapy

• Must have American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification

• Have current licensure for state you will practice

• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills

• Ability to adapt to change readily

• ARRT registered in Radiation Therapy

• Certified Medical Radiological Technologist (CMRT) in Texas

• Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of ARIA, interfacing with Eclipse planning system

• Experience with Varian Truebeam Linear Accelerator

• CT Simulation setup experience