Radiation Therapist

SUMMARY:         Accurately delivers a planned course of radiotherapy.  Keeps accurate treatment records.  Provides care to patients of all ages. Exercises professional judgment in treatment delivery.  Applies principles of radiation protection. Participates in patient follow-up programs and department QA program. Performs duties within the scope of practice for radiation therapists.

Primary Job Responsibilities

1.  Accurately delivers a planned course of radiotherapy with minimal supervision.

o   Always remains alert during procedures, demonstrates ability to handle unexpected situations with calm efficiency, anticipates problems, and functions appropriately.

o   Monitors a patient’s condition to allow accurate observation of changes and reports such changes to attending physician immediately.

o   Reads patient consultations and progress notes to be alert to any change in treatment plan.

o   Before initiating treatment, always checks daily treatment setting (mu/time) vs. prescription and delivers prescribed dose; also validates appropriate patient identification.

o   Consistently maintains complete and accurate records in appropriate order regarding neatness and thoroughness. Ensures that each treatment delivery and documentation is accurately executed and logged.

o   Takes initiative to collect information on all new patients on a daily basis. Prepares charts as well as all pertinent matters prior to meeting patients; organizes information before day’s schedule begins in order to prevent problems and/or omissions.

o   Always accepts responsibility to review all port films at beginning of the day to assure proper treatments. Handles any necessary changes prior to start of day to ensure efficient flow of patient care.

o   Always responsible and completely aware of all occurrences for each patient’s treatment delivery on a daily basis.

o   Always maintains visual and audible communication with patient during treatment.

o   Understands, demonstrates, and applies the theories and principles of radiation therapy.

2.  Assumes responsibility for assigned areas.  Maintains treatment rooms and work stations in clean and sanitary condition; maintains equipment.

o   Initiates and maintains a timely treatment schedule, maintaining departmental treatment quotas. Efficiently schedules and accurately records appointments; always notifies appropriate personnel.

o   Prioritizes work for efficiency. Ensures adequate/appropriate time based upon the nature of the appointment to allow continuous and efficient processing of patients.

o   Prepares accurate statistical data in a timely fashion.

o   Takes timely verification films and makes correction to ports when necessary including documentation in chart and on port film.

o   Through written and/or verbal communications, assures that questions, problems, and information is communicated to all appropriate staff to ensure quality and efficient process of work; follow up this action.

o   Accurately prepares daily billing log in a timely manner.

o   Schedules conedowns in a timely fashion. Arranges for any special supplies, equipment, or other needs as required.

o   Assures that work area is cleaned daily. Cleans and prepares room between procedures and after last use.

o   Ensures that area is arranged and restocked in an organized manner to enable an efficient retrieval of charts and supplies as well as a safe traffic flow.

o   Properly decontaminates area when necessary in an efficient manner.

o   Restocks supplies when necessary in an organized manner to enable efficient retrieval.

o   Informs supervisor or engineer of any equipment malfunctions or problems immediately.

o   Documents all equipment problems as they occur, keeping all documentation current.

o   Follows up on any problems to ensure appropriateness of equipment for use.

o   Always uses equipment with care and for an appropriate task.

o   Has a good working knowledge of all equipment in the department, as well as troubleshooting procedures.

o   Demonstrates good cost conscientious judgment in use of equipment and supplies.

3.  Performs duties as required or directed.  Functions well within the department.

o   Willingly carries out additional assignments as required.

o   Utilizes unassigned work time in an appropriate and productive manner. Regularly assists other staff when personal work assignments are completed.

o   Always strives to meet schedule requirements. Performs duties with an efficient and confident attitude.  Carries out work assignments promptly.

o   Demonstrates an ability to maintain efficiency on days of peak activity; multitasks when necessary to ensure a smooth workflow and adherence to schedule.

o   Cooperates in adjusting work hours to meet fluctuations in departmental needs.

o   Takes the initiative to begin daily treatment schedules on time, and to complete end of day tasks on time without guidance.

o   Maintains an effective working relationship with patients, visitors, hospital personnel, and other work-related contacts. Makes a sincere effort to be helpful to other department members. Seeks assistance when necessary and refers problems to supervisor when appropriate.

o   Responds in a positive manner to constructive criticism and change.

o   Always demonstrates the ability to remain friendly, flexible, and cooperative during all work conditions especially during moments of stress.  Approaches interpersonal relationships in a manner which avoids antagonism and reduces conflict.

4.  Maintains a professional demeanor consistently in professional appearance and professional manner.

5.  Assumes responsibility for own professional development and pursues continuing education.

6.  Adheres to all safety practices and procedures.

7.  Participates in, abides by, and encourages the use of the quality assurance program.

o   Checks chart daily for any errors.

o   Maintains proper information in treatment chart. All treatment parameters are properly documented, photographs and/or diagrams are labeled, and prescriptions are accurately calculated and followed.

o   Prepares chart summation/close outs and files films accurately and in a timely manner.

o   Possesses a working knowledge of treatment planning and immobilization techniques, and performs tasks as necessary.

o   Performs daily machine quality assurance warm-up procedures, accurately documenting data and notifying proper personnel of any inconsistencies or problems

o   Proficient in the use of the department electronic management system.

8.  Actively participates in departmental training and orientation programs.

9.  Informs patient and family on pertinent matters and exercised professional judgment.

o   Responds to patients and family members in a positive manner and with empathy.

o   Always attempts to elicit patient’s cooperation and allay his/her fears by explaining the nature of the procedure and addressing any concerns he/she may have in a positive and patient manner.

o   Displays confidence and working knowledge of treatment techniques around the patient.

o   Prepares treatment room for each patient prior to patient’s entry.

o   Exercises professional judgment and responsibilities in treatment delivery.

o   Demonstrates the appropriate care and communications to all patients according to their age and/or physical, psychosocial, and development needs.

10.   Maintains responsibility for attendance/reliability to ensure that the Hospital is operated in an efficient and cost effective manner.  

11.  Contributes to the mission of the organization by supporting the Employee Philosophy, Planetree Model of Care, and Organizational Goals. 

EDUCATION:  Graduate of Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (AMA) Accredited Radiation Therapy Technology Program or equivalent. Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or board-eligible for a restricted period. Hold current State of Connecticut license, CPR certification, and maintains required CMEs.

EXPERIENCE: Competence in components of radiation therapy technology practice as appropriate. Valid state credentials. Competence in caring for all patients treated at the hospital regardless of age, disability, sexual preference, gender, and/or ethnicity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:  Ability to function under pressure of time demands. Position requires eye-hand and gross body coordination skills; extensive walking.  Position requires the ability to concentrate on details in spite of interruptions and attend to tasks for more than 30 minutes at a time.  Individuals must be able to understand and relate theories behind several related concepts and remember multiple tasks given over long periods of time.