What are the responsibilities and job description for the Radiation Therapist position at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists?
Position Summary : Under direction of the radiation oncologist and lead therapist, the radiation therapist will be responsible for ensuring the most optimal radiation therapy treatments are provided to patients. This will be a team approach in professional operations with treatment delivery, simulation, and brachytherapy, or any other care related to the radiation therapy treatments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following :
- Fulfills patient care responsibilities, as assigned, which may include but not limited to : Checking schedules and organizing patient flow; accompanying patients to treatment area; assisting patients as needed with walking, transfers, and preparing for treatment.
- Performs warm-up and calibration checks of equipment as necessary. Performs linear accelerator, HDR, and CT warm-up procedures. Checks photon beams and all electron beams for consistency. Checks physic components for accuracy of beam alignment. Documents findings outside the range established by physics. Notifies lead radiation therapist / physicist immediately of findings outside the normal range of operations.
- Fabricates blocks, molds, bolus material, and immobilization devices as needed.
- Accurately delivers radiation treatment according to written prescription and treatment plan. Provides safety and patient care through the consistent practice of departmental procedures for treatment administration. Recognizes deviation from prescribed treatment delivery and reports all deviations to the lead radiation therapist / physicist / chief therapist.
- Assures the quality of treatment delivery through the complete and accurate documentation of treatment records.
- Assures the quality and consistency of treatment portal placement by taking portal films, CBCT or KV imaging according to departmental procedures and adjusts treatment fields as indicated.
- Under the direction of a radiation oncologist, takes localization radiographs, CBCT, or OBI Images according to planned treatment delivery. Assists physician or nurse in the administration of contrast agents used during treatment localization. Performs measurements for use during treatment calculation. Collects and documents data acquired during the simulation procedure. Accurately inputs treatment-related data into the verify-and-record system.
- Assists, as needed, in all treatment-related procedures (including but not limited to : HDR Brachytherapy, CT Simulation, and external beam radiation therapy).
- Uses effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills to provide explanations for treatment-related procedures.
- Explains procedure to patient, communicates during treatment and procedures, and if an emergency arises during treatment.
- Responds effectively to patient concerns.
- Assesses patient physical and emotional needs.
- Observes patients for expected and unexpected reactions to treatments and communicates this to appropriate staff members.
- Reinforces patient education / side effect management information and indicates non-compliance to medical / nursing staff.
- Coordinates and completes the daily treatment schedule in an effective manner.
- Maintains an accurate record of procedures including billing information and codes
- Maintains a safe, orderly patient care / treatment room.
- Prepares room and equipment for patients according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lead protection devices, etc.
- Performs initial and weekly patient chart checks on all radiation therapy patients.
- Performs all duties as assigned by lead radiation therapist(s) and radiation director.
- Act as a patient advocate while providing privacy and confidentiality.
- Other tasks as requested by management.
Requirements
Qualification / Requirement :
Education / Training / Experience :
Benefits :
This Job Is Ideal for Someone Who Is :
This Company Describes Its Culture as :
Schedule :
8 Hour Shift, Can range from 6 : 30 am to 9 : 00 pm