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Radiation Therapist

Description:

LOCATION: Piedmont Mountainside (Jasper, GA)

SCHEDULE: Full-time, Mon-Fri

JOB PURPOSE:
Performing tumor localizations and administering ionizing radiation for infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients as prescribed by the supervising physician.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED:
Graduation from an ARRT accredited radiation therapy program. Registered in radiation therapy with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. CPR certified.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Performs radiation therapy treatments.
a. Administers prescribed radiation treatments to patients precisely, efficiently and according to standardized or recommended techniques.
b. Checks chart/electronic record for patients diagnosis, consent, prescribed dose, daily tumor dose, any specific instructions regarding the patients treatment status, and/or adjustments to the radiation dose prior to initiating treatment.
c. Maintains constant visual and audible communication with patient during treatment at all times.
d. Ensures that ARIA information management system and radiation therapy treatment record are identical
e. Maintains patient markings and tattoos patients according to established guidelines.
f. Obtains ID photos, setup and field photos of treatment area for the medical record.
g. Images patients in accordance with physician prescription and department protocol.
h. Positions patient in an accurate and consistent manner.
j. Assists patient on and off the table and adheres to hospital patient safety guidelines.
j. Identifies patient via two forms of identification prior to each treatment.

2. Performs radiation therapy simulations.
a. Utilizes standard or recommended techniques for immobilization and identifies opportunities for improving patient set-ups.
b. Performs simulations in accordance with the physicians directives and documents information appropriately.
c. Recognizes the need to re-evaluate a patient set up technique.
d. Assists with the development of precise and reproducible techniques for simulations.
e. Prepares or assists with the production of molds, casts, custom blocks or other beam modifying devices.
f. Safely administers contrast.
g. Provides appropriate education to patient and family and confirms pre-treatment paperwork is completed.
h. Checks for a signed consent before starting procedure.

3. Assists with nursing functions.
a. Evaluates patients health status while under treatment and reports accordingly to nurse and/or radiation oncologist.
b. Weighs patient as requested by the nurse.
c. Observes patient for unusual reactions/side effects and events and reports to the radiation oncologist and/or nurse.
d. Identifies and assists with the educational needs of the patient and family members.
e. Provides psychological support to the patient and family especially involving the discussion of fears and concerns that relate to the issues of cancer and treatment.

4. Schedules and coordinates patients treatments.
a. Schedules patients for radiation treatments while taking into consideration machine utilization, staffing and patients needs.
b. Assists with the scheduling of CT simulations assuring that they are performed in a timely manner.
c. Schedules patients for treatment planning as directed by the treatment prescription.
d. Schedules patients for the appropriate activity codes.
e. Enters and schedules appropriate care paths in Aria..

5. Performs quality control functions.
a. Prepares patient and rooms for treatment to ensure safety and privacy and administers prescribed radiation dosages to patients undergoing therapeutic treatments.
b. Correctly performs the calculation of patient dosage for treatment.
c. Performs daily warm ups on linear accelerators and simulators. Evaluates all variations found and reports such variations to physics.
d. Assist physics staff in quality control program.
e. Shows competence in Radiation Safety by following policies and procedure regarding the use of personnel dosimetry and safe use of hazardous equipment.
f. Consistently documents machine faults appropriately on the machine error log.
g. Notifies physicist immediately of any machine malfunctions.

6. Makes responsible decisions that enhance productivity and reduce costs.
a. Considers the cost of equipment and/or supplies before making requests or selection.
b. Makes efficient use of supplies that are available.
c. Assists management with identifying cost containment initiatives or revenue enhancement projects.
d. Manages time appropriately.
f. Accurately enters and reviews daily charges.

7. Communicates with others/colleagues.
a. Establishes a good working relationship with other members of Radiation Oncology Services as well as other hospital personnel.
b. Maintains a positive attitude and demonstrates a willingness to adapt to change.
c. Performs appropriately in an emergency and/or difficult situation by remaining calm, notifying the appropriate personnel, and initiating the appropriate action.
d. Provides positive, supportive communication to patients, families and visitors.
e. Maintains good working relationship with physicians.
f. Communicates wait times to patients if delayed more than 10 minutes after the scheduled
appointment.
g. Utilizes the components of AIDET when communicating with patients.
h. Seeks ways to improve patient satisfaction scores.

8. Performs miscellaneous functions.
a. Answers phone as necessary and relays information in a timely manner.
b. Participates in the Continuous Value Improvement Process.
c. Adheres to JCAHO, ACR, OSHA and hospital standards.
d. Keeps treatment room stocked with necessary linen and supplies.

9. Demonstrates appropriate communication with clients of various age groups.
a. Uses appropriate language when communicating with people of varying age groups.
b. Successfully completes age-specific competency checklist.
c. Appropriately communicates with the Registered Nurse on age specific issues.
d. Demonstrates the appropriate approach to clients of various age groups.

10. Participates in departmental programs and initiatives.
a. Attends meetings & serves on committees as requested by management.
b. Participates in department functions and activities.
c. Assists management with identifying ways to implement department goals and objectives.