GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Radiation Therapist is responsible for performing safe and efficient patient simulations, and applying ionizing radiation to the patient as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist. The Radiation Therapist demonstrates and promotes service excellence at all times, and is a key member of the comprehensive team responsible for the care of the oncology patient.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepares the patient and delivers radiation treatments as directed by the Radiation Oncologist.
- Provides the patient with on-going education from their simulation through the end of their treatment.
- Provides immobilization when required.
- Provides protection in accordance with prescribed safety standards.
- Calculates required treatment times for optimum patient flow while accommodating the patient’s schedule as well.
- Evaluates the course of the patient’s treatment and plans and monitors for any changes.
- Boost
- Additional simulations
- Blocks to be added at certain doses
- Delivers treatment of photon, electron and IMRT fields.
- Comprehends the entire plan of treatment
- Able to reproduce complex setups
- Takes localization films and portal images as directed by the Radiation Oncologist, and makes sure they are approved in a timely manner.
- Utilizes the portal imaging system in conjunction with Aria/Eclipse to obtain quality images.
- Responsible for confirming that consent is in the patient’s chart prior to simulation.
- Performs the simulation process for preparation of the treatment plan.
- Completes consistency check prior to the first treatment.
- Verifies the prescription to make sure it is complete, and that it is correct in Aria/Eclipse
- Compares the templates from dosimetry against the CLC’s in the treatment room.
- Compares the dose information in Aria/Eclipse.
- Verifies the correct energy, wedges, machine parameters, and monitor units.
- Reproduces the patient’s treatment set-ups within 2 mm on a daily basis.
- Personally reviews changes requested by the Radiation Oncologist.
- Informs supervisor of set-ups that are difficult to reproduce or painful to the patient, and proposes solutions.
- Identifies the treatment volume so that it duplicates the simulation and treatment plan.
- Monitors the patient with audio/visual equipment during the treatment to observe any patient movement and notifies manager of any patient complaints.
- Documents all patient information in the treatment room.
- Monitor units given
- Date of treatment
- Therapists initials
- SSD’s
- Port films taken
- Use of bolus or other treatment aides
- Analyzes problems when setups are not reproducing and takes appropriate corrective action.
- Observes the patient for any side effects from the treatment, and adequate pain control, and refers them to the nurse and /or Radiation Oncologist, as appropriate.
- Assists with patient’s medical equipment: IV’s, oxygen, catheters, etc and report malfunctions if necessary.
- Identifies and properly amends any charting errors in accordance with hospital policy and department procedures.
- Reviews patient charts to ensure ongoing quality assurance.
- Utilizes the Aria/Eclipse system for the scheduling of patient appointment times and entering charges.
- Refer patients, as appropriate, to the Oncology Social Worker/Nurse or Dietitian.
- Makes efficient use of time to ensure efficient and timely workflow.
- Operates the equipment according to the Radiation Oncology department safety standards along with the vendor’s operating procedure manual.
- Performs daily warm-up and QA on the treatment machine and simulator.
- Assesses if the equipment is operating according to the parameters given by Physics
- Notify Physics immediately if equipment malfunctions.
- Performs LDCT per protocol for lung cancer screening program. Utilizes RadNet system for orders and data entry.
- Participates in the on-call schedule as needed.
- Responsible for other duties, as requested.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Must possess knowledge of radiobiology for doses to critical structures, lymphatics for spread of disease, and anatomical structures for localization.
- Must possess the technical skills to accomplish the medical plan proposed by the Radiation Oncologist. Computer proficiency required.
- Excellent communication skills required.
- Frequent contact with others. Contacts involve delicate or stressful issues in relation to terminally ill patients and their families. Unusual tact is required to create and maintain good will. Direct responsibility for the patient is constant.
- Significant physical and mental effort is required. Able to walk and stand 95% of the workday. Able to bend, twist, crouch, stoop, kneel, balance, grasp, pull, push, and reach. Involves frequent bending or turning, lifting/pulling/pushing with mechanical aids 35 pounds or greater. Potential hazard to radioactive materials exist.
- Linear Accelerator, Simulator, patient dose monitors, patient information computer system, patient immobilization devices, portal imaging systems, block cutter, computer, copier, telephones, and fax machine.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Six months work experience working in a clinical setting/applicable school internship.
- Completion of Radiation Therapy Program.
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED
- Active Georgia Radiation Therapist license required
- Must be a Registered Radiation Therapist or registry eligible (ARRT), with exam taken within 30 days.
- BLS required
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