Radiation Therapist (Travel)

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed according to established practices and standards.
• Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as a liaison between providers and support staff; preparing equipment, such as immobilization devices, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files.
• May assist in localization of tumor and dosimetry procedures.
• This description is not intended to be a complete list of duties.
• Other duties may be assigned within Product of practice.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide services based on the physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and other related criteria appropriate to the age specific and/or cultural diversity of the population served in his/her assigned area.
• Maintains required core competencies.
• Complies with set Policies and Procedures (i.e. name tag, dress code, parking, smoking, etc.).
• Delivers accurately the prescribed course of radiation therapy with minimal supervision.
• Checks for completion of dose prescription and signed consent form. Treatment will not be initiated until the above are completed.
• Explains procedures to patients; communicated openly with patient during treatment.
• Maintains awareness of procedures to follow in the event of an emergency during patient treatment.
• Reinforces the Radiation Oncologists advice to patients regarding reactions to treatment and care.
• Prepares the treatment room and equipment for each patient according to the prescription approved by the Radiation Oncologist (immobilization devices, field size, treatment distances, lead protection devices, etc.).
• Transfers patients safely to the treatment table, giving special care to catheters, IV drips, etc.
• Checks daily treatment time and delivers prescribed dose.
• Maintains visual and audio communication with the patient during treatment.
• Maintains patient markings.
• Takes photographs of all patients and their ports; documents these photographs with correct patient information (name, date, area treated); and places photographs in patients treatment chart.
• Observes patients for unusual reactions and reports them to the Radiation Oncologist.
• Assists patients as necessary in entering or leaving the facility, entering or leaving the treatment room, dressing or undressing, or with other mobility needs.
• Observes radiation safety measures for patients and team members.
• Accurately maintains patients treatment charts and therapeutic dosages as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist.
• Assists in tumor localization procedures and ensures that all localization films and portal verification films are reviewed by the Radiation Oncologist on a routine basis to ensure proper positioning and treatment.
• Accurately implements any field or dosage changes prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist.
• Fabricates treatment devices, including lead shielding blocks as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist.
• Works effectively with minimal supervision.
• Assists in dosimetry procedures, including taking contours and other procedures as necessary.
• Performs simulation procedures, including proper positioning of patient and machinery, taking and developing diagnostic films of treatment fields, and filing films properly.
• Ensures that the Radiation Oncologist has approved each treatment film before initiating treatment.
• Maintains a clean and orderly workstation.
• Schedules patient treatment appointment times and simulation appointment times.
• Initiates machine start-up procedures at the proper time to be ready to treat patients at their appointment.
• Rotates on-call and weekend duty as specified by department policy and schedule.
• Notifies the Radiation Oncologist of any patient complication, patient complaint, treatment termination, or treatment misadministration.
• Reports any treatment errors immediately to the Physicist and the Radiation Oncologist.
• Adheres to all departmental policies and procedures.
• Secures and maintains supplies in the treatment room.
• Checks beam directional devices, protective devices, heavy and dangerous equipment, and keeps records under the supervision of the Physicist.
• Reports malfunctioning equipment to the Radiation Oncologist.
• Attends departmental meetings.
• Ensures proper documentation of procedures in the patients chart and in accordance with billing procedures.
• Maintains state and other required licensures.
• Participates in and documents Quality assurance management (i.e. weekly SSD checks and Diode readings), according to the departmental policy and procedures, under the direction of the Physicist.
• Maintains and uses IMPC for patient treatment, simulation or CT treatment planning schedule.
• Utilizes personal protective equipment (PPD) per standards.
• Demonstrates ability to assess a situation, consider alternatives and choose an appropriate course of action.

Education:

• Graduate of Committee on Allied Health Education and accredited radiology program or equivalent.

Experience:

• Two to five years of clinical experience preferred.
• IMRT experience, LDR/HDR experience preferred.

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications:

• Certified by the American registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT).
• Current American Heart Basic Life Support (BLS) card.
• Must have New Mexico Licensure upon hire.