Radiation Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Kerrville Cancer Center Radiation Therapist

Job Description

Job Title: Full Time Staff Radiation Therapist

General Summary of Duties: Radiation therapists are highly skilled members of the cancer management team. They are responsible for accurately recording, interpreting and administering the treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists. During treatment, therapists help physicians use imaging or CT scans to localize and outline anatomical areas requiring treatment.

Radiation therapists have continual contact with patients for the course of their treatment, educating them about treatment and simulation procedures and potential radiation side effects.

Monitoring and observing each patient's clinical progress and emotional needs also are part of the therapist's daily routine. The therapist, as a member of the health care team, refers patients to physicians, nurses or social service professionals when necessary.

Supervisor: Immediate Supervisor - Clinic Manager

Also Reports to Radiation Oncologist, Upper Management/Owner, Contract Physics and Contract Billing Service

Works in a team manner with Nursing, Receptionist and Maintenance

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Major Responsibilities/Tasks:

• Accurately documents details of treatment procedures and maintains daily treatment records
• Performs daily and periodic quality assurance equipment checks on CT, Bat Ultrasound, Linac 2100, and Varian iX
• Takes a weekly quality assurance film
• Administers therapy treatments in the delivery of a planned course of treatment to adult patients. Monitors, and reports, undesirable effects, reactions, therapeutic responses and incompatibilities. Monitors doses to normal tissues within the treatment field to assure that tolerance levels are not exceeded
• Operates and understands the function of equipment, accessories, treatment methods and protocols and applies such knowledge appropriately
• Simulates a course of treatment by defining and identifying tumor volume, target volume and treatment volume as directed and prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist
• Following simulation scans consent, places patient on treatment schedule/ new start list, QCLs physics chart checks, downloads photos, and creates treatment chart
• Coordinates treatment schedule with patients. This includes start date, daily treatment times, and any changes due to patient or clinic needs.
• Once treatment plan is complete approves fields in Mosaiq, creates treatment wave, schedules treatment and fields in RO Treat, scans plan and places in physical treatment chart
• Keeps up to date boost list for Physics in Google Drive
• QCLs the Radiation Oncologist of any boost plans needing approval the day prior to starting
• Performs weekly chart checks
• Constructs and/or prepares immobilization devices, beam directional devices and treatment accessories, which facilitate treatment delivery
• Once patients complete treatment performs treatment completion summary, QCL treatment completion summary for the Radiation Oncologist and Physics, changes Mosaiq status to complete, breaks down vac-loc bag and cleans to be reused
• Checks treatment and CT/SIM patient charges daily
• Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly manner.
• Provides on-call duty, as required
• Provides patient and family with education as needed
• Maintains a professional and compassionate attitude towards patients
• Works with co-workers in a collaborative manner to ensure quality treatment of the whole patient - physically, mentally, and emotionally
• Orders therapy supplies such as masks, radiographic markers, vac-loc bags, vac-loc accessories and film
• Informs nurse and the Radiation Oncologist of any significant changes in patient’s condition
• Reports to Physics and LINAC and CT/SIM Maintenance Contractor(s) any problems with the LINAC and CT/SIM
• Cross trains to cover nursing and front desk duties
• Maintains the monthly community information board and table materials
• When possible, assists in keeping the spirit of the Cancer Center cheerful by putting out seasonal decorations in the lobby and entrance
• Practices appropriate personal safety measure with regard to lifting, exposure to body fluids, hazardous materials, and radiation safety
• Complies with HIPAA law and all other applicable medical workplace laws
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet the organization’s needs

Education

Degree or Certification from JRCERT accredited radiation therapy program. ARRT certified and active Texas license.

Experience

One year experience in a treatment setting preferred but not required.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the practice’s policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and insurance practices.
• Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation for effective communication.
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications used in the practice.
• Knowledge of EMR’s.
• Knowledge of the human anatomy and physiology.
• Knowledge of medical privacy laws and the strict adherence to patient privacy with regard to their medical information.
• Knowledge of the different types of cancer and their treatments.
• Knowledge of side effects due to radiation.

Skills:

• Skill in using treatment equipment.
• Skill in forming immobilization devices.
• Skill in making cerrobend treatment blocks.
• Skill in using body mechanics to setup patients for treatment.
• Skill in written and verbal communication.
• Skill in handling/lifting patients to minimize the potential for Staff injuries.
• Skill in exercising a great deal of compassion with patients and their families in order to make their experience of being treated for cancer as positive as possible.

Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively as a team member with the physician and other staff.
• Ability to sort and file materials correctly by alphabetic or numeric systems.
• Ability to interpret and understand insurance benefits and reimbursement.
• Ability to flexibly respond to changing demands.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to work with little supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, and the public.
• Ability to work with compassion and patience with people who are facing a very serious medical condition and their families.
• Ability to keep all patient information in the strictest of confidence.
• Ability to work with very important detailed documents and electronic medical records that require much care in scanning and careful observation that one is locating information into the correct patient files.

Equipment Operated: Varian Clinac 2100 and Varian iX, GE Lightspeed CT, Nomos Bat Ultrasound, IMRT,Mosaiq, computer with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel and Windows based additional programs, printers, scanners, fax machine, multiline telephone, sphygmomanometer, professional health scale and other equipment as needed.

Work Environment: Position is in a well-lighted comfortable office environment. Position is Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Occasional evening and weekend work, normally only if machine has gone down and patients need to be rescheduled - very rare. Varied activities including sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting.

Mental and Physical Requirements: Involves walking or standing approximately 60 percent of the day, sitting the remainder. A Radiation Therapist assists patients in getting on to the treatment table and adjusting them for alignment purposes. This requires the ability to lift or move up to 75-100 lbs. May require working under stressful conditions or emotional situations.

This description is intended to provide only the basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions may change as the practice’s needs evolve. Regular and predictable attendance and a professional appearance as well as a teamwork attitude and excellent attitude of customer service is an essential function of every job within our office.