Radiation Medicine Therapist - Radiation Oncology

Position: Radiation Medicine Therapist

Department: Radiation Oncology

Schedule: Full Time, Day

Compensation Range:

$42.87- $55.46

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Chief Radiation Medicine Technologist and under the general supervision, delivers accurate dosages of radiation using up-to-date equipment and documents same in order to fulfill the prescription given by the physician and provide quality patient care.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Prepares and positions patients according to established procedure.
• Reviews patient treatment chart for prescription, treatment time and prescribed dose, and prepares treatment room and equipment according to procedure.
• Explains procedures to patients, to elicit their cooperation; reassures patients regarding treatment reactions, and advises on care of irradiated body areas.
• Prepares patients for treatment, moving patients from wheelchair or lifter to treatment table as needed.
• Positions patient, set up equipment and adjusts and activities controls.
• Administers prescribed radiation therapy to patients according to established procedure.
• Places blocks and/or wedges as necessary.
• Administers radiation therapy to patients, operating radiation machines to provide proper dosage as prescribed.
• Monitors patient during treatments for movement using television screen and intercom system.
• Monitors overall condition of patient, checking for skin changes and discoloration, and discusses with patient his/her physical condition noting changes such as nausea, sore throat and the like and determining whether it is necessary to consult physician prior to treatment.
• Ensures that blood counts and port films are satisfactory and recorded weekly.
• Calculates surface dose, depth, cumulating, and total doses of radiation, in the absence of the Radiation Physicist.
• Assists Physicist in taking contours and measurements on the patient and assists in verifying the treatment plans.
• Documents treatment in patient chart according to prescribed practice.
• Records in patient’s chart exact dosage delivered and draws diagrams of patient’s treatment fields, and updates diagrams to reflect and document changes in original set-up as ordered by physicians.
• Cleans and maintains equipment.
• Performs related service duties such as keeping treatment room supplied with necessary supplies and general cleaning of work area.
• Inspects all equipment safety interlocks according to established procedure.
• Monitors equipment and reporting malfunctions.
• Performs related clerical and technical duties such as filing and maintaining required records, scheduling appointments, maintaining adequate supplies in treatment rooms, attending patient care conferences.
• Keeps abreast of developments in trends and techniques of radiation therapy through appropriate technical journals and participation in educational programs and meetings.
• Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
• Fosters interpersonal relationships with patients, visitor, physicians and fellow employees in a courteous, professional and friendly manner.
• Maintains all designated hospital information confidential at all times.
• Utilizes hospital's Values as the basis for decision making and to facilitate the division's hospital mission.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
• Performs other duties as needed

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Requires knowledge of Radiation Medicine generally acquired through completion of an Associate’s Degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.

EXPERIENCE:

• Requires knowledge of department policies and procedures, familiarity with equipment, and proper set-up of equipment normally acquired through three to six months on-the-job training.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Requires analytical ability to determine proper set-up of equipment and patient, calculate length of treatment and detect adverse reactions to treatments.
• Must have interpersonal skills sufficient to work with others and deal effectively with patients.