RADIATION THERAPIST

The Staff Radiation Therapist in the Radiation Oncology Department applies ionizing radiation to adult and geriatric patients in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist.  They must be capable of operating radiation-producing equipment utilizing radiation safety measures, and be able to perform a series of complex and precise technical procedures.

The Staff Radiation Therapist in the Radiation Oncology Department demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.

• Responsible for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose of radiation for treatment of cancer.  Verifies calculations of treatment values and prescription according to parameters.  Takes weekly verification films of all areas being treated.  Carries out patient treatment parameters in accordance with set up instructions and proper immobilization to accurately deliver radiation to the proper site and dosage.  Assists in the fabrication of treatment devices when required.  Assists physicians with various procedures by making recommendations and/or suggestions with regard to technical limitations of equipment or patients and the ability to successfully administer therapy.  Refers patients to the physician or nurse when indicated due to changes in symptoms and/or treatment side effects.  Schedules patients for outpatient appointments.  Maintains supplies and inventories.  Provides instruction and supervision to students participating in a clinical program.  Completes weekly patient chart checks to maintain quality and accuracy.
• Maintains compliance with State and HFAP/ACR requirements in regard to radiation safety and protection for patients and staff.  Attends scheduled in-services to review policy/procedure and safety measures.  Maintains ARRT licensure and demonstrates evidence of.  Follows hospital dress code and wears appropriate monitoring device to detect personnel exposure
• Responsible for monitoring equipment operations and reporting of any malfunctions or peculiarities to the manager and/or radiation physicist to ensure proper function prior to treatment of patients.  Performs morning QA output checks on a daily basis consistent with radiation physicist recommendation.
• Performs and documents proper charge capture for all procedures performed.
• Completes proper documentation in the patient treatment record according to procedure which is consistent with an environment of safety and good communication
• Proficient in simulation and fabricating treatment devices
• Contributes to the development of students in the department and is responsible for teaching and completing radiation therapy student competencies
• Has a thorough understanding of proper use of electronic medical record.
• Effectively operates a computer using MS Office applications such as Word, Excel.
• Has a thorough understanding of proper billing practices and is able to use site specific office management system for scheduling and billing
• The department manager or Lead Therapist will decide specifically which employee (s) in the radiation therapist job title that will be assigned to take call/ standby pay and receive additional compensation.  These decisions shall be made fairly and equitably using work and skill related factors.  All status hour radiation therapists will be required to be placed into the On Call/ Standby rotation, as determined by the department manager or Lead Therapist.
• Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures as evidenced by observation, documentation and peer feedback
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Must be a graduate from an accredited Radiation Therapy School

Must be registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or registry eligible and registered within one year of employment.

Must be BLS-CPR certified

A minimum of 6 months clinical experience in Radiation Therapy, which is equivalent to one-year clinical experience, gained from an accredited radiation Therapy School.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Must possess knowledge of a variety of treatment modalities including experience with Linear Accelerators and Simulators
• Excellent verbal and writing communication skills are required.  Experience in treatment planning and computer dosimetry desired
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with others in person and on the telephone.
• Mandatory tuberculosis (TB) testing must be completed annually

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Constant standing, walking.
• Frequent lift up to 25 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, carrying, pushing, pulling, twisting, reaching.
• Frequent handling, feeling, talking, near vision, midrange vision.
• Frequent far vision, depth perception, visual accommodation.
• Frequent color vision, field of vision.
• Occasional lift up to 100 or more lbs.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and squatting. ICIMCHNonNJ