Radiation Therapist

1. Performs a variety of radiation oncology procedures for radiation oncology patients as requested by the healthcare provider and assists in managing the overall care of the patient.

• Provide precise/accurate radiation treatments and simulations to ensure patient safety and quality care.
• Maintain technical expertise in operation of radiation therapy equipment.
• Accurately perform basic dose calculations.
• Accurately interpret and implement prescription and treatment plan as directed by the radiation oncologist.
• Maintain complete chart for each patient including all pertinent clinical information.
• Assist with brachytherapy procedures.
• Practice within the published task inventory or scope of practice for radiographers and radiation therapists as defined by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology.
• Monitor patient’s clinical progress and refer patients to medical or nursing staff for appropriate intervention.
• Accurately communicate patients’ needs and issues with other members of the healthcare team.

2. Prepares room and equipment for radiation therapy.

• Carefully follow warm-up procedure/dose check on linear accelerators, simulators and CT scanners daily to ensure accurate and safe treatments.
• Ascertain equipment malfunction and/or output variances and report to physicist, lead therapist or manager.
• Check the prescribed dose and verify machine settings prior to initiating treatment.
• Disinfects all equipment after and after each patient contact.
• Follows infection control procedures.
• Maintains and restocks appropriate supplies.
• Follows established protocol in accordance with the requested procedure being conducted.
• Ensures all equipment is maintenance and in optimal function condition.
• Reports and follows up on equipment issues.

3. Prepares patient for procedures.

• Identifies patient appropriately.
• Validates the procedure to be performed with the patient and obtains necessary consent.
• Validates patient prep and medical history for exam ordered.
• Explains procedures to the patient effectively.
• Perform weekly chart checks to ensure accuracy in patient chart.
• Assists in performing first aid as needed.
• Anticipates and responds appropriately to the needs of the patient and his or her family.
• Schedule all patients to allow enough time to thoroughly complete each procedure while maintaining well run, efficient operation.
• Respond appropriately to unexpected scheduling changes and ensure patient care and convenience are maintained whenever possible and patients are notified of any changes.
• Educate and instruct patients about treatment and reinforce advice given by physicians and nurses at a level the patient can understand; including education on procedures, skin care, side effects, and nutrition within their scope of practice.
• Observe patients for physical and emotional changes, side effects and nutrition needs.
• Ensure patients are seen by physicians in accordance with departmental policy and procedure.

4. Completes Quality Assurance measures to promote patient safety and outcomes.

• Participate in performance improvement and quality assurance programs to ensure the accuracy and safety of radiation treatments delivered, meet regulatory requirements and ensure patient and personal safety.
• Follow quality assurance procedures to guarantee daily accuracy throughout a patient’s course of treatment.
• Obtain treatment field localization and review films with physician per policy.
• Accurately identify anatomy and adjust ports solely when policy allows.
• Actively participate in weekly departmental patient conferences to discuss patient progress, complications, field changes and other issues relating to the care of the patient under treatment.
• Perform data collection for designated QA/QI monitors as requested.
• Adhere to strict safety guidelines.
• Maintain knowledge of basic radiation physics and principles of ionizing radiation in handling and use of radioactive materials.
• Provide clinical instruction, in-services, and continuing education as needed in support of the radiation therapy curriculum.

5. Follows established radiation safety policies and procedures to protect patients and staff and performs in a manner that ensures patient safety.

• Follow policies/procedures/regulatory requirements and perform other work assignments.
• Wears personal radiation monitoring device while on duty.

6. Performs patient documentation and completes necessary office duties.

• Ensures patient reports are received in a timely manner for the health care provider. Ensures patient charges are accurately documented using the EHR system.
• Provides input and assists with maintaining department policies, procedures, and product information.
• Provides patient demographics and reports to hospital billing system.
• Ensures correct patient exam is filed so charges are accurate for billing.
• Document patient set up information and daily/cumulative dosage and verify at regular intervals to ensure accuracy.

7. Communicates effectively.

• Communicates and collaborates effectively with other health team members regarding patient condition, nursing plan of care, patient satisfaction needs and recommendations for meeting identified outcomes.
• Identifies and recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, established priorities, and takes appropriate action. Appropriately reports condition changes to medical provider.

8. Performs other duties as assigned.