Radiation Therapist

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?Summary:Under the direction of the Radiation Therapy Supervisor or Lead therapist, the radiation therapy technician works with the clinical physicists, dosimetrist and other therapists as part of a treatment team. Staff therapists are proficient in many departmental functions, primarily the accurate and safe delivery of daily radiation treatments. The proficiency is achieved by various rotations on all treatment units, plus on adequate exposure to CT simulation.Responsibilities:Patient Care and Education: Checks photo in treatment chart to help identify patients with same names and asks further information as required to assure correct patient is being treated. Explains procedures thoroughly to patient and reinforces physician's advice to patient regarding reaction to treatments and their care. Transfer patient safely to treatment couch giving special care to catheters, IV's, etc. Provides for patients physical needs during stay in the department to ensure continued support and maintenance of radiation safety measure. Provides emotional support and general information to patient when appropriate, following departmental guidelines for confidentiality. Contacts nursing staff and/or social worker when deemed necessary.Procedure Preparation/Patient Preparation: Prepares room and equipment for patient according to prescription and special instructions regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, shielding, etc. Ensures room is sufficiently stocked with supplies at the end of the day to minimize delays during peak treatment hours. Reports to appropriate personnel when supplies are low.Procedure Execution: Ensures proper and current forms are reviewed and signed by patient and physician. Aides in patient undressing, assuring that appropriate area is covered with patient gown. Attaches restraining, protective diagnostic and/or monitoring devices properly to the patient prior to treatment. Positions patients according to instructions, using devices needed to ensure accurate delivery of treatment. Checks and initials therapy chart for prescription with staff MD's signature, PPMC ID number and signed consent form. Checks therapy chart for supervisor and physics initials, not to exceed three treatments without these being present. Performs simulation procedures following techniques and guidelines used in our department. Follows departmental procedure for monitoring patient's dosimetry for TLD's. Follows departmental policy for treating TBI patients.Machine and Equipment Operations: Operates machinery correctly, following all safety rules. Dismantles, cleans and stores equipment according to departmental standards and procedures. Visualizes and evaluates condition of treatment area to determine if special precautions are required, reporting alarm conditions, e.g., moist desquamation, skin breakdown, sore throat, etc. to appropriate personnel. Observes patients mental health status and attitude for any changes and report to appropriate personnel. Manages film treatment fields every 5 - 7 treatments. Evaluates and discusses with physician any changes to be made in treatment fields. Monitors equipment during operation to ensure it is properly functioning. Stores and/or disposes contaminated or expired material according to departmental procedures. Performs safety inspections and/or tests as required to ensure safety standards are met. Checks treatment room supplies to assure their proper status for emergency situations. Recognizes when a situation is critical, requires immediate attention and calls nurse and/or physician. Initiates correct call or contacts appropriate resources needed to provide or obtain emergency services according to departmental procedures. Provides emergency assistance as required and/or directed by the appropriate authority or emergency team leader. Schedules treatments effectively, minimizing delays but allowing sufficient time for contingencies. Assigns scheduling priorities according to patient condition or timing of request. Communicates schedules or rescheduling to patient and appropriate personnel promptly. Maintains and checks daily billing and reviews accuracy of information for official daily reports. Accurately documents in patient's radiation therapy chart daily treatment given. Documents details of decisions and actions with accuracy for future reference. Takes photographs of patients treatment set up where applicable (e.g., electron set ups). Administers IV contrast as prescribed by the physician in accordance with the policies, procedures and competencies established for CT Simulation.Credentials:Amer Registry Radiologic Tech - AART (Required)Education or Equivalent Experience:Certificate of Completion from Approved Radiation Therapy Technology Program Required.We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.Live Your Life's WorkWe are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.