Radiation Therapist

Location: Chicago, IL

Hospital: RUSH University Medical Center

Department: Radiology Therapeutic

Work Type: Part Time (Total FTE 0.4)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 10 Hr (7:00 AM - 5:30 PM)

Summary:
Under the direction of the Manager, Radiation Therapy and Lead Radiation Therapists, the Radiation Therapist I is responsible for the delivery of radiation therapy treatment as prescribed by the radiation oncologist, daily maintenance and quality assurance checks for the equipment, maintenance of the inventory of department supplies, and administrative quality assurance checks as assigned. Enforce compliance with all policies, standard operating procedures, and regulations related to routine operations. Maintain courteous, helpful, professional image at all times. Promote teamwork by working together with other department staff and peers. Provide positive and departmentally supportive influence to the work group. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and ICARE values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Required Job Qualifications:
1. Required: Minimum of three (3) years of continuous clinical experience.
2. Required:
a. Valid Illinois State License in Radiation Therapy
b. Valid ARRT certification in Radiation Therapy
c. Valid BLS certification
3. Bachelor's degree or Graduate degree is highly desired.
4. Exposure to training other staff members
5. Experience in a particular specialty required
6. Must have proficient technical knowledge and skill set. This includes but is not limited to demonstrating efficient knowledge of all equipment operation, tools and procedures specific to assigned area. This also includes demonstrating the ability to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise.
7. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal professional relationships with physicians, management, peers, patients, and their families.
8. Must convey a positive attitude and present a professional appearance.
9. Must have effective communication (both oral and written) skills sufficient to resolve conflicts, and relay information concisely to staff, patients, and other hospital personnel.
10. Must have sufficient organizational skills.
11. Demonstrate strong customer service skills, including the ability to use appropriate judgment, independent thinking and creativity when resolving issues and conflict.
12. Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently.
13. Demonstrate the ability and flexibility to effectively handle challenging and stressful situations and to balance and shift multiple priorities.
14. Must have the ability to adapt to frequent interruptions and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
15. Must have interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively with patients who may be under physical and/or emotional stress.
16. Must have to ability to handle sensitive and confidential patient information.
17. Must be proficient in the use of the Radiation Oncology Information Systems and software and Hospital Information Systems that integrate with the Department of Radiation Oncology, including, but not limited to: ARIA, EPIC, ExacTrac.

Responsibilities:
1. Responsible for daily patient care and education.
a. Appropriately involves the patient and their family in care and care decisions.
b. Maintains and demonstrates respect for patient confidentiality and modesty.
c. Explains the treatment procedure.
d. Arranges daily radiation treatment schedule.
e. Monitors patient's physical and physiological response and reactions to treatment and refer patient for appropriate management as needed.
2. Assists the Manager and Lead Radiation Therapist in the efficient operation of the assigned clinical area.
a. Performs daily QA measures to ensure proficient operation of all imaging and treatment equipment.
b. Performs daily shutdown procedures.
c. Confirms and reviews status of new patient and cone down information in a timely manner.
d. Performs accurate QA measures for all new start information.
e. Reviews schedule to confirm number of patients, imaging, and new patient starts.
f. Notifies Lead Radiation Therapist when inventory and supplies are needed.
g. Assists in organizing team during equipment failures and notifies patients as well as all functional areas of the department.
3. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to perform all aspects of treatment.
a. May be asked to participate in and demonstrate knowledge in one or more specialty areas and programs, including but not limited to: all aspects of simulation, Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Total Body Irradiation (TBI), HDR, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).
4. Assists with the triage of emergent cases, negotiates scheduling of patients with other care team members.
5. Administers radiation therapy treatment accurately and safely.
a. Monitors and reports treatment variances and inconsistencies.
b. Accurately document all treatment delivery information in the electronic medical record (EMR).
6. Responsible for the safe and accurate utilization of all aspects of the EMR and Record and Verify system.
a. Must have the ability to instruct and assist others in the proper use of the system.
7. Possesses knowledge of all scheduling, treatment, image review, and billing procedures involving the EMR system.
8. Demonstrates ability to accurately perform all required new start chart checks and weekly chart checks.
9. Understands the function of all equipment, accessories, treatment methods policies, procedures, protocols and applies knowledge appropriately.
10. Assists the Manager and Lead Radiation Therapists to develop new techniques or resolve clinical problems.
a. Accurately documents treatment variances and inconsistencies using the appropriate tools.
b. Practices the QA program of each treatment unit and assists with the instruction of new staff members and students as part of orientation.
c. Utilizes correct procedure checklist as necessary for each procedure.
11. Assists with the instruction and when asked, the orientation of new Radiation Therapists, students and other staff members who are unfamiliar with the department or specific procedures.
a. Conducts a guided tour of the department.
b. Introduces new staff to department personnel.
c. Orients new staff to departmental policies and procedures.
12. Participates in and appropriately documents the Time Out procedure for every treatment verification and daily treatment.
13. Utilizes the Quality Assurance (QA) program to encompass all aspects of treatment, treatment delivery and quality patient care.
14. Demonstrates cooperation and responsiveness to all staff members.
a. Models appropriate professional behavior, such as, but not limited to: courtesy, respect, constructive assertiveness, effective listening.
b. Effectively utilizes professional problem solving and negotiation skills to manage conflict.
15. Assume Lead responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Radiation Therapist, when requested.
a. Assists the Manager and Lead Radiation Therapists to insure coverage for meeting attendance and administrative duties.
16. Maintains active membership in professional organizations.
a. Participates in professional activates by attending meetings, serving on committees or task forces, writing and/or presenting scientific papers.
17. Attends regularly scheduled Therapist staff meetings.
18. Attends regularly scheduled continuing education activities.
a. Actively seeks management focused and career growth educational opportunities.
19. Participates in some clinical instruction and evaluation of the Radiation Therapy Technology students.
20. Works flexible shifts as directed by the Manager and Lead Radiation Therapists, depending on patient volume and departmental needs.
a. Coverage may be necessary on weekends and holidays in certain circumstances, as well as on call.
b. Adapts to contingency plans, which are in response to variables which influence workload and/or schedule.
21. Rotates to other treatment areas as directed by the Manager and Lead Radiation Therapists.
22. May be required to travel to network satellite clinics as directed by the Manager.
23. Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions:
1. Must be prepared to work overtime, holidays and weekends, as needed.
2. Must be prepared to work and excel in a stressful, complex, and demanding team environment with varying workload, necessitating varying working hours.
3. Works with ionizing radiation, radioactive isotopes, computers, cancer patients, both adults and children, and their families.
4. Exposure to human waste and disease.
5. Physical demands include but not limited to:
a. Lifting and repositioning patients, using mechanical assistive devices.
b. Lifting and positioning immobilization devices and beam modifying devices.
c. Continuous standing.
6. Subject to frequent stressful situations.

Competencies:
1. Initial and Annual Competencies as required.

Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

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