Radiation Therapist

Holy Name is New Jersey's last remaining independent, Catholic health system, comprising a comprehensive 361-bed acute care medical center, a cancer center, medical fitness center, residential hospice, nursing school, and physician network. The system has a national reputation for providing culturally sensitive care to a diverse population, drawing patients from across the New York City region to its specialty centers and renowned doctors. Holy Name's mission to provide technologically advanced, compassionate and personalized care extends across a continuum that encompasses education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and wellness maintenance. The system is known as a high-quality, low-cost provider of extraordinary clinical care given by compassionate, highly trained physicians and staff.

A Brief Overview
Staff radiation therapist uses ionizing radiation to treat patients in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist, performs other related duties to insure that the departmental functions and routines are maintained.

What you will do

• Assures that the prescribed course of radiation therapy treatments is delivered accurately by checking patient identification, diagnosis, prescription, treatment plan, and chart.
• Explains to the patient the treatment procedure, means of communication during treatment and steps to follow if emergency arises during treatment.
• Prepares room and equipment for patient treatment including but not limited to immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lasers, beam shaping lead blocks, etc.
• Delivers prescribed dose of radiation to treatment area by positioning patient properly and accurately setting daily treatment time or monitor units.
• Maintains visual and/or audible communication with the patient during the treatment
• Maintains very accurate and legible records of the daily treatments and other records as required.
• Observes treatment related reactions and events and reports the same to Radiation Oncologist, nurse and/or technical supervisor.
• Simulates treatment portals using simulator as prescribed by Radiation Oncologist.
• Performs calculations for treatment time set or monitor units following the procedure set up by Medical Physicist.
• Preparation or immobilization devices and treatment field shaping devices.
• Follows procedures for daily and weekly Quality Control and safety checks on treatment units, beam direction devices and protective devices. Keeps accurate records of the same and reports any deviations or malfunctions to the physicist promptly.
• Assist in daily treatment appointment schedule in conjunction with patient transportation and patient care floors.
• Stock and maintain supplies and linen in treatment and simulator rooms.
• Observes equipment for proper operation and reports any malfunctions to the Chief Therapist, Radiation Oncologist and /or Medical Physicist. Keeps record in the log book. Contacts manufacturer or service personnel when necessary.
• Observes and practices radiation safety measures for patients and personnel.
• Observes and practices infection control measures as designated in the hospital policies and procedures.
• Answers patient questions regarding treatment responsibly and clearly. Directs the patient to Radiation Oncologist, or nurse of therapist is unable to fully answer any questions.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to provide care to patients of all ages form young adults to geriatrics.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Varian systems particularly , ARIA scheduling, charge capture and clinical data.
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent Required and
• Accredited Radiation Therapy Program Required and
• Bachelor's Degree Preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Attention to detail;
• Teamwork;
• Communication and strong computer skills

Licenses and Certifications

• ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Radiation Therapy and hold a current license as required by the New Jersey State. Upon Hire Required

Holy Name is a mission-driven facility whose quality standards and philosophy are rooted in the principles of its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. Those principles are exercised daily by the Medical Center's dedicated and talented team of physicians, nurses, allied health employees, and a wide variety of non-clinical administrative and operational staff members. Holy Name is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

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