Job Summary

The Radiation Therapist administers ionizing radiation to the patient in accordance with the prescription and the instruction of the Radiation Oncologis

Responsibilities

The Radiation Therapist is expected to practice safe procedures and adhere to radiation safety measures. Duties may include, but are not limited to: • Administer prescribed doses of radiation using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist • Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and validate patient identification prior to treatment delivery • Maintain accurate records of daily treatments, reports or required documents such as radiation dosages, equipment settings, simulation data, or patient reactions • Prepare room and equipment; clean and disinfect equipment in accordance with procedures • Utilize appropriate immobilization devices and treatment accessories to accurately reproduce treatment parameters • Detect unsatisfactory set-up and/or errors and promptly report them to the radiation oncologist and/or medical physicist • Maintain visual and audible communication with patient during treatment • Remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of patients; appropriately calm confused or upset patients • Explain radiation plans and treatments to patients and their families – effectively and accurately • Observe the clinical progress of the radiation oncology patient and use clinical-decision making skills to recognize and report any signs of complications to the appropriate practitioner; recognize when to withhold treatment until the p patient is seen by the Radiation Oncologist • Maintain a high degree of accuracy and awareness of safety issues; utilize personnel protective equipment • Perform the operation, warm-up, and daily QC of all treatment equipment • Identify safe limits of equipment operations and report abnormalities or inconsistencies to the medical physicist and/or proper authority • Perform treatment simulations following requests of Radiation Oncologist; construct and fabricate immobilization and treatment devices • Practice confidentiality and privacy protocols in accordance to clinic policies and HIPAA requirements • Establish and maintain a safe work environment with knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions • Adhere to the Radiation Therapist Code of Ethics • Consistent and prompt attendance is required to assure that the needs of the patient and facility are met • Perform other duties as assigned PREFERRED SKILLS • Demonstrate radiation therapy theory and applications • Computer skills with the ability to use multiple programs: treatment, R&V, EMR, QC, etc. • Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills in the clinical setting ADDITIONAL NOTES • Maintain ability to work in stressful situations • Follow directions/instructions from supervisor • Comply with facility and department policies and procedures • Act as liaison between the patient and physician and supportive care personnel • Perform all duties using proper body mechanics; manual dexterity and fine motor coordination • Variety of standing, sitting, stopping, walking, and reaching • Clinical setting with possible exposure to communicable diseases and radiation

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Patient Group Knowledge (Only applies to positions with direct patient contact) The employee must possess/obtain (by the end of the orientation period) and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide developmentally appropriate assessment, treatment or care as defined by the department’s identified patient ages. Specifically the employee must be able to demonstrate competency in: 1) ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of patient needs; 2) knowledge of growth and development; and 3) understanding of the range of treatment needed by the patients. Competency Statement Must demonstrate competency through an initial orientation and ongoing competency validation to independently perform tasks and additional duties as specified in the job description and the unit/department specific competency checklist. Common Duties and Responsibilities (Essential duties common to all positions) 1. Maintain and document all applicable required education. 2. Demonstrate positive customer service and co-worker relations. 3. Comply with the company's attendance policy. 4. Participate in the continuous, quality improvement activities of the department and institution. 5. Perform work in a cost effective manner. 6. Perform work in accordance with all departmental pay practices and scheduling policies, including but not limited to, overtime, various shift work, and on-call situations. 7. Perform work in alignment with the overall mission and strategic plan of the organization. 8. Follow organizational and departmental policies and procedures, as applicable. 9. Perform related duties as assigned.

Education 

Credentials 

• Amer Registry of Rad Techs (Required)
• Radiologic Technologist, Licen (Required) WV Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology BOE license – radiation therapyWV Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology BOE license – radiation therapy
• Basic Life Support (Required)

Work Schedule: Evenings

Status:  Full Time Regular 1.0

Location: Beckley-275 Dry Hill Road

Location of Job: US:WV:Beckley

Talent Acquisition Specialist: Lisa C. Skidmore lisa.skidmore@vandaliahealth.org