Radiation Therapist - Per Diem

Overview

Position Summary:

The Radiation Therapist delivers professional radiation therapy services, including executing daily radiation therapy treatments, scheduling patients, simulation of patients, maintaining accurate patient treatment records and participating in the quality assurance/quality control activities of the center. The Radiation Therapist works in collaboration with the oncology services team of Cancer Treatment Center patients and their families.

• Performs daily set up and delivery of approved courses of radiotherapy in a timely and accurate manner.
• Assumes care for physical and psychological needs of patients during treatment delivery.
• Observes clinical progress of patients and reports signs of complications according to policy and procedure.
• Performs simulations on new treatment areas to define exact parameters as prescribed by Radiation Oncology using professional knowledge and skills for optimum treatment.
• Perform basic nursing skills according to policy and procedure.
• Assist physician in patient follow-ups, weekly check-ups and initial consultation.
• Scheduling of daily treatments, transportation provided by STC, treatment planning exams and other diagnostic procedures.
• Provide dosimetry services in conjunction with the medical physicist.
• Accurately obtain weekly portal films and provide accurate identification/documentation; use film processor.
• Prepare and present treatment charts; maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Prepare treatment devices and blocks, and assist with patient transport to treatment equipment as necessary.
• Assist patients and families in gaining access to appropriate CTS and community services.
• Make referrals to physicians, oncology team, nurses, community health agencies or other professional staff as needed.
• Participate in the identification, data collection and review of quality assurance activities of the center.
• Apply principles of basic radiation physics, radiation interactions and radiation protection to all activities involving staff and patients.
• Perform quality control function for the center, including appropriate measurement, documentation and reporting of findings.
• Detect and report equipment malfunctions, while ensuring patient safety and timely repair of equipment; contact service provider to initiate repair within time frame to least compromise patient treatment and safety.
• Provide input for equipment and supply purchase decisions.
• Perform inventory control, inventory documentation and purchase of supplies for assigned area as appropriate.
• Assist in the maintenance of patient records, including requisitioning, retrieving and filing of charts and other files.
• Maintain accurate patient records, all documentation according to prescribed policy and procedure, complete and legible.
• Help ensure correct patient billing and maintaining accurate billing records.
• Verification of 800’s (audits/summary of patient charges), performed with fellow therapist and/or oncology nurse.
• Responsible for general cleaning and upkeep of center, in particular the radiation work area.
• Answer telephones and direct calls appropriately; clarify physician prescribed course, prior to treatments if needed.
• Assume responsibility for continuing education relevant to personal and professional learning needs.
• Takes part in public and professional education and cancer prevention and screening programs as appropriate.
• Participates in CTS specialty committees and staff meetings; participates in the quality improvement activities of CTS.
• Demonstrates professional image, attitude and behaviors consistent with the philosophy of CTS and the radiation therapy profession.
• Performs accurate dose calculations and assists the physics staff with chart checks as needed by policy and procedure.
• Attends all annual education programs as required by the position.
• Immobilizes patient as necessary according to prescribed policy and procedure.
• Utilizes beam directional devices according to policy and procedure; operates therapeutic equipment and simulator/radiographic imaging equipment according to policy and procedure.
• Uses wedge and compensation filters, as applicable.
• Performs and documents daily,…