Radiation Therapist, Per Diem

Baystate Health; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Baystate Health in Massachusetts is seeking a Radiation Therapist to safely administer high doses of ionizing radiation under the direct supervision of the radiation oncologist. The role includes data gathering and analysis for patient treatment, use of imaging technologies for localization, and participation in treatment planning as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.

The radiation therapist will function as a primary liaison between patients and the radiation oncology team, assisting in

Qualifications

• Must be able to communicate clearly with patients and families.
• Knowledge of radiation safety procedures and quality assurance basics.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Responsibilities

• Practices radiation safety according to policy and procedure.
• Ensures proper identification of each patient and treatment site according to established policy and procedures.
• Confirms radiation therapy written directive daily; administers treatments as prescribed; seek clarification if needed.
• Communicates clearly: explains the procedure in layman’s terms; answers questions and reassures the patient.
• Performs quality assurance activities: start-up, safety checks, chart audits, dose verification, and staff training.
• Performs clinical functions: simulation, immobilization fabrication, verification of setup, imaging, planning, dose calculations, parameter validation, treatment delivery, documentation.
• Ensures accurate delivery of treatment fields using electronic imaging; reviews imaging; monitors progress and suggests plan changes.
• Monitors patients for adverse side effects; communicates to appropriate personnel.
• Review discharge instructions and follow up with the patient.
• Understand equipment and analyze faults; seek guidance to resolve safely.
• Participates in on-call rotation; maintains policy knowledge; training for new technologies.
• Participates in regulatory inspections and student instruction; performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains license and continuing education credits.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Verbal communication

Written communication

Technical skills

Critical thinking

Education

Graduate of an accredited Radiological Sciences Program in Radiation Therapy or equivalent from a two-year Certificate Program

Accredited programs must meet the JRCERT standards

Job description

Summary:

The radiation therapist is responsible for the safe administration of high doses of ionizing radiation under the direct supervision of the radiation oncologist. Job responsibilities include acquiring and analyzing data in preparation for patient treatment, use of various imaging technologies for localization of the treatment area, and participation in treatment planning as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.

The radiation therapist will function as a primary liaison between patients and other members of the radiation oncology team. Additionally, the radiation therapist will also assist in communication with other health care providers such as social workers and dieticians, and will remain sensitive to the needs of the patient through communication, patient assessment, patient monitoring, and patient care skills.

Adheres to the accepted standards, code of ethics, and policies and procedures adopted by the profession and regulated by law.

Job specifications and related duties are subject to change based on departmental requirements and medical advancements in treatment modalities.

Job Responsibilities:

1) Practices radiation safety according to policy and procedure.

2) Ensures proper identification of each patient and treatment site according to established policy and procedures.

3) Confirms radiation therapy written directive (radiation prescription) daily. Administers radiation treatments as prescribed by the radiation oncologist. Contact the manager, senior therapist, or oncologist if unsure of orders and needs clarification.

4) Communicates clearly: Explains the nature of the procedure and/or treatment in layman’s terms. Answers questions and reassures the patient to alleviate fears and/or apprehension.

5) Performs quality assurance activities: Morning start-up, safety checks on all patient care equipment, maintaining visual and audible communication at all times, comprehensive chart checks, chart audits, dose verification using computer software, staff competencies, training, equipment shutdown and all other quality assurance activities as identified and required.

6) Performs clinical functions: Simulation, Fabrication of immobilization device(s), Verification of patient set-up and immobilization, Imaging, Treatment planning, Dose calculations, Validation of treatment parameters, Treatment delivery, and Documentation.

7) Ensures accurate delivery of treatment fields using electronic imaging technologies. Reviews imaging both independently and as a team member prior to submission for daily approval. Monitors patient progress and suggests changes to the treatment plan as appropriate.

8) Monitors patients for adverse side effects and communicates to appropriate personnel.

9) Review instructions for discharge and follow up with the patient, as applicable.

10) Understand the function of equipment and analyze equipment faults seeking guidance from appropriate personnel and/or vendors as required to achieve a safe resolution.

1. Mandatory on-call rotation. Process and workflow is all-inclusive.

2. Maintains knowledge of departmental and organizational policies and procedures. Seeks assistance for clarification, as needed.

3. Maintains knowledge of operator manuals and manufacturer’s recommendations for the safe operation of all radiotherapy equipment.

4. Participates in the implementation of new technologies and subsequent training of staff members as required.

5. Participates in regulatory inspections such as JCAHO, DPH, and accreditation and/or reaccreditation of the radiation therapy program.

6. Participates in instructing students and the evaluation of students throughout their clinical rotation.

7. Performs and completes other duties as assigned.

8. Maintains license and continuing education credits.

Required Work Experience:

1) Graduate of an accredited Radiological Sciences Program in Radiation Therapy or equivalent from a two-year Certificate Program

2) Accredited programs must meet the JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) standards

Preferred Work Experience:

1) One or more years in Radiation Therapy

New graduates welcome to apply

Skills and Competencies:

Detail-oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills.Strong technical skills and critical thinking. Ability to interact with all levels of staff in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment,

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate’s relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

• $43.08 - $49.52 - $58.56

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.