Radiation Therapist - Radiation Oncology

Stanthonyhospital; Iowa; On-site; USD 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanthonyhospital in Carroll, IA is seeking a Radiation Therapist to interpret physician orders and deliver precise external beam radiation therapy. You will educate patients on the procedure, coordinate with Radiation Oncologists and nurses, and ensure accurate documentation during treatment.

The role involves simulation/localization, device construction, QA checks, and maintaining safety standards throughout the treatment course.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in health sciences or related field required.
• BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Interprets physician orders, prescriptions and instructions for precise delivery of radiation therapy, and communicates clarifications to staff.
• Educates patients about care/service and method of delivery, documents education, and coordinates with nurses and physicians.
• Simulates/localizes target volume, documents parameters, and prepares for treatment planning scans.
• Constructs immobilization devices and beam modifiers, verifies device safety and accuracy.
• Performs chart checks, documents calculations, and ensures dose plans are double-checked by physics and physicians.
• Delivers external beam radiation therapy using prescribed energies, maintains patient marks, and documents treatment delivery.

Education

Associate's degree in health sciences or related field

Job description

Radiation Therapist - Radiation Oncology

Job Category: Cancer Services

Requisition Number: RADIA001318

• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Carroll, IA 51401, USA

Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interprets physician orders, prescriptions and instructions for the precise delivery of radiation therapy. Verifies accuracy of written documentation of prescription/orders with Radiation Oncologist(s). Communicates/notes clarifications to/for other pertinent staff members.
• Educates patient regarding type of care/service and the methodology or procedure for the delivery of that care/service. Evaluates patient understanding and comprehension of teaching, documents education in patients' medical records, and communicates further educational needs with Radiation RNs and MDs. Informs nursing staff or Radiation Oncologist(s) if the patient has unanswered questions or concerns. Check for patient signed informed consent. Reinforces patient teaching throughout the course of treatment.
• Simulates/localizes target/tumor volume by positioning, immobilizing, filming, and marking the patient according to physician orders and physics recommendations. Documents simulation/set-up parameters and instructions accurately and completely. Reproduces simulations/tumor localization set-up for treatment planning C.T. scans, physics contours and portal verification on first day of treatment.
• Constructs Immobilization devices (e.g. aquaplast masks, and vac locks) and customized beam inhibitors (e.g. cerrobend blocks, boluses and compensators) according to the Radiation Oncologist(s) design. Verifies accuracy of device construction and viable safety of device for a patient and staff.
• Performs chart checks and documents any calculations or treatment planning parameters produced. Ensures calculations and isodose plans have been double checked by physics and where applicable signed Radiation Oncologist(s). Amends or corrects any documentation of calculation or isodose plans that have changed.
• Precisely delivers radiation therapy utilizing a variety of external beam modalities i.e. linear accelerated multiple photon energies, multiple electron energies as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist(s) and calculated/verified by the Medical Physicist or Medical Dosimetrist. Uses the correct boluses and electron blocks as instructed on treatment plan. Maintains patients’ marks. Monitors patient visually and audibly during treatment delivery. Documents for treatment delivery accurately and completely in the EMR.
• Verifies/ensures ongoing accuracy of positioning and blocking of treatment portals by producing images per physician orders. Outlines and/or tattoos treatment fields on the patient’s skin. Documents completion of films, pictures, diagrams, marks, and tattoos in patient’s medical records and labels accordingly.
• Assesses patient’s physical and emotional well-being throughout the course of care and treatment. Evaluates integrity of skin and tissue within treatment area. Assesses any changes in patient’s stance, gait, mental status, and pain level. Communicates evaluations to nursing staff and the Radiation Oncologist(s) and documents all observations or findings. Supports coordination of consultations for nutritional, social, spiritual, evaluation and counseling and for the diagnostic examinations such as x-rays or lab studies.
• Initiates daily warm-up procedures for the Linear Accelerator(s) and/or simulator and performs daily constancy checks for quality control. Verifies accuracy of laser lights, radiation exposure alarm on console, door interlocks and emergency off switch. Takes temperature and barometric pressure readings and calculates correction factors. Documents quality control review and reports any failures or discrepancies immediately to medical dosimetrist, medical physicist, or director as appropriate. Should discrepancies or failure exist, makes appropriate decisions regarding safe use of a linear accelerator or simulator. Confers with the Radiation Oncologist if potential for patient care to be compromised exists.
• Assimilates appropriate treatment/simulation/education equipment/materials/supplies in preparation for delivery of patient care and as recorded in treatment record. Stocks/maintains adequate supply inventory in treatment/simulation suites. Disposes of expired/contaminated supplies regularly. Cleans and disinfects patient surfaces after each use.
• Participates in clinical instruction of students. Provides instruction to students with regard to patient positioning, treatment delivery and documentation, quality control, and simulation. Consistently supervises student(s). Refers student problems to clinical instructor or program director as necessary.
• Assists Radiation Oncologist(s) with radioactive implants (brachytherapy). Localizes implant applicator(s) with simulation techniques. Transports patient to implant suite/room. Assists dosimetrist/physicist with room survey and transportation of radioactive materials for the patient loading.
• Participates actively in performance improvement activities as assigned. Ensures ongoing assigned QA/QI controls and documentation are complete and current. Contributes to quality control activities as assigned and documents accordingly. Communicates ideas, process problems, or discrepancies to the department director and/or the department performance improvement committee.
• Authorized to make entries in the medical record, consistent with and limited to the scope of the job duties and any applicable licensure.
• Practices and behaves in a professional, safe and ethical manner at all times.
• Serves as a patient advocate.
• Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude.
• Participates in performance improvement and educational activities. Completes all CEU's as required by respective licensure. If licensed, maintains an active and current license.
• Works willingly and accepts assignments as given.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and programs.
• Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.
• Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.
• Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations
• Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St. Anthony's Safety Manual.
• Maintains the confidentiality of patient, resident, employee and organizational information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Associate's degree in health sciences or related field of study or equivalent combination of experience and education.

Position Requirements, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification through the American Heart Association required. New hires may obtain certification during