Radiation Therapists

Baystate Health; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 59,236 - 79,900; Full time

Job summary

Baystate Health is seeking a Radiation Therapist in Springfield, MA to oversee the safe administration of high-dose ionizing radiation under the radiation oncologist’s supervision. You will collect data, use imaging technologies for localization, and contribute to treatment planning as prescribed.

You will act as a primary liaison between patients and the radiation oncology team, communicating with social workers and dietitians as needed, while upholding ethical standards and departmental

Qualifications

• 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

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 and administers treatments as prescribed.
• Communicates clearly to explain procedures in layman’s terms and reassure patients.
• Performs quality assurance activities and chart checks.
• Performs clinical functions including simulation, immobilization fabrication, imaging, planning, dose calculations and documentation.
• Ensures accurate delivery of treatment fields using imaging technologies and reviews images with the team.
• Monitors patients for adverse effects and communicates with care teams.
• Review discharge instructions and follow up with patients as applicable.
• Maintains knowledge of equipment and seeks guidance for safe operation.
• Participates in on-call rotation and ongoing training.
• Maintains license and continuing education credits.
• Precepts Radiation Therapist Students and Graduates.

Skills

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Critical thinking

Technical skills

Education

Associates Degree

Job description

At Baystate Health we respect the privacy of our candidates and recruits. Please note that we will not contact candidates directly to ask for personal information over the phone, such as date of birth, social security number, or any other private financial information.

We are a 716-bed independent academic medical center. We are the community's major referral hospital, and we provide a wide range of services, including:

• And care for many other injuries, illnesses, and conditions
• Ranked among highest performing hospitals nationally by U.S. News & World Report
• Among only 1% of hospitals to be recognized by Magnet® 4 consecutive times
• Named a top 50 cardiovascular hospital by Watson Health
• In addition to our outstanding care for adults, we also treat children with acute and chronic illnesses at Baystate Children's Hospital, which is located on our main Springfield campus.

For more information, please visit us online at: baystatehealthjobs.com or interact with us socially at facebook.com/BaystateCareers or on Twitter @BaystateCareers

THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH BAYSTATE! (some of these advantages may or may not apply to you)

• High-quality, low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance
• Sign on bonus (Sign on Bonuses are paid to external hires only; not applicable for internal or company transfers, unless otherwise specified. Former employees are eligible after 1 year post separation from Baystate Health)
• Pet, home, auto and personal insurance
• Certification and continuing education reimbursement
• Nursing forgivable loan program
• 403b retirement company match & annual company contribution increase based on years of service.
• Life insurance
• Free money coach advice from a certified professional
• Reimbursement for a variety of wellbeing activities, included but limited to gym memberships and equipment, personal trainer, massage and so much more!

SCHEDULE

• Full time 40 hours
• Day shift

LOCATION

Baystate Medical Center

Springfield, MA

Baystate Health, western Massachusetts’ only academic center and tertiary care provider has a long and proud tradition of continuous learning and improvement. We educate and train hundreds of healthcare workers every year and advance knowledge about new approaches to care. At Baystate Health we know that treating one another with dignity is what elevates respect for our patients and staff. Together our inspired and compassionate teams manage the whole health needs of all communities in need.

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

• 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 (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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Monitors patients for adverse side effects and communicates to appropriate personnel.
• Review instructions for discharge and follow up with the patient, as applicable.
• Understand the function of equipment and analyze equipment faults seeking guidance from appropriate personnel and/or vendors as required to achieve a safe resolution.
• Mandatory on-call rotation. Process and workflow is all-inclusive.
• Maintains knowledge of departmental and organizational policies and procedures. Seeks assistance for clarification, as needed.
• Maintains knowledge of operator manuals and manufacturer’s recommendations for the safe operation of all radiotherapy equipment.
• Participates in the implementation of new technologies and subsequent training of staff members as required.
• Participates in regulatory inspections such as JCAHO, DPH, and accreditation and/or reaccreditation of the radiation therapy program.
• Participates in instructing students and the evaluation of students throughout their clinical rotation.
• Performs and completes other duties as assigned.
• Maintains license and continuing education credits.
• Precepts Radiation Therapist Students and Radiation Therapist Graduates.

Required Work Experience

• Graduate of an accredited Radiological Sciences Program in Radiation Therapy or equivalent from a two-year Certificate Program
• Accredited programs must meet the JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) standards

Preferred Work Experience

• One year of experience.

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.

Education

Associates Degree (Required)

Certifications

Radiation Therapy – American Registry of Radiologic TechnologistAmerican Registry of Radiologic TechnologistAmerican Registry of Radiologic Technologist

Compensation

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer