PRIMARY FUNCTION:

To apply ionizing radiation to the patient in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the physician.

Under clinical supervision of the Chief, Radiation Therapist, Administrative Director Radiation Oncology, and the professional direction of a radiation oncologist, performs various radiation therapy treatments and/or simulations at a technical level requiring minimal supervision of technical details.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Consistently administers treatment safely and accurately through proper setup, positioning, machine preparation, and monitoring as planned and prescribed by the radiation oncologist.
• Follows principles of radiation protection (ALARA) for patient, self, and others

• Consistently performs and documents assessment of review of the orders; treatment plan; signed consent; correct laterality; correct site; signatures of dosimetrist, physicist, and radiation oncologist; patient set-up; bolus; pacemaker; etc. ( see Assessments under Therapy in EMR, Mosaiq for therapist assessment responsibilities)

• Keeps accurate documentation of treatment or CT delivery in patient record.

• Performs basic calculations.

• Prepares and maintains scheduling of treatments, imaging procedures, simulations, transportation, and other appointments.

• Correctly charges patients for services rendered.

• Performs time-out prior to delivery of radiation or CT scanning.

• Provides daily care and monitoring of patient's treatment tolerance, making necessary referrals.

• Observes all safety rules for patients and staff per Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); follows principles of radiation protection.

• Observes hospital and departmental policies and procedures.

• Attends departmental meetings and in-service

• Upon request, actively participates on committees.

• Fabricates custom blocks and molds as needed.

• Maintains a clean work environment.

• Maintains supplies

• Demonstrates skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, including knowledge of growth and development, the ability to obtain and interpret information to identify patient needs, and to provide the care needed.

• Consistently performs assigned work safely, adhering to established departmental safety rules and practices.

• Reports to management staff, in a timely manner, any unsafe activities, conditions, hazards, or safety violations that may cause injury to oneself, other employees, patients and visitors.

• Effectively manages change and encourages innovation.

• Collaborates with other members of the Radiation Oncology team, through demonstrated involvement and initiation in department operations.

• Mentors less experienced Radiation Therapists.

• Actively participates in the clinical training of students from affiliated Radiation Therapy programs
• Performs other related duties as required.

SCOPE, PURPOSE, AND FREQUENCY OF CONTACTS:

Frequent contact with nursing, support staff, physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, social workers, escort personnel, Clinical Engineering, patients, and their families. Some contact with service personnel and maintenance staff

DIRECTION/SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

None

DIRECTION/SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Chief Radiation Therapist, Administrative Director and Radiation Oncologist

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma
• Graduate of an accredited school of Radiation Therapy (CHEA, University-based)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in specialty and employed

-Minimum 5 years of experience in specialty and employed a minimum of 2 years at Christiana Care

• Associate degree or working toward an associate degree; Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Previous leadership or senior Radiation Therapist experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Strong knowledge in the field of Radiation Oncology

Knowledge in medical terminology

Knowledge of hospital and departmental policies and procedures.

Skill in math, science, oral and written communication.

Skill in organization.

Proficient use of computers

Ability to properly operate all equipment.

Ability to assess the needs of the patient.

Ability to react positively in an emergency situation.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Board certification in Radiation Therapy Technology (ARRT)

State of Delaware licensure as Radiation Therapist; Maryland License may be required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequent standing, walking, lifting, pushing and pulling patients; frequent lifting of heavy objects

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Clean, spacious comfortable environment. Minimal exposure to radiation. Possible exposure to disease bearing specimens, gases, chemicals, and elements.