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Radiation Therapist

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Posted Date:6/27/2024

Job Location:St. Anthony Regional Cancer Center, 311 South Clark St, (Southeast edge of St. Anthony Campus), Carroll, IA, 51401Department:Radiation Oncology

Employment Type:ReliefJob Description

Job Summary

Precisely delivers and records radiation therapy utilizing a variety of external beam modalities and/or brachytherapy under the direction of the Radiation Oncologist.

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 alpha cradles) 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.

• Calculates basic dose for simple singular or parallel opposed treatment fields. Assists in calculation and production of computer generated isodose plans for treatment planning. 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 dual photon energies (6 MeV and 10 MeV), multiple electron energies, orthovoltage superficial energies as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist(s) and calculated/verified by the Medical Physicist or Medical Dosimetrist. Uses the correct wedges, compensators, boluses and blocks as instructed on treatment plan. Maintains patients’ marks. Monitors patient visually and audibly during treatment delivery. Documents treatment delivery accurately and completely.

• Verifies/ensures ongoing accuracy of positioning and blocking of treatment portals by producing x-ray films during simulation and every five fractions of radiation therapy treatments. Produces polaroid pictures and delineated diagrams of patient position in relationship to the gantry, laser lights, collimator and table. 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. Takes weekly weights and 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 and JCAHO standards.

• 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.

• RN and licensed to practice professional nursing in the State of Iowa preferred.

Position Requirements, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current BCLS certification.

• ARRT registered in radiation therapy with State of Iowa Radiation Therapy permit.

• Ability to create a caring, compassionate relationship with the patients and families.

• Ability to collaborate with the healthcare team to use evidence-based practice in providing care.

• One year of experience as student radiation therapist or certified radiation therapist, working in a state of the art Radiation Therapy Department with linear accelerator(s), simulator(s), custom block construction, computer generated dose calculations and treatment planning, and multidisciplinary patient assessment, education and quality control activities preferred.

• Additional experience in computerized data management, statistical tracking, dosimetry, brachytherapy and quality/performance improvement activities is desirable.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers, patients, families and employees of the organization.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Apply Online

If you have further questions, please call the Human Resources Department at 712-794-5111.

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