Perform radiation treatment and simulation procedures under the direction of a Radiation Oncologist while ensuring accurate documentation and patient safety. Coordinate treatment unit activities, perform quality assurance checks, and serve as a subject matter expert for special procedures.
Requirements summary
Requires a minimum of 2 years of experience as a radiation therapist and a degree or certificate from an accredited Radiation Therapy Technology program. Must hold ARRT certification and BLS certification from the American Heart Association.
Description Under the supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist, the Radiation Therapist performs treatment and simulation procedures, as directed by the Radiation Oncologist.
Perform radiation treatment and simulation procedures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologists instructions and departmental procedures.
Provide thorough documentation of simulation set-up, and procedure information.
Prepare and/or administer IV and oral contrast.
Perform POCT testing for pregnancy, and in preparation for IV contrast administration.
Prepare treatment room and equipment for patient according to the prescription and simulation, including placement of immobilization devices, setting of treatment devices, verifying parameters and any protection devices.
Staff working in this role will coordinate activities of their assigned treatment unit; appointment scheduling, CRT coordination; emergency start; QA-CT; initial and weekly chart checks.
Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for special procedures, treatment unit operations, and trouble shoot difficult set-ups.
Monitor treatment unit schedule to maintain proper alignment of treatment appointment durations.
Support department policies, quality improvement initiatives; implementation of new processes and workflows.
Work with Chief and Lead to coordinate transfers between treatment machines during periods of operational break down or scheduling challenges.
Explain procedure, including pre- and post-simulation or treatment.
Answer questions and reassure patient before and after procedure.
Transfer patient to treatment table with care for IV s and catheters.
Check patient treatment plan and deliver prescribed dose.
Maintain patient skin markings.
Document treatment, in accordance with departmental protocols.
Keep physician informed and adapt treatment per physician orders.
Acquire and analyze digital radiograph of all treatment area(s).
Observe radiation safety measures for patient and personnel.
Perform patient positioning and immobilization device construction to promote set-up consistency for daily treatments.
Operate CT simulation unit, and supporting equipment; Power injector, gating, model construction equipment.
May assist in special procedures including HDR; Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Implants.
Evaluate images for technical quality, and proper positioning.
Perform initial set-up checks to facilitate daily set-up consistency, and confirm congruency between prescription, treatment site, treatment plan parameters, and other relevant information.
Monitor patient visually and audibly during therapy procedure for any unusual reactions or events.
Use judgment and inform physician if indicated by patient's condition, before proceeding with treatment.
Report relevant information to designated supervisory personnel.
Interface in a highly collaborative manner with all members of the patient's care team including: radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, social workers, administration and others.
Schedule treatment appointments to optimize department efficiency and patient convenience.
Report changes in patient's condition or inappropriate response to treatment to Radiation Oncologist or Nurse.
Assist with orientation and training of new or transfer staff to ensure competence in the functionality of all therapy related equipment.
Support training and oversight of radiation therapy students within the guidelines of the program and the department.
Assist with the maintenance of department facilities, equipment, and supplies.
Report maintenance and repair needs to supervisor.
Maintain a clean and order work area.
Participate in educational in-services, as appropriate.
Participate in professional activities and organizations to maintain and expand knowledge of current trends, practices, and developments.
Ensure procedure charges for are accurately recorded.
Perform on-call duties to provide emergency treatments during non-clinic hours.
Demonstrate continuous job related competencies on an annual basis as applicable.
Participate in the evaluation of treatment devices.
Maintain compliance with medical center and regulatory agency standards in regard to annual training, infection control, Radiation Protection guidelines, and credentialing requirements.
Ensure adherence to patient safety standards.
Complete daily QA process for CT scanner and Linear Accelerators.
Record results and report suboptimal performance of these systems to the Medical Physicist and other designated personnel.
Conduct new plan and therapist chart check quality assurance audits on charts of those patients starting and under treatment; ensure required set-up instructions are recorded and plan timeouts are completed.
S upport hospital and department Quality/safety event learning processes.
Comply with established department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.
Submit SAFE or RO-ILS reports as needed.
Participate and support department QA and QI initiatives.
Review treatment protocol criteria, to ensure adherence of treatment delivery to guidelines.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Provide patient care and/or support activities appropriate to all ages served, primarily adults ages 18-65 or geriatric patients ages overage 65.
May also include care for infant age 0-1 year, child ages 1-12 years or adolescent 13-17 years.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of 2 years experience as a radiation therapist. Certificate or degree from an accredited Radiation Therapy Technology program. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification, and Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste, Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock , Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation , Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. Additional Details Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
