Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapist

Join our team as a Radiation Therapist, where you will play a crucial role in delivering prescribed ionizing therapeutic radiation under the direction of the Radiation Oncologist. This position offers a supportive environment with a focus on patient care and safety.

Job Description

• Responsible for performing the accurate delivery of prescribed ionizing therapeutic radiation using a variety of complex techniques and equipment.
• Shares and coordinates key information with other members of the healthcare team through documentation and oral communication.
• Ensures the ability to obtain and interpret information while considering each patient's specific needs.
• Maintains proper licensure from ARRT and Arizona Department of Health Services.
• Maintains active CPR BLS certification.
• Prepares treatment room and equipment.
• Explains procedure, skin care, side effects, and nutrition to patients.
• Accurately utilizes image guidance tools for target localization and adjusts patients' positioning as advised by the program and overseeing physician.
• Performs CT Simulation procedures under the direction of a radiation oncologist, including the administration of oral and IV contrast materials.
• Constructs custom immobilization devices such as aquaplast masks, stereotactic masks, and vaclok bags.
• Delivers the prescribed planned course of radiation therapy and monitors patients' physical condition during treatment to determine any adverse side effects.
• Documents all pertinent information in the medical record, including treatment area, dose per fraction, dose to date, time outs, and patient communication.
• Monitors patients' clinical progress; withholds treatment if necessary and refers patients to medical or nursing staff for appropriate intervention.
• Performs daily linear accelerator warm-up procedures and checks physics components for accuracy of beam alignment.
• Communicates any issues noted during warm-up and/or treatment procedures for linear accelerator and CT simulator to manager and physics staff in a timely manner.
• Completes and charts all simulation and treatment documentation accurately.
• Communicates clearly and concisely with all members of the healthcare team, patients, and family.
• Follows radiation safety protocols competently.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies.
• Maintains a cooperative relationship among healthcare teams by communicating information, responding to requests, building rapport, and participating in team problem-solving methods.
• Calls service engineers when approved and accurately maintains machine error logs.
• Performs initial, boost, and weekly chart checks through the use of electronic medical record chart check forms.
• Attends departmental meetings.
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to assess difficult situations and implement suggestions or changes as needed.
• Maintains a clean and organized work environment.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information related to physicians, patients, and medical staff.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Successful completion of an Associate's or Bachelor's degree program in Radiation Therapy or completion of a Radiography Certificate program plus a 12-month Radiation Therapy Certificate program.
• Minimum of one year experience as a staff therapist is preferred.
• Current certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
• Current licensure through the Arizona Department of Health Services for Radiation Therapy.
• CPR certification.

Benefits

• Medical, health savings account (HSA), dental, vision, life and AD&D, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending account (FSA).
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan.

Performance Requirements

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of radiation therapy theory and applications.
• Knowledge of radiation safety protocols.
• Knowledge of dosimetry and treatment planning.

Skills:

• Effectively perform radiation procedures, particularly safety procedures.
• Explain radiation plans and treatments to patients and their families.
• Identify unsatisfactory set-up situations and/or errors.

Abilities:

• Ability to work in a team-based work setting that prioritizes patient satisfaction.
• Ability to observe and deal competently with patients' emotional conditions while maintaining a positive attitude and providing emotional support.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with the healthcare team.
• Ability to demonstrate manual/finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and agility for use with equipment.

Work Environment

Medical offices and exam rooms that are clean, well-lit, and well ventilated. Exposure to radioactive materials and communicable diseases.

Mental/Physical Requirements

Considerable standing (four to six hours per day), walking, sitting, and bending. May need to help transfer patients and lift/carry equipment weighing 75+ pounds.