Radiation Therapist PRN

Description

Reports to: Chief Radiation Therapist & Medical Physics Operations Director 

Summary: The Radiation Therapist plays a pivotal role in the Radiation Oncology team. They are responsible for accurately delivering radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist, ensuring optimal patient safety and care throughout the treatment process. 

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Care: 

• Provide a compassionate and comfortable environment for patients undergoing treatment. 
• Educate patients and their families about the treatment process, possible side effects, and aftercare. 

Treatment Delivery: 

• Accurately deliver the prescribed radiation dose to the correct location, as per the treatment plan. 
• Operate advanced radiation therapy equipment, including linear accelerators, ensuring regular calibration and safety checks. 
• Work closely with medical physicists to ensure accurate dose measurements and delivery. 

Treatment Planning: 

• Assist Radiation Oncologists and medical physicists in the simulation and planning process as needed. 
• Ensure the accurate positioning of patients using imaging guidance techniques. 
• Participate in the customization of patient immobilization devices and shields. 

Documentation and Record Keeping: 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of patient treatments, equipment calibration, and quality assurance checks. 
• Monitor and document patient's reactions to treatment and report any unusual reactions to the Radiation Oncologist. 

Safety and Compliance: 

• Adhere to radiation safety guidelines to protect both patients and staff. 
• Participate in routine quality assurance checks to ensure the safe and effective operation of equipment. 
• Stay updated with current radiation therapy techniques, advancements, and best practices. 

Interdepartmental Collaboration: 

• Work collaboratively with a team of Radiation Oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. 
• Attend regular departmental meetings and participate in continuous training sessions. 

Equipment Maintenance: 

• Report any equipment malfunctions or discrepancies to appropriate personnel or service engineers. 
• Ensure that the treatment area and equipment are clean and maintained. 

Qualifications

Qualifications: 

• Completion of an accredited radiation therapy program. 
• Current certification or licensure in radiation therapy, as per regional or national regulations. 
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required. 
• Familiarity with current radiation therapy techniques and technologies. 

Skills and Competencies: 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, often stressful environment. 
• Detailed-oriented and high level of accuracy in work. 
• Ability to work as a part of a team and collaborate with multiple departments. 
• Strong problem-solving skills. 
• Complete knowledge of patient setup, treatments, timeout, patients' safety 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods. 
• Ability to lift and position patients as needed. 
• Good visual and auditory skills to monitor equipment and patient reactions.