Per Diem Radiation Therapist-ELM-12380-006

Mount Sinai Health System•Elmhurst, NY

20h

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Lead Therapist, administers radiation therapy treatments according to the Radiation Oncologist’s prescription under minimal supervision. Performs simulations and creates immobilization devices according to the guidelines set by the doctors and accurately places marks (tattoos) on the patients in order to reproduce the treatment set-up daily; keeps accurate daily records of treatments administered. Teaches radiation therapist students technical procedures, under supervision of Senior Radiation Therapist. May act as Lead Radiation Therapist. Responsibilities Under supervision of Senior Radiation Therapist and/or Lead Radiation Therapist, accurately sets up patients for treatment and performs CT-simulation; administers radiation treatments; maintains accurate daily treatment records; performs treatment dose calculation using computer calculation tables provided by the Medical Physicist; ensures that calculations are checked by the Medical Physicist by the second day of treatment. Checks the Radiation Oncologist’s prescription to determine any mathematical or technical errors; performs safety checks on treatment machines and records data daily; verifies/localizes treatment area with portal imaging, submits portal images to be checked and approved by a Radiation Oncologist. Understands the function of the equipment and is able to use it to its potential. Understands the use of wedges and compensating filters and appreciates the misuse or omission during treatment. Understands all procedures and practices before proceeding with patient set-up. Contacts appropriate staff if not comfortable or unsure of proper procedure. Detects treatment unit malfunction and reports malfunction to the Sr. Radiation Safety Monitor/Therapist and/or Medical Physicist. Explains treatment procedures to patients and answers any questions. Reassures patients in order to alleviate fear and apprehension. Maintains visual and audible communications with patient during treatment; observes the clinical progress of the patient undergoing radiation therapy; recognizes the first signs of any complications and reports findings to the Radiation Oncologist. Monitors the patient’s physical condition to determine if any adverse side effects. Keeps patients informed of any delays or excessive waiting time in treatment. Maintains an organized treatment room and stock rooms with supplies; assists in scheduling patient appointments and contacts secretarial staff; attends chart rounds, displays portal images and participates in discussion of patient treatments. Observes and reports changes in patient's condition to the Radiation Oncologist or radiation therapy nurse. Records treatment administered in patients’ charts and records/verifies in all applicable systems. Performs chart check and report any discrepancy. Performs daily QA and safety check as required by the regulations. Maintains out of service logs on the treatment equipment. Reports treatment unit malfunctions and takes the initiative in corrective action. Maintains equipment in safe and good working condition. Reports defects or deficiencies for adjustment and repair to the chief technologist and/or medical physicist.

Requirements

Graduate of an AMA approved 2-year hospital-based certificate program or 2-year Associate's Degree program, or 4-year Baccalaureate Degree program in Radiation Therapy.
ARRT registered or eligible for registration in Radiation Therapy with requirement to become Registered in 8 months or 2 exam sittings, whichever comes first.
NYS permanent or temporary license.
Basic knowledge of computer.
Very good interpersonal skills required for effective job performance; good written and verbal communication skills mandatory.
Must interact effectively with hospital clinicians/management staff/external agencies/line technical staff.

Responsibilities

Accurately sets up patients for treatment and performs CT-simulation
Administers radiation treatments
Maintains accurate daily treatment records
Performs treatment dose calculation using computer calculation tables provided by the Medical Physicist
Ensures that calculations are checked by the Medical Physicist by the second day of treatment
Checks the Radiation Oncologist’s prescription to determine any mathematical or technical errors
Performs safety checks on treatment machines and records data daily
Verifies/localizes treatment area with portal imaging, submits portal images to be checked and approved by a Radiation Oncologist
Understands the function of the equipment and is able to use it to its potential
Understands the use of wedges and compensating filters and appreciates the misuse or omission during treatment
Understands all procedures and practices before proceeding with patient set-up
Detects treatment unit malfunction and reports malfunction to the Sr. Radiation Safety Monitor/Therapist and/or Medical Physicist
Explains treatment procedures to patients and answers any questions
Reassures patients in order to alleviate fear and apprehension
Maintains visual and audible communications with patient during treatment
Observes the clinical progress of the patient undergoing radiation therapy
Recognizes the first signs of any complications and reports findings to the Radiation Oncologist
Monitors the patient’s physical condition to determine if any adverse side effects
Keeps patients informed of any delays or excessive waiting time in treatment
Maintains an organized treatment room and stock rooms with supplies
Assists in scheduling patient appointments and contacts secretarial staff
Attends chart rounds, displays portal images and participates in discussion of patient treatments
Observes and reports changes in patient's condition to the Radiation Oncologist or radiation therapy nurse
Records treatment administered in patients’ charts and records/verifies in all applicable systems
Performs chart check and report any discrepancy
Performs daily QA and safety check as required by the regulations
Maintains out of service logs on the treatment equipment
Reports treatment unit malfunctions and takes the initiative in corrective action
Maintains equipment in safe and good working condition
Reports defects or deficiencies for adjustment and repair to the chief technologist and/or medical physicist