Proton Radiation Therapist - Second Shift

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans. This position requires a higher level of vigilance in patient preparation, immobilization, alignment, image-guidance interpretation, and beam delivery as prescribed by a radiation oncologist. The role involves working quickly and efficiently, reviewing x-ray images with heightened accuracy, and communicating any discrepant findings to the clinical team. Understanding the intricacies of the proton machine, a sophisticated treatment delivery system, and having a deeper understanding of particle therapy principles are essential. The therapist will communicate and work with an on-site engineering team, assist in managing frequent downtime situations, and be expected to have more flexibility due to potential for extended/make-up hours. Additionally, the role includes performing CT simulations and QACTs appropriate for proton treatment and dose assessment. Under the direct supervision of the Clinical Operations Director, the therapist is responsible for radiation therapy procedures, dose calculations, chart and routine consistency checks on the treatment machine and simulator during a treatment day, five days a week. This role is subject to overtime, cross coverage of photons, and call back as required by the center. Training can be provided on site upon hire.

Requirements

Associate's degree in radiation therapy PLUS two (2) years of experience in a healthcare environment OR Bachelor's degree in radiation therapy
Current registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a radiation therapist with an accredited program of radiation therapy technology
Current Licensure as a Radiation Therapist with the Arkansas Department of Health.
Current BLS certification or must successfully obtain certification within the first 30 days of employment.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Must be able to or willing to learn how to review x-ray images with heightened demand for accuracy, notifying the clinical team of any discrepant findings.
Must understand the intricacies of the proton machine, one of the most sophisticated and labor-intensive treatment delivery systems available in the United States with the Proton Center of Arkansas being only one of 46 operational centers.
Must have a deeper understanding of and training in principles of particle therapy.
Required to communicate and work in tandem with an on-site engineering team provided by the device vendor and assist in making decisions when managing much more frequent downtime situations and be expected to have more flexibility due to potential for extended/make-up hours.
In addition, must be able to perform CT simulations and QACTs appropriate for proton treatment and dose assessment.

Responsibilities

Performs proton therapy procedures according to physician's orders and departmental guidelines, determines and prepares set-up within established parameters, calculates monitor units and records patient treatment information in the EMR , while maintaining confidentiality.
Maintains and submits daily patient EMR information, charges, schedules, and census.
Assesses and evaluates patient needs and treatment related issues, recommends intervention and acts in accordance with physician practices and departmental policies while maintaining confidentiality.
Regularly investigates problems or unsatisfactory procedures and recommends possible solutions.
Performs checks on patient's EMR for accuracy and proper documentation according to established procedures.
Schedules patients for daily treatments.
Maintains quality control of patient EMR and treatment parameters by implementing guidelines on a regular basis.
Maintains room cleanliness, linens and needed supplies in treatment room and notifies proper personnel of areas needing attention.
Evaluates, teaches and monitors the clinical and didactic education of radiation therapist, dosimetry, clinical resident, physics resident, and diagnostic students.
May perform other duties as assigned
The proton therapists will be expected to have more flexibility than normal due to the fact that there is only one proton unit. In the event of system downtime, the treatment day is commonly extended or rescheduled to assure all patients are treated.