Radiation Therapist I

Covenant Health•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

The Radiation Therapist I provides accurate radiation treatment to patients as prescribed by the radiation oncologist and develops positive, trusting, caring, and professional relationships with patients and coworkers. The role administers therapeutic radiation to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients under the direct and indirect supervision of radiation oncology team leaders, including the Lead Therapist, Supervisor/Manager/Director of Radiation Oncology, Medical Physics, and the Radiation Oncologist. The therapist uses independent judgment to maintain continuity of patient care to high standards in an efficient and caring manner, and communicates respectfully with coworkers, patients, families, and visitors. This position is in Proton Therapy Services and is identified as PRN/OCC, with variable hours per pay period on the day shift. The therapist contributes to departmental operations, patient safety, quality improvement, and accurate treatment documentation.

Requirements

Must obtain and maintain ARRT (T) within six months after completing the graduate program.
CPR required.
No minimum experience specified.
No minimum education specified; education must be sufficient to meet the standards for the required license and/or certification.

Responsibilities

Review prescriptions, diagnoses, patient charts, and patient identification for accuracy before each treatment.
Work with the radiation oncology team to identify, prepare, and construct immobilization devices, treatment tools, and protection devices to support repeatable patient positioning according to radiation treatment plans.
Act as a safety and quality double-check when working with another therapist.
Position patients accurately for treatment according to the radiation oncologist’s prescription, using prescribed treatment devices.
Administer prescribed radiation doses to the specified target area using radiation therapy equipment and established practices and standards.
Perform safety and quality checks on radiation therapy equipment and communicate machine issues to radiation oncology leaders and operating engineers.
Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physician advice about treatment reactions and post-treatment care.
Enter accurate patient data into equipment computers and set controls to operate and adjust radiation delivery equipment and regulate dosage.
Observe and reassure patients during and after treatment, and report unusual reactions or changes in patient status to the physician.
Follow radiation protection principles for patients, self, and others.
Analyze and correct problems when patient setups are not reproducible.
Troubleshoot equipment, patient medical condition, and patient satisfaction issues, escalating concerns that cannot be immediately corrected.
Maintain treatment schedules, notify patients of treatment times, and communicate scheduling delays or changes.
Maintain accurate and timely records, including radiation dosages, elapsed days, equipment settings, charge capture, and patient reactions.
Prioritize workload and carry out tasks independently within scope, adjusting to volume variances.
Follow procedures to respond promptly to emergencies, including when immediate assistance is unavailable.
Communicate information professionally and accurately in writing and speech.
Help keep treatment rooms and the console area neat, clean, and stocked.
Work toward department goals and objectives and participate in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
Follow policies, procedures, safety standards, infection control, and universal precautions.
Complete annual education and training, position competencies, and required education assignments.
Perform other duties as assigned.