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 while also developing a positive, trusting, caring, and professional relationship with patients and coworkers. Responsible to administer therapeutic radiation to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients under the direct and indirect supervision of the radiation oncology team leaders including Lead Therapist, Supervisor/Manager/Director of Radiation Oncology, Medical Physics, and the Radiation Oncologist. Enhances departmental operations through consistently respectful and positive communication with coworkers, patients, patients’ family members, and visitors. Uses independent judgment to maintain continuity of patient care of the highest standards, in an efficient, caring manner.

Requirements

Minimum Education: None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.
Minimum Experience: None
Licensure Requirement: Must have and maintain ARRT (T) within six (6) months post graduate program. CPR required.

Responsibilities

Reviews prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and patient identification for accuracy prior to every treatment.
Works with radiation oncology team to identify, prepare, and construct equipment such as immobilization devices, treatment tools, and protection devices to achieve repeatable patient positioning per the radiation treatment plans.
When working as a team with another therapist, acts as a double check for safety and quality.
Positions patients for treatment (utilizing treatment devices when prescribed) with accuracy according to radiation oncologist's prescription.
Administers the prescribed doses of radiation defined in patient's treatment plan, to the specified target area of the patient's body using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
Performs all safety and quality checks on radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
Effectively communicates treatment machine issues to radiation oncology leaders and the operating engineers.
Educates, prepares, and reassures patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physician's advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care.
Enters accurate patient data into equipment computer and set controls to operate and adjust radiation therapy delivery equipment and regulate dosage.
Observes and reassures patients during and after treatment and reports to physician any unusual reactions or concerns about changes in patient's status.
Consistently follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
Analyzes problems when patient setups are not reproducing and takes appropriate corrective action.
Troubleshoots problems with equipment, patient medical conditions, and patient satisfaction situations and escalates concerns that cannot be immediately corrected.
Maintains treatment schedules, gives proper notification to patients of treatment times, and notifies patients of any scheduling delays or changes.
Maintains accurate and timely records per department/practice guidelines, including information as radiation dosages, elapsed days, equipment settings, appropriate charge capture, and patients' reactions.
Works within scope independently, utilizing self direction to prioritize the workload and carry out tasks with flexibility for volume variances.
Follows procedures to respond quickly and without immediate assistance in an emergency.
Communicates effectively in writing and speaking to convey information professionally and accurately.
Participates in maintaining neat, clean, and stocked treatment rooms and console area.
Works toward achieving department goals and objectives and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
Follows policies, procedures, safety standards, infection control, and universal precaution guidelines.
Completes annual education / training sessions or assignments as well as position competencies.
Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards.
Completes required education assignments annually.
Works toward achieving goals and objectives and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
Performs other duties as assigned.