Radiation Therapist Tech- days (RPT)

Carilion Medical Center•Roanoke, VA

About The Position

HOURS: 6 - 8 days per pay period; Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. but could require shifts as early as 7:00 a.m. and late shifts to accommodate higher patient volumes. The Radiation Therapist Technologist simulates radiation treatment parameters for optimum radiotherapy delivery. Administers and documents radiation therapy treatments to patients as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist. This position requires an understanding of the physics of radiation interactions and adverse ramifications of ionizing radiation exposure. The Radiation Therapist Technologist Operates computerized tomography equipment to obtain cross-sectional anatomy of target volume. Under the direction of the Radiation Oncologist, designs radiation delivery ports based on tumor location, critical structures, and known etiology of disease process. Executes precise treatment delivery to targeted tumor volume in accordance with physician prescribed fractionated dose regimen based on principles of radiobiology. Utilizes knowledge of anatomy and physiology to assure specific anatomical lymphatic site is encompassed in the radiation treatment portal. Employs on-board-imaging, cone beam CT, respiratory gating and portal vision to obtain radiographic images for comparison and to assure exact parameter tolerances are achieved. Demonstrates knowledge of radiation beam divergence and the principle of inverse square when determining isocenter and beam dimension. Provides concise documentation of simulation and treatment processes to assure comprehensive understanding of setup variables. Assures tumor given dose and monitor unit calculations are properly recorded and tracked in electronic and paper treatment delivery chart. Demonstrates expertise in linear accelerator operating functions. Assures accurate location of multi-leaf collimation and analyzes machine fault errors and appropriately consults with radiological engineering and/or physics to guarantee accurate beam symmetry and radiation dose rates. Able to perform daily warm-up and quality control measures on linear accelerators operation. Assures compliance with departmental scorecard by practicing realistic patient scheduling. Works with ancillary services to provide multifaceted quality patient care. Collaborates with team to arrange transportation and treatment times to achieve seamless continuum of care. Responsible for proper coding of technical procedures. Daily assures accurate level of billing has been exported. Accountable for congruence of billed procedure and documentation. Assesses patient's global needs and initiates appropriate referrals to support services. Confirms referral encounter has been carried through. O rients new employees and may provide guidance to students, and support staff. Communication is often complex and involves problem solving with physicists and physicians. Daily communication with management, staff, coworkers, and ancillary department. Accesses, enters, and makes decisions based on confidential information and maintains privacy. Appropriately shares information in performance of job. Suggests cost-containment initiatives in immediate work area. Work involves application of advanced skills. Follows set guidelines and procedures in the execution of daily tasks. Interprets data and determines course of action for radiotherapy treatment. Must make independent decisions and notify physician of actions taken. Responsible for maintaining efficient treatment delivery workflow. Exposure to radiation, infectious diseases, biohazard materials, and regulated medical wastes. Job is fast paced, emotionally stressful, and physically demanding, requiring fine and gross motor skills for equipment manipulation. Schedule is often interrupted, and workload priorities changed. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development. Observes and documents data reflective of the patients’ status, interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his or her age and specific needs, and provides the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Requirements

Education: Completion of a certified Radiation Oncology program.
Licensure/Certifications/Registration: Registered in Radiation Therapy by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Life Support: AHA BLS-HCP required.
Other Minimum Qualifications: Effective interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills required.
Strong aptitude in math and physics.
Behavior and personality conducive to working with cancer patients and providing a positive and supportive environment to coworkers.