PRN Radiation Therapist

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist, the Radiation Therapist performs treatment and simulation procedures, as directed by the Radiation Oncologist. This role involves preparing and administering contrast, performing diagnostic tests, preparing treatment rooms and equipment, explaining procedures to patients, and delivering prescribed radiation doses. The therapist is responsible for maintaining patient markings, documenting treatments, acquiring and analyzing radiographs, and observing radiation safety measures. They also perform patient positioning and immobilization, operate CT simulation units and supporting equipment, and may assist in special procedures. Evaluating image quality, performing initial set-up checks, and monitoring patients during therapy are key duties. The role requires collaboration with the entire patient care team, scheduling patients, reporting changes in patient condition, and assisting with staff and student training. Maintenance of facilities, equipment, and supplies, along with accurate charge recording, are also part of the responsibilities. On-call duties for emergency treatments may be required. Continuous competency, participation in QA/QI initiatives, and adherence to medical center and regulatory standards are essential. The role provides patient care appropriate to all ages served, primarily adults but potentially including infants, children, and adolescents.

Requirements

Certificate or degree from an accredited Radiation Therapy Technology program
Registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or be registry eligible
Less than 3 years’ work experience as a radiation therapist
If registry eligible must pass registry exam within 6 months of employment
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association required

Responsibilities

Perform radiation treatment and simulation procedures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologists instructions and departmental procedures.
Provide thorough documentation of simulation set-up, and procedure information.
Prepare and/or administer IV and oral contrast.
Perform POCT testing for pregnancy, and in preparation for IV contrast administration.
Prepare treatment room and equipment for patient according to the prescription and simulation, including placement of immobilization devices, setting of treatment devices, verifying parameters and any protection devices.
Explain procedure, including pre- and post-simulation or treatment. Answers questions and reassures patient before and after procedure.
Transfer patient to treatment table with care for IV s and catheters.
Checks patient treatment plan and delivers prescribed dose.
Maintains patient markings. Changes markings according to physician's direction or need.
Documents treatment, in accordance with departmental protocols.
Keeps physician informed and adapts treatment per physician orders.
Acquires and analyzes digital radiographs of all treatment areas.
Observes radiation safety measures for patient and personnel
Performs patient positioning and immobilization device construction to promote set-up consistency for daily treatments.
Operate CT simulation unit, and supporting equipment; Power injector, gating, model construction equipment.
May assist in special procedures including HDR; Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Implants.
Evaluate images for technical quality, and proper positioning.
Perform initial set-up checks to facilitate daily set-up consistency, and confirm congruency between prescription, treatment site, treatment plan parameters, and other relevant information.
Monitor patient visually and audibly during therapy procedure for any unusual reactions or events.
Uses judgment and informs physician if indicated by patient's condition, before proceeding with treatment.
Reports significant information to designated supervisory personnel.
Interface in a highly collaborative manner with all members of the patient's care team including: radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, social workers, administration and others.
Schedule patients for treatment to optimize department efficiency and patient convenience.
Reports changes in patient's condition or inappropriate response to treatment to Radiation Oncologist or Nurse.
Assist with orientation and training of new or transfer staff to ensure competence in the functionality of all therapy related equipment.
Support training and oversight of radiation therapy students within the guidelines of the program and the department.
Assist with the maintenance of department facilities, equipment, and supplies. Reports maintenance and repair needs to supervisor.
Maintain a clean and order work area.
Participate in educational in-services, as appropriate.
Participates in professional activities and organizations to maintain and expand knowledge of current trends, practices, and developments.
Ensure charges to patients for services rendered are accurately recorded.
Perform on-call duties to provide emergency treatments during non-clinic hours.
Demonstrate continuous competency on an annual basis on all applicable equipment in the department.
Participate in the evaluation of treatment devices.
Maintain compliance with medical center and regulatory agency standards in regard to annual training, infection control, Radiation Protection guidelines, and credentialing requirements.
Ensure adherence to patient safety standards.
Complete daily QA process for CT scanner and Linear Accelerators. Records results and reports suboptimal performance of these systems to the Medical Physicist and other designated personnel.
Conduct new plan and therapist chart check quality assurance audits on charts of those patients starting and under treatment; ensure required set-up instructions are recorded and plan timeouts are completed.
Support hospital and department Quality/safety event learning processes.
Complies with established department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.
Submits SAFE or RO-ILS reports as needed.
Participate and support department QA and QI initiatives.
Review treatment protocol criteria, to ensure adherence of treatment delivery to guidelines.
Perform all other duties as assigned.