Radiation Therapist PRN

American Oncology Network•Fort Wayne, IN

About The Position

The Radiation Therapist (RTT) reports to the Radiation Therapy Lead and provides the technical portion of radiation therapy treatments in the Radiation Oncology department. The RTT delivers radiation treatments according to written prescriptions and treatment plans while following departmental procedures to ensure patient safety. Treatment delivery includes confirming patient identity, escorting and positioning patients, delivering radiation from the control room, and assisting patients after treatment. The RTT provides a caring and supportive environment for patients, visitors, medical staff, and coworkers. They document treatment records accurately, recognize and report deviations from prescribed treatment, observe and communicate patient reactions, reinforce education and side-effect management, and refer medical questions to appropriate personnel. The RTT independently performs physician-requested simulations, collects and documents simulation data, and enters treatment-related information into the EMR. Other duties include assisting with treatment-related procedures, transporting patients, reviewing charts, ordering supplies, performing quality assurance, troubleshooting common quality issues, and capturing and verifying treatment charges. The RTT contributes to quality patient care as a member of the radiation oncology team, communicates effectively, responds to emergencies, provides first aid and CPR until clinical staff arrive, and offers emotional support to patients and families. The role includes documenting treatment setups, doses, and calculations; exercising judgment about when to hold treatment for physician consultation; explaining procedures and emergency communication; reinforcing patient-care guidance; and providing technical guidance to Radiation Therapist I when the Radiation Therapy Lead is absent. The RTT adheres to professional ethics, applicable laws and regulations, and company, institutional, and departmental policies and procedures.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited School of Radiation Therapy Technology.
At least five years of active experience as a Radiation Therapist.
Certified as a Registered Radiation Therapy Technologist by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Current CPR/BLS certifications.
Fluency in English and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Radiation Therapy Technology or another related field.
Dual certification as a General Radiographer (ARRT) or CT Technologist.
Ability to communicate in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Deliver radiation treatments according to written prescriptions and treatment plans, following departmental procedures for safe treatment administration.
Identify patients, escort them to the treatment room, assist them onto the treatment table, position them, deliver treatment from the control room, and assist them afterward.
Document treatment records, setups, doses, and calculations accurately and legibly.
Recognize deviations from prescribed treatment and report them to the Radiation Therapy Lead and/or physician.
Explain treatment-related procedures and communication methods to patients and families, refer medical questions to appropriate personnel, and reinforce patient education and side-effect management information.
Observe and communicate patients’ expected and unexpected reactions to treatment, assess their physiologic and psychological responsiveness, and report non-compliance to medical or nursing staff.
Perform patient simulations independently at a physician’s request, collect and document simulation data, and enter treatment-related data into the EMR.
Assist with treatment-related procedures, including transporting patients, reviewing charts, and ordering supplies.
Recognize standard imaging/ARGT and make necessary adjustments to ensure high-quality treatment.
Perform and document daily and weekly quality assurance checklists; notify appropriate clinical team members and document findings outside normal operating ranges.
Evaluate treatment delivery through quality assurance and quality control checks, monitor readings, detect equipment malfunctions, and take appropriate action.
Participate in quality-of-care improvement programs and use critical thinking to troubleshoot and resolve common quality issues.
Capture and verify patient treatment charges and comply with applicable billing, collections, patient-rights, safety, and patient-care requirements.
Respond to emergencies, provide first aid and CPR, and provide patient care until a physician or nurse arrives.
Use judgment to hold treatment when needed pending consultation with the radiation oncologist.
Reinforce guidance to patients regarding skin care, mouth care, diet, and general welfare.
Provide instructional direction or guidance to therapists under their supervision on routine and complex tumor localization and treatment procedures.
Provide technical guidance to Radiation Therapist I in the absence of the Radiation Therapy Lead.
Adhere to professional ethics and scope of practice, applicable standards and regulations, and company and departmental policies, including IT policies and the Disaster Recovery Plan.