Radiation Therapist - ONC (Radiation Oncology)

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is seeking a Radiation Therapist to join their team at the UPMC Shadyside Radiation Oncology office in Shadyside/Pittsburgh, PA. This is a Regular Full-Time position with a daylight schedule, Monday through Friday. The center is recognized for its leadership in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment, and is the region's only comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute. The Department of Radiation Oncology offers individualized care using state-of-the-art technology and is accredited by the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO). This role offers a $15,000 sign-on bonus and a career ladder for professional growth. The incumbent will deliver radiation treatments as prescribed by a Radiation Oncologist, obtain localization images, and assist with contrast agents. They will also perform measurements, collect data, and input treatment information into the verify-and-record system. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is committed to providing safe, effective radiation therapies based on the latest medical evidence.

Requirements

Completion of a formal radiation therapy technology program in a JRCERT-accredited institution.
ARRT Registration in good standing or Board Eligibility within six months of hire.
Must maintain 24 CEU's per Biennium as required for ARRT Certification and Licensure.
CPR certification required within 30 days of beginning employment.
CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

Assists in the orientation and supervision of students during clinical rotations.
Assists the Chief Therapist in evaluation of student performance.
Uses effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills to provide explanations for treatment-related procedures.
Observes patients for expected and unexpected reactions to treatments and communicates this to appropriate staff members.
Reinforces patient education/side effect management information and indicates non-compliance to medical/nursing staff.
Maintains a safe, orderly treatment room.
Under the direction of the Radiation Oncology Manager provides On Call coverage as needed.
Has a good understanding of information systems and is fluent in all computer applications necessary to perform their job.
Assists at other UPMC Radiation Oncology locations if the need arises.
Participates in regulatory compliance activities and maintains continuous departmental readiness for inspections and surveys.
Follows all radiation safety standards.
Wears radiation monitoring badge and I.D. badge always.
Remains HIPAA compliant always.
Completes clinical competencies annually as required.
Communicates any equipment issues to the appropriate site leadership.
Performs treatment, simulation, fabrication of immobilization devices and shielding, radiosurgery, and brachytherapy procedures when applicable, according to written prescription and treatment plan.
Performs measurements for use during treatment calculation.
Collects and documents data acquired during the simulation procedure and accurately inputs treatment-related data.
Provides safety in patient care through the consistent practice of departmental procedures for treatment administration.
Recognizes deviation from prescribed treatment delivery and reports all deviations to the Chief Therapist / Physicist.
Assures the quality of treatment delivery through the complete and accurate documentation of treatment records.
Assures the quality and consistency of treatment portal placement by taking portal images according to departmental procedures.
Explains treatment procedures to patient and/or family.
Responds effectively to patient concerns and refers medical questions to appropriate personnel.
Under the direction of a radiation oncologist, takes localization images according to planned treatment delivery.
Assists physician or nurse in the administration of contrast agents used during treatment localization.
Participates in training programs required to maintain ARRT Certification.
Performs in accordance with system wide competencies / behaviors.
Participates in accurate and complete charge capture activities.
Notifies appropriate site leadership of supply needs.
Maintains travel expenses according to policy.
Uses all UPMC Cancer Centers resources effectively.
Prioritizes patient safety.
Performs and documents daily and weekly QA activity for assigned equipment.
Documents findings outside the range established by Physics.
Notifies the Chief Therapist immediately of findings outside the normal range of operations.
Participates in programs to measure and improve the quality of care within the Department, such as Press Ganey, Quality Improvement Measures, Chart Rounding, and Department Meetings.
Works collaboratively with the Radiation Oncologist, Manager, and all team members to maintain high standards for quality service.