Senior Radiation Therapist - Boston Medical Center

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Position: Senior Radiation Therapist

Department: Radiation Oncology

Schedule: Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Chief Radiation Oncology therapist and under the general supervision delivers accurate dosages of radiation using up-to-date equipment. Documents detailed records of all therapy sessions, noting on the patient's chart such information as the area treated, the radiation dosage, equipment control settings, the patient's reactions, and the total amount of radiation received to date. Provides technical supervision to radiation therapists in order to fulfill the prescription given by the physician and provide quality patient care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees daily treatment of patients and coordination of duties of the Radiation Oncology Therapist(s).
• Assists in providing department orientation and training to radiation therapists in new or difficult procedures, set-ups, machine operation and so fourth.
• Provides clinical instruction and completes documentation of clinical competency to radiation oncology students
• Conveys the specific instructions of the Radiation Oncologist to the appropriate staff and therapists to guarantee completion of medical procedures.
• Investigates unsatisfactory techniques and procedures and follows up and resolves routine departmental problems, referring unusual or serious departmental problems to Chief Therapist.
• Regularly checks the patient dose and fractions in the electronic chart to assure proper scheduling and notification of upcoming procedures.
• Performs treatment chart and electronic chart quality assurance practices. Notifies proper personnel when corrections and /or adjustments are needed and follows-up to assure completion of tasks.
• Keeps a sufficient inventory of all necessary supplies for treatment units.
  
  Makes random inspections of treatment rooms to ensure high standards on technical performance and patient care.
• Prepares and positions patients according to established procedure.
• Reviews patient treatment chart/electronic chart for prescription, treatment fractionation and prescribed dose, and prepares treatment room and equipment according to procedure.
• Explains procedures to patients, elicit their cooperation; reassures patient regarding treatment reactions, and advises on care of irradiated body areas.
• Prepares patients for treatment, moving patients from wheelchair or stretcher to treatment table as needed.
• Sets-up equipment and prepares the treatment room for patient..
  
  Places cones, blocks and/or wedges as necessary.
• Administers radiation therapy to patients, operating radiation machines to provide proper dosage as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist.
• Monitors patient during treatments for movement using in-room cameras and an intercom system.
• Monitors overall condition of patient, checking for skin changes and discoloration, and discusses with patient his/her physical condition noting changes such as nausea, sore throat and the like. Determines whether it is necessary to consult physician or nurse prior to or after treatment.
• Ensures that blood counts are satisfactory and recorded as ordered weekly.
• Monitors daily kV films, CBCT's and weekly port films for all patients assuring adherence to department protocol. Sets-up weekly port film quality assurance schedule and assures completion.
• Contacts attending physician with questions and/or concerns regarding the treatment of patients.
• Calculates surface dose, depth, accumulation, and total doses of radiation, in the absence of the Radiation Physicist.
• Assists Physicist in taking contours and measurements on the patient and assists in verifying the treatment plans.
• Documents patients treatment in the electronic chart according to prescribed practice. Documents any unusual happening or deviation in the patients' electronic chart. Documents the use of bolus or any other prescribed product in the patients' electronic chart.
• Records in patient's electronic chart exact dosage delivered. Updates treatment delivery notes to reflect and document changes in original set-up as ordered by physicians.
• Sets-up equipment and prepares simulator (CT and Acuity) room for patient.
• Obtains, scans, imports and documents necessary laboratory results and paperwork for simulation procedure.
• Sets-up, documents and delivers IV contrast to simulation patients as prescribed by radiation oncologist.
• Prepares simulation immobilization equipment as defined in department policy and procedures.
• Operates CT simulator and Acuity simulator according to department protocol, documenting all aspects of procedures.
• Maintains and orders contrast, masks, head immobilization and all other simulator supplies at appropriate levels.
• Maintains all equipment in safe and satisfactory working order by reporting all defects and/or deficiencies as they arise to the Chief Therapist.
• Trouble-shoots minor problems with the Chief Therapist and Varian engineers.
• Sets-up room and equipment for high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy procedures.
• Administers brachytherapy treatments following physician prescription and adheres to ALARA standards at all times.
• Performs related clerical and technical duties such as filing and maintaining required records, scheduling appointments, maintaining adequate supplies in treatment rooms, attending patient care conferences and networking with department and oncology professionals.
• Records, reviews and approves all daily charges associated with treatment and simulation of patients.
• Assist the Chief Therapist in the development and updating of department policies and procedures.
• Keeps abreast of developments in trends and techniques of radiation therapy through appropriate technical journals and participation in educational programs and meetings. Maintains credentialing continuing education credits for ARRT certification.
• Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
• Fosters interpersonal relationships with patients, visitors, physicians and fellow employees in a courteous, professional and friendly manner.
• Maintains all designated hospital information confidential at all times.
• Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital's mission and goals.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures. Maintains yearly compliance of hospital requirements.

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs other duties as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Minimum of Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy or equivalent from a JRCERT accredited institution.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• ARRT Certification, Massachusetts State License

EXPERIENCE:

• Work requires level of knowledge of Radiation Therapy techniques and methods normally gained through 3-5 years of related experience

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Good interpersonal skills sufficient to oversee the work of others and deal effectively with patients under severe physical and emotional stress.
• Must have analytical abilities necessary to organize and schedule the work of others effectively, and recommend sound policies and procedures.

Req id: 31180