Brachytherapy Radiation Therapist - AOP - Days

Radiation Therapist

The Radiation Therapist applies ionizing radiation to the patient (inclusive of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations) in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist and under the general supervision of the Chief Therapist. This position educates, prepares, and reassures patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care. This position also participates in the orientation and education of patients. Radiation Specialists have enhanced skills in addition to staff radiation therapist responsibilities. This includes but is not limited to having additional RT certifications for imaging (CT & MRI), advanced skillset for adaptive treatment/planning (specialized machine types- MRI Linac), and/or role of Brachy therapist in procedural high dose treatment area.

Performance Expectations:

• Radiation Treatment Delivery: Accurately delivers ionizing radiation by interpretation of the prescribed treatment plan as well as the technical instructions by physics staff. Checks diagnosis, chart, and patient identification. Verifies accuracy of treatment by use of port films/portal image according to current department policy. Verifies accuracy of dose with the use of diodes. Takes radiographic images, appropriate measurements, and makes adjustments during planning and each treatment session to ensure treatment delivery within tolerances as defined in site-specific protocols. Works with minimal supervision, seeking advice from supervisor, physician, or physics staff when required. Accurately documents radiation treatment delivery and all technical parameters. Reports erratic operation of equipment to Chief Radiation Therapist, Radiation Physicist, and/or Medical Engineer.
• Patient Care & Monitoring: Monitors patients' physical and emotional needs while under treatment. Keeps patients and their families informed of relevant treatment matters. Deals with related issues. Ensures weekly review of patients under treatment. Delivers care as appropriate for all ages. Monitors patients for unusual reactions and events, reporting occurrences to the radiation oncologist or nurse. Ensures patient understanding regarding treatment and possible reactions.
• Quality Assurance: Observes VCUHS and Department's policies and regulations for maintaining quality assurance and safety, with reference to treatment delivery, customer/employee relations, and professional standards. Reports discrepancies or errors according to current policy and procedures. Performs radiation safety activities, including equipment monitoring for compliance with applicable standards and regulations and responding to variation identified during quality control activities. Performs Quality Assurance Review of all charts at the initiation of treatment, when treatment plans are changed, and throughout the course of therapy for completeness and to ensure all treatment parameters are in compliance with Department standards of care.
• Unit Organization & Documenting/Scheduling: Keeps a neat and organized work area to promote an efficient working environment. Maintains adequate unit supplies and accessories. Accurately maintains treatment charts, time planner, and statistics. Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining a smooth schedule on the unit and liaising with others when necessary. Assists in other areas and carries out all other assigned duties. Participates in coverage of warm-up procedures, late coverage, and on-call.
• Professional Development: Participates in department meetings, retraining, and continuing education activities. Attends in-services, morning conferences, and other educational opportunities within the Department. Participates in courses, seminars, or lectures offered by professional societies to promote own professional development and maintains competency. Fulfills the ARRT CE minimum requirements.
• Leadership Expertise & Project Participation: Acts as a team leader to the Radiation Therapist level 1 and interacts with other areas of the department. Subject matter expert in specific treatment or simulation within Radiation Oncology Department. Participates in department initiatives to develop innovative programs/projects. Involved in special projects to support the mission of VCUHS and Department.
• Performance Expectations: Brachytherapy (if applicable): Demonstrates the ability to maintain Brachy competencies following training period as determined by department competency guidelines. Daily quality assurance checks of brachytherapy equipment and monitoring devices. Demonstrates safe handling and storage of brachytherapy after loader containing radioactive source. Prepares or assists in the preparation of brachytherapy equipment and procedure suite readiness. Create custom brachytherapy devices, assist physics in measurements, and assist in the quality assurance program. Responsible for CT simulation of brachytherapy patients. Pre-treatment imaging and set-up of brachytherapy patients. Coordination of treatment delivery for Brachytherapy patients with all members of the team. Positioning of patient before and after implanting for comfort, using appropriate body mechanics and maintaining patient safety. Assist provider during implantation and removal of instruments. Administer contrast media as prescribed by provider. Prepare, lead/attend Brachytherapy Chart Rounds and brachy therapy huddles. Resolve any issues with the Brachytherapy Chart Rounds each week. Responsible for maintaining quality assurance by reviewing charts on a regular basis to verify that all quality assurance procedures and documentation are completed in a timely manner.
• Performance Expectation: Miscellaneous Responsibilities: Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and department. Participates in the educational development of the Radiation Science students and Residents in the department. Provides assistance to team members. Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously.

Patient Population: Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs, and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Neonates (0-4 weeks), Infant (1-12 months), Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications:

• Required Education: Graduate of an AMA accredited School of Radiation Therapy Technology
• Licensing/Certification: Required: Current registration as a Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT) from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or registry eligible (Required for continued employment) Current RTT by ARRT American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT) certification with a minimum of 12 hours of documented continuing education annually
• Minimum Qualifications: Years and Type of Required Experience: 5 or more years as Radiation Therapist
• Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Works with minimal supervision, seeking advice from supervisor, physician, or physics staff when required; Specialist in treatment and/or simulation: MRI Linac, certified MRI, certified CT, brachytherapy, and/or other certifications applicable to Radiation Oncology

Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical Demands: Lifting/Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Push/Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat
• Work Position: Walking, Standing
• Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards: Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Maneuver weight of patients, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity far, Acuity near
• Hazards: Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy

Mental/Sensory Emotional: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change