Position Description

Under the direction of the Radiation Oncologist, simulates, treats, and enters the proper information in the patient's chart and the IMPAC record and verify system according to each patient's treatment plan.

Position Responsibilities

 Adheres to Radiation Oncology policies without exception:

•Notifies Radiation Oncology Director immediately of any occupational injury or hazardous incident which has occurred. 

•Follows hospital policy and procedures on same.

•Completes competency validation checklist before anniversary date.

Acts in a professional manner at all times:

•Inspires confidence in others by performing in a highly professional manner at all times.  Minimal negative feedback reported to Department Director.

•Recognizes the role of Radiation Oncology and how it relates to the overall function of the hospital regarding patient care.

•Answers telephone correctly, stating department and your name within four rings.

Education/Professional Development:

•100% continuing education as required by AART.

Adheres to Policies & Procedures:

•Acts as clinical instructor to students.

•Visibly displays film badge.

Daily patient duties:

•Sets up and treats all patients in accordance with the patient's treatment plan as prescribed by the radiation oncologist 100% of the time.

•Documents each treatment in the patient's treatment chart and the record and verify system. Participates in all aspects of patient treatments.

•Able to identify patient using two forms of identification.            

•Explains procedure to patient.                                  

•Simulates patients and obtains approved films.

•Obtains all patient measurements, contours, positioning devices under the direction of the physicist, radiation oncologist and/or director/supervisor.

•Takes verification films and submits for approval, ensuring that the approval documented on film or in the record and verify system.

•Properly documents all information on all films whether on film or electronic.                                    

•Verifies all dosimetry and patient consent for completeness and signatures prior to the patient's first treatment.

•Able to properly enter patient information needed to deliver accurate patient treatment into the record verify system. 

•Correctly writes up patient treatment chart for first treatment.

•Correctly follows procedure in capturing fields in the record and verify system.                                     

•Able to correctly identify patient to be treated, call up correct patient information in the record and verify system, set up and treat patient according to patient treatment chart and/or the record and verify system and correctly document same in the record and verify system/chart 100% of the time.   

•Properly performs and document the TIME OUT protocol on each patient prior to patient treatment. 

•Interviews patients as needed to monitor radiation reactions and changes in the size and shape of tumor.

•Alerts the proper personnel of these changes when necessary.

•Performs simple dosimetry tasks.

•Records all statistics, billing information and patient appointments in proper location when needed.

Performs duties accurately and efficiently:

•Utilizes breaks/lunch times appropriately.

•Starts procedures at appointed times.                                                  

•Performs clerical function needed to properly document departmental functions.                                          

•Must rotate monthly call coverage with other radiation therapists.                                               

Working knowledge of equipment warmup procedures:

•Accurately performs and records, with no exception, required warmup procedures on radiation oncology treatment units and simulation unit.

•Reports problems, faults and interlocks to director/supervisor and/or physicist and appropriately logs all in a timely manner.

•Follows protocol for investigating problems and implements necessary remedial action, document and notify director/supervisor and physicist.