Radiation Therapist, Staff (Mgh At Emerson Hospital)

Under the supervision of the senior therapist, the incumbent delivers radiation therapy to patients according to the prescription and instructions of the radiation oncologist.

1.0 Treatment Delivery:
1.1 Accurately deliver radiation treatment to patients according to the prescription provided by the radiation oncologist.
1.2 Accurately document radiation treatment delivery and all technical parameters
1.3 Participate in the orientation and education of our patients
1.4 Ensure patient understanding regarding the treatment process and possible reactions. Reinforce recommendations to minimize reactions
1.5 Monitor patients for unusual reactions: report occurrences to the radiation oncologist or nurse
1.6 Incumbents will prove their competency to perform treatment related tasks as outlined in the “Task Inventory”
1.7 Incumbents must demonstrate competence to meet the age-specific needs of their patients. This may include pediatric, adolescent, teenage, young adult, adult and elderly cancer patients. The mix of patients under the care of the therapist could include patients from any or all of these age groups at any given time
1.8 Physical strength to lift accessories weighing up to 40 pounds
1.9 Capable of comfortably lifting and inserting patient accessories into the treatment units at all possible treatment angles during patient.
1.10 Physical reach to work with equipment as high as 5-6 feet above the floor

2.0 Quality Assurance:
2.1 Perform daily output and alignment checks on linear accelerators
2.2 Review charts at the initiation of treatment, when treatment plans are changed, and throughout the course of therapy for completeness and order
2.3 Ensure consistency between the paper treatment record and the electronic chart/verification system
2.4 Take verification films per policy or per request to ensure accurate placement and design of treatment fields

3.0 Other Duties:
3.1 Contribute positively to the efficient delivery of treatments, with minimal overtime expenditure, efficient utilization of resources, and maximum patient comfort and satisfaction
3.2 Work with the patient, family, and/or social service to establish a schedule that will allow the treatment program to proceed as smoothly as possible
3.3 Maintain equipment and orderliness of the treatment area
3.4 Participate in department meetings, retraining, and continuing education activities
3.5 Participate in the clinical instruction of student radiation therapists and the orientation of new staff

http://www.massgeneral.org/radiationoncology/news/multimedia.aspx?id=626

Qualifications

New Graduates

All Candidates and Incumbents

Shared responsibility (with senior therapists) for student radiation therapists