Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapist Position

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Under the supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist, a staff Radiation Therapist 2 will perform high quality and technical Radiation Therapy related duties that support comprehensive patient care. These duties include direct and indirect patient care, assisting in special procedures, and participation in the clinical supervision of Radiation Therapy students. Demonstrates outstanding customer service and the key behaviors Standards of Professional Behavior that are outlined in the Hospitals Core Success Factors in all interactions. All duties must be performed according to departmental and organizational policies and procedures. To meet the staffing needs of the department, as necessary, Radiation Therapist staff may be assigned to any of the YNHH Radiation Oncology locations.

Responsibilities

1. Clinical Process

1.1. The Radiation Therapist utilizes the process of assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation while caring for our patients, maintaining confidentiality and dignity.

1.2. The Radiation Therapist provides safe, effective evidence-based care tailored to the individual needs of the patient and family. As a core member of the RT delivery team, the Radiation Therapist verbally reinforces the Radiation Oncologists advice to patients regarding reactions to treatment and their care.

1.3. Adhere to radiation safety procedure protocol. Perform Time Outs at key points of the Radiation Therapy Treatment procedure to ensure that the correct site and treatment is performed on the correct patient using the correct equipment, technique, and daily dose.

1.4. Demonstrates the ability to navigate the hospital electronic medical record and department record and verify system for the purpose of verifying patients / treatment plan parameters, scheduling patient appointments, and assigning appropriate billing codes.

1.5. Participates in the orientation and onboarding of new Radiation Therapists. Provides ongoing training of clinical techniques, new procedures, and can orient new staff to departmental policies and procedures.

1.6. Performs all technical duties according to department policy and procedure.

1.7. Provides technical support where needed as required for patient care. Provides coverage where needed when a change in schedule is indicated.

1.8. Identifies, prepares, and / or administers medications (O2 and contrast) as prescribed by a licensed practitioner.

1.9. Employees are required to be available for emergencies and weekend calls, as required and scheduled for patient care.

1.10. Detects and immediately reports equipment malfunction to the Lead or Chief Therapist, Chief Medical Physicist, and Engineer.

1.11. Operates all therapeutic equipment according to manufacturer's standards and departmental policy.

1.12. Maintains a quiet and clutter-free work area.

1.13. Other duties as assigned.

1.14. Resolves difficult set-ups and instructs staff members and students in this area.

1.15. Manages the triage of emergent cases, coordinates all on call activities with the on-call therapist and negotiates scheduling of patients with other care team members.

2. Clinical Expertise / Problem Solving

2.1. Demonstrates the ability to be flexible and adaptable in managing diverse clinical situations.

2.2. Maintains continuing education requirements. Maintains Connecticut licensure and professional status as a member of the ARRT, as documented in employee records.

2.3. Assumes responsibility for continued learning and skill development by discussing with the Chief RTT / Regional Manager, setting appropriate goals, and following through to meet those goals.

2.4. Acts as a clinical resource for colleagues, patients, and families.

2.5. Identifies areas of performance improvement and recommends appropriate policy / procedural changes on conjunction with the Chief Therapist as directed.

2.6. Organizes and prepares for daily activity with the Lead in assigned area, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the department.

2.7. Must strive for continuous improvement and standardization of techniques.

2.8. Delivers excellence in patient care through compliance with all patient safety and regulatory initiatives.

2.9. Shares the responsibility with the Lead and Chief Therapist for treatment / chart quality assurance activities including initial chart checks, and chart rounds.

2.10. The ability to troubleshoot routine problems encountered during simulation, treatment, or any part of the patient care process.

3. Clinical Instruction

3.1. Actively participates in the training of students in the School of Radiation Therapy, working with the Program Director to teach and review students appropriately.

3.2. Treats students with respect and dignity to ensure professionalism.

3.3. Actively participates in the Student Liaison Group Meetings.

3.3. Assumes responsibility for students in the treatment room, actively teaching clinical techniques.

3.4. Conducts student clinical rotation evaluations, observed by clinical supervisor and / or Program Director.

3.5. Practice Development / Positive Impact

3.6. Role models Standards of Professional Behavior while promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

3.7. Consistently demonstrates positive impact on clinical practice.

4. Administrative Tasks

4.1. Collaborate with L3 RTT and Chief Radiation Therapist to assist in the development, revision, and implementation of policies and procedures pertinent to treatment, simulation, new programs and personnel.

4.2. Participates as needed in the departmental committees as requested by the Chief Therapist.

4.3. Collaborate with Lead RTT and Chief Radiation Therapist in developing, collecting data and presenting new initiatives pertinent to the departmental treatment and simulation activities.

4.4. As directed by Lead RTT and / or Chief Therapist, demonstrates the ability to work with other departmental teams, including, but not limited to physicians, nurses, physics, to efficiently problem solve and implement solutions around treatment planning / delivery.

4.5. As directed by Lead and / or Chief Therapist, demonstrates the ability to work directly with patients and their caregivers as needed to effectively problem solve and implement solutions around patient satisfaction, patient safety and patient relations.

4.6. Collaborates with Lead RTT to provide feedback on staff for annual technical competencies.

4.7. Assists with the recruitment and interview process of potential new staff candidates by providing feedback.

4.8. Collaborates with Lead RTT and / or Chief Therapist to ensure appropriate staffing at designated work area and provides direct coverage when necessary.

4.9. Direct coverage may be necessary on weekends and holidays in certain circumstances.

4.10. Able to provide staff support when Lead RTT and Chief Therapist are absent and directs necessary matters to the covering Chief Therapists (other sites) or Radiation Oncology Regional Manager when needed.

4.11. Assists the lead RTT in creating monthly, weekend, and On-call Schedules when required by Chief Therapist.

4.12. Communicates and coordinates daily treatment and simulation / CT operations with the team in daily huddle.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Graduation from an approved school of Radiation Therapy Technology; A.R.R.T. registration and CT Licensure required.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 5 years radiation therapy experience. Minimum of one to three years within the YNHHS Radiation Oncology department.

LICENSURE

CT Licensure Required, ARRT Certification, BLS Certification preferred (3 months within hire)

SPECIAL SKILLS

Requires clear communication and active listening skills. Demonstrates problem-solving skills and promotes collaborative, team-based decisions. Careful attention to safety procedures. Ability to communicate and relate well with patients who are under physical and emotional stress.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Intense concentration, attention to detail with computers and devices that are used within the Radiation Oncology Department. Must have the ability to hear and observe all the surroundings of the department and have manual dexterity. Working on equipment with lifting, pushing, and pulling heavy objects. Standing and walking most of the day, assisting in lifting patients with physical limitations, as well as exposure to patient with mental and emotional issues.
• Must have the ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Must have a steady gait in order to be able to assist patient mobility.
• Must be prepared to work overtime, holidays and weekends, as needed.
• Must be prepared to work and excel in a stressful,