Job Abstract

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The primary responsibility of this position is to administer prescribed external beam radiation therapy treatments under the direction of the oncologist and supervision of the department manager.  Has latitude for independent judgment, using ingenuity and initiative.  Demonstrates attitudes and behaviors in interacting with others that are courteous, polite, concerned, friendly and respectful, resulting in favorable patient, physician and staff perceptions of the Bon Secours Cancer Institute and its employees.

Employment Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Graduate of an accredited school of radiation oncology.
• Registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiation Therapy, or board eligible (expected to pass ARRT certification exam within 3 months of hire).
• ARRT certification is to be maintained during tenure of employment by completing continuing education as required by the ARRT
• Requires proficiency in performing relatively complex technical work normally acquired during clinical experience.
• Maintain state license as required by the Department of Health

Essential Job Functions

Daily Operations

• Operates a variety of radiation therapy equipment, providing protection in accordance with prescribed safety standards.  Immediately reports any malfunctions, necessary adjustments or repairs.  Initiates repair process when indicated.
• Correctly interprets the Physician prescription, Diagnosis, and Treatment Chart.  For the initial treatment uses the treatment plan record to verify treatment setup and accuracy.
• Ensures there is a documented time out before every treatment to verify patient identification by 2 sources.
• Maintains constant visual and sound communications with patient during treatment.
• Performs daily warm up and QA on the linear accelerators and CT simulator, as instructed and per policy, keeping accurate records of machine readings and faults.  Immediately reports any malfunctions.
• Ensures the treatment room is set up correctly and ready for patient treatment to affect optimal patient flow.
• Maintains room cleanliness in accordance with Bon Secours infection prevention and control policies and ensures that room is stocked with all needed supplies. Ensures that the control room is neat and clean with no visible clutter.
• Explains all aspects of their treatments and scheduled procedures and establishes good communication with the patient.
• Reinforces advice and instructions given to patients and/or the patient's families during treatments as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist or nurse.
• Organizes and accurately schedules daily treatments, CT simulations, and other procedures (as needed) for patients, making every effort to accommodate their time constraints and travel problems.
• Handles patients and their families with a high degree of professional ethics, care, tact, courtesy, patience and safety. Exhibits confidence to ease patient fears related to treatment and all radiation oncology procedures.
• Follows infection prevention policies and procedures.
• Participates in the on-call process according to departmental policies and procedures.

Documentation and Billing

• Locates or obtains necessary consent forms for treatment and student participation.
• Maintains department and hospital records on patients in accordance with established standards.
• Follows policy for end of treatment visits and new starts.
• Ensures prior auth has been obtained and billing has approved patient to start prior to treating the patient.  Bills patient correctly based on the procedure performed.
• Completes any necessary documentation on treatments, simulations, and procedures to validate billing and ensure treatment accuracy with setup.
• Checks charts weekly to ensure accuracy and completion of records.

Treatment and Procedures

• Administers prescribed external beam radiation therapy treatments.
• Checks the patient daily for reactions and complications regarding treatments. 
• Maintains an awareness of the patients' physical and emotional condition recognizes and reports adverse signs and takes necessary action.
• Obtains and evaluates patients’ treatment field localization procedures as indicated per physician prescription and/or departmental policy and procedures. Makes the necessary changes per physician’s recommendations.
• Practices sterile techniques and prevents cross contamination of contagious diseases when appropriate.
• Reviews all necessary information in EMR needed for simulation, including but not limited to CTP, Physician consult, etc.
• Ensures that items requested in the physician’s CTP are available for the procedure prior to the appointment.
• Communicates with all appropriate staff needed for the procedure i.e., physics, nursing, and physician, prior to beginning the appointment.
• Accurately prepares patient treatment setup instructions.
• Performs fabrication of immobilization devices as needed.
• Completes all documentation in a timely manner.