Registered Radiation Therapist

Valley Health System - Winchester, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Winchester, VA

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About the position

The Radiation Therapist is responsible for providing daily care to cancer patients, ensuring accurate interpretation and delivery of radiation treatments as prescribed by the radiation oncologist. This role involves performing simulations and providing clinical instruction to radiation therapy students. The therapist will also be required to assist during Brachytherapy procedures, manage on-call duties, and handle treatment scheduling. A key aspect of the position includes assisting in treatment planning procedures, which encompasses tumor localization and dosimetry. The therapist will triage sick patients for nursing evaluation and must be adept at performing daily and other quality assurance (QA) protocols. Given the nature of the role, candidates should be prepared for mandatory overtime and shift work as needed. In addition to the technical responsibilities, the Radiation Therapist will check prescriptions, diagnoses, and patient identification, ensuring all necessary documentation is accurate. They will schedule patients and explain pre-treatment and post-treatment procedures, addressing any questions or concerns to reassure patients. The therapist will interface with physicists and dosimetrists at the initiation of treatment and act as a liaison with supportive care physicians, nurses, and social workers, maintaining open lines of communication with all parties involved in patient care. The therapist will prepare the treatment room and equipment according to the prescription, utilizing immobilization devices, treatment devices, and lead protection as necessary. They will take and check images of treated areas, process and file these images, and ensure patient safety and comfort during treatments. The therapist will also document treatment doses accurately, maintain patient markings, and change dressings as required. Observing radiation safety measures is critical, as is the ability to report any unusual reactions or events to designated personnel and assist in emergency treatment when necessary. The role requires a strong commitment to patient care and safety, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Check prescription, diagnosis, chart, patient identification, etc.
• Schedule patients and explain procedure for pre-treatment and post-treatment.
• Answer questions and reassure patients.
• Interface with physicist and dosimetrist at initiation of treatment.
• Act as liaison with supportive care physicians, nurses, and social workers.
• Prepare room and equipment for patient according to the prescription, immobilization devices, field sizes, treatment devices, distance, lead protection devices, etc.
• Take and check images of all treated areas; process and file same.
• Transfer patients to treatment couch.
• Maintain visual and audible contact with patient during treatments.
• Maintain patient markings and change them according to physician direction.
• Reinforce recommendations given to the patient by the physician, dietitian, etc.
• Change dressings as necessary and observe patient for any unusual reactions or events.
• Report to designated personnel and assist in emergency treatment.
• Observe radiation safety measures for patient and personnel.
• Check charges daily for accurate billing and document treatment doses accurately.
• Treat patients with original electronic chart at all times.
• Check name and date of birth along with treatment area and record in the daily timeout.
• Set up IMRT and 3-D patients properly in CT.
• Make proper immobilization devices for 2-D, 3-D, and IMRT patients.
• Document proper set-up instructions and all pertinent information for dosimetry calculations in charts.
• Update simulation manual as required and review documents for the following day simulations.
• Cut and prepare blocks.

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited program in Radiation Therapy and registration through A.R.R.T.
• Two (2) years supervisory experience in a hospital or other setting required.
• Competent to successfully interact with patients according to their special needs based on age.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with IMRT and 3-D treatment planning.
• Familiarity with electronic health records and documentation systems.

Benefits

• Zero-Deductible Health Plan
• Dental and vision insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Retirement Savings Match
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Membership to Healthy U: An Incentive-Based Wellness Program
• Health savings account & flexible spending account for childcare
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Professional development opportunities
• Discounts to on-campus dining