Per Diem Radiation Therapist

Stamford Health, a well-established, award-winning Healthcare System with multiple locations in CT has an opportunity for a Per Diem Radiation Therapist.

As a new Certified Great Place to Work organization, Stamford Health understands what it takes to attract talent in order to improve our workforce and support our mission, to that end we offer:

• Competitive salary

• Comprehensive, low-cost health insurance plans available day one

• Wellness programs

• Paid Time Off accruals

• Tax deferred annuity and (403b) pension plan

• Tuition reimbursement

• Free on-site parking

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Chief Radiation Therapist, the Radiation Therapist is responsible for the delivery of radiation therapy treatment as prescribed by the radiation oncologist, daily maintenance and quality assurance checks for the equipment, maintenance of the inventory of department supplies, and administrative quality assurance checks as assigned.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES/CRITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Responsible for daily patient care and education.

• Appropriately involves the patient and their family in care and care decisions.

• Maintains and demonstrates respect for patient confidentiality and modesty.

• Explains the treatment procedure.

• Arranges daily radiation treatment schedule.

• Monitors patient's physical and physiological response and reactions to treatment and refer patient for appropriate management as needed.

2.Responsible for efficient operation of the assigned clinical area

• Performs daily QA measures to ensure proficient operation of all imaging and treatment equipment.

• Performs daily shutdown procedures.

• Confirms and reviews status of new patient and cone down information in a timely manner.

• Performs accurate QA measures for all new start information.

• Reviews schedule to confirm: number of patients, imaging, and new patient starts.

• Notifies Lead/Chief Radiation Therapist when inventory and supplies are needed.

• Assists during equipment failures and notifies patients as well as all functional areas of the department.

3.Assists the Lead/Chief Radiation Therapist to develop new techniques or resolve clinical problems.

4.Administers radiation therapy treatment accurately and safely.

• Monitors and reports treatment variances and inconsistencies.

• Accurately document all treatment delivery information in the electronic medical record (EMR).

• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to perform all aspects of treatment.

• May be asked to participate in and demonstrate knowledge in one or more specialty areas and programs, including but not limited to: all aspects of simulation, Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), HDR, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

5.Possesses knowledge and demonstrates ability to accurately perform all new start QA measures, weekly chart checks, scheduling, treatment delivery, image review, and billing procedures involving the electronic medical record (EMR) system.

6.Responsible for the safe and accurate utilization of all aspects of the EMR and Record and Verify system.

7.Utilizes the Quality Assurance (QA) program to encompass all aspects of treatment, treatment delivery and quality patient care.

• Accurately documents treatment variances and inconsistencies using the appropriate tools.

• Utilizes correct procedure checklist as necessary for each procedure.

• Accurately documents all treatment delivery information in the EMR.

• Participates in and appropriately documents the Time Out procedure for every treatment.

8.Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of the principles of growth and development for adult and geriatric populations. In addition, s/he must possess the ability to assess patient relative data as deemed pertinent to age-specific needs and provide care as described in the department's policy and procedure manual.

9.Positions, immobilizes and aligns patients according to the treatment plan and effectively evaluate and assist in solving set-up issues.

10. Demonstrates an understanding of the patient functional mobility assessment tool and mobilizes patients using appropriate mechanical assistive devices, such as ceiling lifts and lateral transfer devices, during the provision of patient care.

11. Understands the function of all equipment, accessories, treatment methods policies, procedures, protocols and applies knowledge appropriately.

12. Participates in and appropriately documents the Time Out procedure for every treatment verification and daily treatment.

13. Demonstrates cooperation and responsiveness to all staff members.

• Models appropriate professional behavior, such as, but not limited to: courtesy, respect, constructive assertiveness, effective listening.

• Effectively utilizes professional problem solving and negotiation skills to manage conflict.

14. Attends regularly scheduled Therapist staff meetings and chart rounds.

15. Attends scheduled continuing education activities.

16. Works flexible shifts as directed by the Lead/Chief Radiation Therapist, depending on patient volume and departmental needs.

• Coverage may be necessary on weekends and holidays in certain circumstances.

• On call rotation (weekends and holidays) based on needs of the department may be required

• Adapts to contingency plans, which are in response to variables which influence workload and/or schedule.

17. Rotates through treatment areas as directed by the Lead/Chief Radiation Therapist. These areas may include specialty areas such as the simulation suite, and HDR suite.

18. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have proficient technical knowledge and skill set. This includes but is not limited to demonstrating efficient knowledge of all equipment operation, tools and procedures specific to assigned area. This also includes demonstrating the ability to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise.

• Demonstrates competency on all equipment, software, policies, procedures, department workflows etc., through successful completion of initial 90 day competency and annual competency thereafter.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal professional relationships with physicians, management, peers, patients, and their families.

• Must convey a positive attitude and present a professional appearance.

• Must have effective communication (both oral and written) skills sufficient to resolve conflicts, and relay information concisely to staff, patients, and other hospital personnel.

• Must have sufficient organizational skills.

• Demonstrate strong customer service skills, including the ability to use appropriate judgment, independent thinking and creativity when resolving issues and conflict.

• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently.

• Demonstrate the ability and flexibility to effectively handle challenging and stressful situations and to balance and shift multiple priorities.

• Must have the ability to adapt to frequent interruptions and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Must have interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively with patients who may be under physical and/or emotional stress.

• Must have to ability to handle sensitive and confidential patient information.

• Must be proficient in the use of the Radiation Oncology Information Systems and software and Hospital Information Systems that integrate with the Department of Radiation Oncology, including, but not limited to: ARIA, Meditech.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR REGISTRATIONS:

Required:

• Valid CT State License in Radiation Therapy

• Valid ARRT certification in Radiation Therapy must be obtained by the end of the 3-month probation period

• Valid BLS certification

EDUCATION:

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Required: Associate Degree or Certificate

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be prepared to work overtime, holidays and weekends, as needed.

• Must be prepared to work and excel in a stressful, complex, and demanding team environment with varying workload, necessitating varying working hours.

• Works with ionizing radiation, radioactive isotopes, MR, computers, cancer patients, both adult and geriatric and their families.

• Exposure to human waste and disease.

• Physical demands include but not limited to:

• Lifting and repositioning patients

• Lifting and positioning immobilization devices and beam modifying devices.

• Continuous standing.

• Subject to frequent stressful situations. .

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Significant portions of daily assignments involve prolonged standing, transporting material, equipment, patients, or lifting, moving or carrying heavy (over 30 pounds) for intermittent periods throughout the day.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

Significant portions of daily assignments involve exposure to dirt, odors, noise, or include patient care responsibilities with exposure to human waste, body fluids and similar elements. Working surfaces may be unlevel, slippery or unstable. Significant portions of daily assignments involve occupational risk such as cuts, needle punctures, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, injuries from falls or back injury sustained while assisting with moving, lifting, or positioning patients, equipment or materials.

• We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and inclusion and reflects the diversity of the community and patients we serve.