Radiation Therapist Specialist

$7,500 SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE

Reporting to the Manager of Radiation Therapy and under the general direction of the Team Lead Radiation Therapist, the Specialty Staff Radiation Therapist is responsible for the delivery of safe, accurate simulations and radiation therapy treatments according to the prescription provided by the Radiation Oncologist and any treatment protocol.

The Specialty Staff Radiation Therapist performs advanced treatment techniques and quaternary patient care. These procedures have a high level of complexity and specialization. Proficiency is achieved through various rotations at the Mass General Main Campus in Boston, including the Proton Therapy Centers; Lunder Treatment area; and the Simulation and Brachytherapy Suite.

Simulation

• Understands patient history and diagnosis

• Makes recommendations for patient positioning, immobilization and general treatment approach for daily setup based on guidance from the physician and dosimetry while maintaining patient comfort

• Constructs complex immobilization devices

• Discusses procedure with patient and assures their understanding

• Performs CT Scans per protocol and as ordered by the physician, takes appropriate measurements, tattoos the patient, records all treatment parameters in electronic chart, obtains digital setup photos, and updates workflow manager accordingly during the CT Simulation

• Inserts IV for contrast delivery according to prescribed protocols as needed

• Administers IV and oral contrast per physicians order

• Load and operate power injectors for contrast media administration

• Transcribe contrast and IV orders into patient EMR per MD orders

Treatment Delivery

• Responsible for efficient delivery of treatments and with maximum patient satisfaction

• Discusses treatment procedure and possible reactions with patient and assures their understanding

• Follows established department policy for acquiring pre-treatment images or performs other localization techniques to verify accurate patient treatment position

• Follows site specific treatment delivery set up tolerances

• Monitors patients for unusual reactions and events, reporting occurrences to the radiation oncologist, resident or nurse

• Accurately delivers and documents radiation treatment according to prescription

Quality Assurance

• Reviews charts and all treatment parameters prior to first treatment to ensure compliance with pre-treatment quality assurance program

• Performs weekly chart checks for completeness of documentation

• Performs daily quality assurance checks on treatment delivery systems per protocol

• Responsible for verification of treatment parameters and patient identification through universal protocol / pre-procedure verification process

Other Duties

• Provide patient orientation and education during the simulation and treatment process, answer patient questions using language that is easy to understand

• Responsible for scheduling patients, maintaining coordination of treatment related activities and performing patient education

• Maintains an orderly, clean and efficient work area

• Maintains inventory of all patient care and delivery supplies

• Participate in orientation of new staff and education of therapy students

• Participate in performance appraisal for other therapists and students

• Participates in department meetings, retraining and continuing education activities

• Joins and actively participates in department committees, retraining and continuing education activities.

Qualifications

• Candidates/incumbents must be graduates of ARRT approved programs in radiation therapy technology

• New graduates must obtain temporary license to practice from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Radiation Control Program, prior to beginning their employment

• New graduates are given 90-days from date of hire to pass the ARRT certification examination.

• Associates degrees will be accepted for candidates that completed their education prior to 2000

• Candidates that graduated in 2000 or later must possess a Baccalaureate degree

New Graduates

• Clinical internship in a major cancer center is preferred

• Experience with modern linear accelerators, simulation and verify / record systems

All Candidates and Incumbents

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Willingness to teach student therapists and serve as a positive role model for all staff members

• Duties are performed in the MGH Radiation Oncology Department, FHBurr Proton Therapy Center, Emerson Hospital, Newton Wellesley Hospital or other satellites

• Incumbents work in close physical proximity to team members

• Must be willing to work flexible days/hours based on department need and patient volume

• Contribute to efficient operation of the treatment units with minimal overtime and proper handling of expensive equipment.

• Accurate and on-time billing for procedures performed