Sr. Radiation Therapist
Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH)

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Under the direction of the Chief and Lead Radiation Therapists, the Senior Radiation Therapist is primarily responsible for delivering high doses of ionizing radiation as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist. The Senior Radiation Therapist performs complex radiation therapy duties characterized by a greater degree of work independence and less common radiation treatments; delivers planned courses of radiation therapy; maintains accurate records; verifies records and treatments; applies principles of radiation protection; regulates radioactive material; provides special procedures; provides quality assurance support.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 all treatment and imaging procedures.
• Arranges daily radiation treatment schedule.
• Attentive to patient needs and concerns by continuous monitoring of the patient's physical and physiological response and reactions to treatment and refer patient for appropriate management as needed.

Simulation: Demonstrates knowledge and ability to operate CT scanner and CT scanner software.

• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to complete tasks in the Treatment planning software (Eclipse)
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to operate LAP Lasers
• Explains simulation procedure, including the administration of permanent tattoos for set up purposes.
• Assists and interacts with all departmental Radiation Therapists , demonstrating the ability to answer all questions and details pertaining to simulation to ensure quality treatment.
• Demonstrates the ability to create immobilization devices, bolus, and accurately document set up instructions.
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to perform all aspects of both treatment and simulation. Assists treatment machines with difficult set ups.
• Participates in the IV contrast program, including; Patient Screening, Peripheral IV placement, Injection of IV contrast agents via power injector.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in use of IV contrast Power injectors
• Administers Oral Contrast
• Able to navigate and enter orders in the Hospital EMR (EPIC)
• May be asked to participate in MR Simulation procedures.
• Assists in scheduling/rescheduling appointments, as needed.
• Assists other areas of the department during low volume periods.

Assists the Lead Radiation Therapist in the 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 Radiation Therapist when inventory and supplies are needed.
• Assists in organizing team during equipment failures and notifies patients as well as all functional areas of the department.

Works with the Lead and Chief Radiation Therapist to develop new techniques or resolve clinical problems.

• Assists in resolving difficult set-ups and in the instruction of staff members and students in this area.
• Must strive for continuous improvement and standardization of techniques.

Possesses in-depth 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.

Assists with the triage of emergent cases, negotiates scheduling of patients with other care team members.

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

• Must have the ability to instruct and assist others in the proper use of the system.

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.
• Practices the QA program of each treatment unit and assists with the instruction of new staff members and students as part of orientation.
• 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.

Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of the principles of growth and development from all life stages, ranging from infancy to geriatric. 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.

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.

Assists with the instruction and when asked, the orientation of new Radiation Therapists, students and other staff members who are unfamiliar with the department or specific procedures.

• Conducts a guided tour of the department.
• Introduces new staff to department personnel.
• Orients new staff to departmental policies and procedures.

Maintains and demonstrates cooperation and responsiveness to all departmental 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.

Assume Lead responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Radiation Therapist, when requested.

• Assists the Chief and Lead Radiation Therapist to insure coverage for meeting attendance and administrative duties.

Attends regularly scheduled Therapist staff meetings.

Attends regularly scheduled continuing educational activities.

• Actively seeks management focused and career growth educational opportunities.

Maintains active membership in professional organizations.

• Participates in professional activates by attending meetings, serving on committees or task forces, writing and/or presenting scientific papers.

Participates in the clinical instruction and evaluation of the Radiation Therapy Technology students assigned to the area.

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

• Coverage may be necessary on weekends and holidays in certain circumstances.
• Adapts to contingency plans, which are in response to variables which influence workload and/or schedule.

Rotates to other treatment areas as directed by the Chief and Lead Radiation Therapist. These areas may include the simulation suites or Low Dose Brachytherapy.

May be required to travel to network satellite clinics as directed by the Chief Radiation Therapist.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Must be realistic, objective, measurable and related to essential functions of this job.

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.

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, EPIC, Eclipse.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS:

Required

• Valid Massachusetts State License in Radiation Therapy
• Valid ARRT certification in Radiation Therapy
• Valid BLS certification

EXPERIENCE: Indicate the required and preferred (optional)amount and type of experience.

Required: Minimum of three (3) years of continuous clinical experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Authority to hire, promote, terminate (if applicable); list the number of FTEs supervised.

None

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable): Indicate financial "scope" information, i.e., size of budget, volume, revenue, etc.; Indicate total physician/non-physician FTE scope.

None

GUIDELINES FOR PROMOTION

Qualified candidates will be considered by the management team at the time of their performance review.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Describe the conditions in which the work is performed.

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, computers, cancer patients, both adults and children, and their families.

Exposure to human waste and disease.

Physical demands include but not limited to:

• Lifting and repositioning patients, using mechanical assistive devices.
• Lifting and positioning immobilization devices and beam modifying devices.
• Continuous standing.

Subject to frequent stressful situations.

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

Reports to: Lead Radiation Therapist, Chief Radiation Therapist

CAREER PATH

With additional years of experience and position availability, advancement to the positions of Lead Radiation Therapist or Chief Radiation Therapist may be possible. With additional collegiate level education, advancement to the position of Technical Director may be possible.

For a possible alternative career path, one may elect to teach in the school of Radiation Therapy Technology, become Clinical Instructor, or Educational Director.

EEO Statement
BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

This job has expired.