Radiation Therapist

***This position is eligible for up to $8,000 Relocation***

***A Commitment Bonus of up to $25,000 is available for eligible radiation therapists with three or more years of experience***

***A Commitment Bonus of up to $15,000 is available for eligible radiation therapists with less than three years of experience***

Location: Duke University Hospital

General Description of the Job Class

Apply ionizing radiation to the patient (inclusive of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations) in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist and under the general supervision of the Chief Therapist.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

• Deliver accurately the prescribed planned course of radiation therapy with minimal supervision.
• Check prescription, diagnosis, chart and patient identification.
• Explain procedure to patient, means of communication during treatment and procedure to follow if emergency arises during treatment. *Reinforce Radiation Oncologist's advice to patient regarding reactions to treatment and their care.
• Prepare room and equipment for patient according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lead protection devices, etc.
• Transfer patient safely to treatment couch, giving special care to catheters, intravenous drips, etc.
• Check daily treatment time and delivers prescribed dose. *Maintain visual and audible communication with the patient during treatment.
• Maintain patient markings. Observe patient for unusual reactions and events and report accurate information to the nursing staff and/or Radiation Oncologist.
• Observe radiation safety measures for patient and personnel.
• Perform simulations.
• Assist in tumor localization procedures, preparation of immobilization devices, etc.
• Assist in dosimetry procedures (i.e. Prescription calculations).
• Obtain weekly port films and present such at chart rounds for review by Radiation Oncology staff.
• Assume weekly on- call status on a rotation basis. (Applies to Duke staff therapist only)
• Perform and document daily accelerator warm-up and QA procedures.(DRH and RCH)
• Maintain records of daily treatment and other records as required by department quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
• Perform mold room duties.(DRH and RCH)
• Secure and maintain supplies.
• Secure x-ray and lab reports as needed.
• Report erratic operation of equipment to Chief Radiation therapist, Radiation Physicist and/or Medical Engineer.
• Participate in departmental PI (Performance Improvement) activities.
• Assist in the hiring and orienting of new personnel.
• Attend weekly QA rounds, monthly therapy meetings, and educational in-services.
• Incorporate department and hospital policies and procedures into care provided.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

• Satisfactory completion of a 24 month course in radiology technology and a 12 month course in radiation therapy technology; or
• Satisfactory completion of a 24 month course in radiation therapy technology; or
• Registered nurse who has satisfactorily completed a 12-month course in radiation therapy technology; or
• Satisfactory completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in radiation therapy.

Experience

• One year clinical training in Radiation Therapy.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Current licensure as required by state or national authority and/or certification or board eligible in Radiation Therapy by the American Registry of Radiology Technology.
• Maintain ARRT certification in radiation therapy with a minimum of documented 12 hours of continuing education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge in principles, practices and procedures involved in the operation of ionizing radiographic and radiation therapy equipment.
• Knowledge of the human anatomy and proper positioning of the patient to provide treatment as prescribed.
• Ability to administer CPR in a medical emergency.