Radiation Therapist

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.Utilizing evidence-based practice, the Radiation Therapist provides radiation services and patient care in accordance with established policies and standards of professional practice for radiation therapy. Provides radiation services through treatment planning, delivery and follow up. Provides patient care such as assessment and patient and family education related to planning, treatment and side effects.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Provides patient care by performing duties such as patient assessment, reviewing patient and family history, educating patients and families on treatment process and side effects and recommending self-care measures. Consults with and/or refers patients to members of other health care disciplines as required.
2. Performs treatment planning procedures by:
a. Constructing immobilization and beam directional and shaping devices.
b. Using simulation and related equipment for the generation and verification of treatment plans.
c. Positioning and marking patient to ensure optimal dose distribution & reproducibility of treatment plan.
d. Performing manual and computerized planning calculations for radiation treatment techniques.
3. Reviews, interprets and implements radiation treatment prescriptions for brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy which includes computerized treatment plans, use of immobilizing and beam modifying devices and, accurate dose calculations. Maintains accurate treatment record.
4. Assists the patient in the interpretation of the treatment plan and evaluates the patient’s understanding of treatment and side effects. Ensures that patients and their families are aware of services available at the Agency and in the community.
5. Maintains patient records by collecting and documenting information related to the patient and health care history, radiation therapist assessment, symptom and side effect management, and patient and family education.
6. Performs quality assurance checks of equipment in assigned work area according to established procedures, maintains records of checks and takes appropriate action on equipment malfunctions.
7. Maintains a safe environment for patients, families and staff by adhering to safety policies and standards and emergency procedures.
8. Maintains and updates own clinical knowledge and skills in Radiation Therapy by methods such as reviewing professional literature, consulting with other professionals and participating in relevant education programs. Develops a plan for professional development in collaboration with designated personnel/team and reviews progress to ensure goals are achieved within established time frames.
9. Participates in educational activities and programs for patients and staff (e.g. orientation).
10. Participates in the orientation, clinical instruction and evaluation of student radiation therapists as required by methods such as demonstrating techniques and providing feedback on the student’s performance to the Clinical Educator or designate.
11. As required, provides work direction to designated support staff (e.g. clerical staff) by delegating tasks, notifying staff of changes and/or errors in patient bookings.
12. Participates and shares in the development of radiation therapy standards, goals and objectives at the process and practice level. Participates in unit/team/program activities required to enhance and optimize the delivery of care and to facilitate evidence-based practice. Promotes quality management principles for unit/team/program operations, identifies processes/procedures that require improvement, and drafts/revises guidelines, policies and procedures for review. Identifies and reports unsafe practice/professional conduct in accordance with professional standards and organizational policies.
13. Supports and participates in research activities by generating questions, assisting in writing proposals, and participating in data collection and interpretation, within resources. Applies an evidence-based approach to problem-solving through methods such as reviewing literatures/resources and applying approved research findings in clinical practice to support the research culture of the organization. Evaluates research results in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
14. Participates as a member of the health care team by contributing radiation therapist practice and processes at team and centre meetings and committees as required or assigned.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
Degree in Radiation Therapy or recognized certificate and Canadian Association for Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) Certified. Within the preceding five (5) years, the successful completion of Radiation Therapy training program or active employment as a Radiation Therapist. Current CPR (Level C) certification.
Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with patients, families, staff, physicians, and other health care providers.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize issues and workload.
• Demonstrated ability to apply clinical and technical knowledge into practice.
• Ability to operate related equipment.