Radiation Therapy Dosimetrist jobs in Parkersburg, WV

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Radiation Therapy Board Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

2. License in the State of West Virginia through the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners.

3. Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire date.

EXPERIENCE:

1. New graduates considered

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EXPERIENCE:

1. 2 years clinical experience preferred.

2. Current Basic Life Support certification.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Administers external radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist to affect curative or palliative treatment of disease.

• Prepares and positions patient for treatment.
• Achieves precision patient alignment using imaging, external markings and patient specific immobilization devices.
• Obtains and compares verification images to simulation images using anatomical landmarks or fiducial markers.
• Obtains radiation oncologist's approval of verification imaging prior to initiation of treatment as indicated by the physician order.
• Checks treatment calculations and/or treatment plan.
• Verifies treatment console readouts and settings prior to initiating treatment and upon termination of treatment.
• Delivers the treatment as directed and prescribed by the radiation oncologist. Verifies the accuracy of the patient setup prior to treatment delivery.
• Monitors the patient visually and aurally during treatment.
• Monitors the treatment console during treatment.
• Evaluates the patient daily for any side effects, reactions and therapeutic responses.

2. Performs simulations and localization (where available) according to established protocols and produces usable images for the planning and verifying of treatment procedures. Calculates actual monitor units in cases of emergent simulations after normal department hours.

• Explains to the patient each step of the action plan as it occurs and elicits the cooperation of the patient.
• Performs simulation as indicated by the ordering physician.
• Performs procedural timeout as required for invasive procedures.
• Applies principles of sterile technique as required.
• Positions patient for anatomic area of interest, respecting patient ability and comfort.
• Prepares and constructs equipment, such as immobilization devices, treatment devices, and protection devices as requested by the radiation oncologist.
• Monitors the patient for reactions to medications.
• Uses knowledge of biological effects of ionizing radiation on tissue to minimize radiation dose to normal tissues.
• Uses proper procedure to calculate actual monitor units in emergent situations during after-hours and weekend call.

5. Assists the radiation oncologists, medical dosimetrists, and medical physicists in preparing the physical and technical aspects of radiation treatment plans by providing information about the patient's condition and anatomy.

6. Educates, prepares and reassures patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing the radiation oncologists' advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care.

7. Plans and performs procedures for the treatment and imaging of patients, meeting the quality standards of the department as identified through professional literature and department policy.

8. Performs daily equipment warm-up and quality checks as outlined by medical physics. Documents QA as required. Reports any variances to medical physics.

9. Determines technical charges based on procedure(s) performed and assigns appropriate CPT code.

10. Cooperates with others, shares ideas and contributes time to achieve organizational and departmental goals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The following items under physical demands, psychological demands, work demands and exposure category describe the basic extent of physical demands performed by staff in this position.

a.See attached Physical Demands

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Cognizant of environmental factors, infection control issues and maintains a safe environment.

2. Large clinical area that requires interaction with physicians, nurses, dosimetrists, physicists, and support staff.

3. The presence of computers/computer monitors which are essential for performing job tasks.

4. The presence of radiation producing equipment including: linear accelerators, CT/Simulator, and HDR.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Ability to be scheduled for work based on operational needs of the hospital.

2. Possesses the ability to deal tactfully and harmoniously with guests.

3. Operation Monitoring - Observing gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure equipment is functioning properly.

4. Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment and systems.

5. Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate.

6. Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

7. Instructing - Teaching others to do something

9. Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches.

10. Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people and provide high quality care. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.

11. Ability to speak clearly so others can understand.

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