Therapeutic Radiological Tech (Oncology)

Summary

The incumbent's primary responsibilities are to provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by Radiation Oncologist and under the general supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist. Other tasks include start-up, QA, and shut-down of equipment, electronic field imaging, charge capturing, simulation and on-call.

Duties

Incumbent functions as a Therapeutic Radiology Therapist in Radiology Service, Oncology Section. Duties include but are not limited to: Receiving patients and explains methods of procedure to the patient. Makes radiographs needed to localize the tumor volume in patients, which requires proper use of various anatomical marking devices. Constructs accurate contour of the patient's body and performs necessary measurements to be utilized by the physicist during computer calculations of the treatment plan. Independently performs warm-up checks of each radiation therapy machine to assists the Radiation Physicist in identification and correction of machine malfunctions. Works with the physicists for QA and other physics related issues. Duties include, but are not limited to: Schedule patients in a manner so as to optimize linear accelerator/simulator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Prepare room and equipment for patient according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lead protection devices, etc. Perform and document daily accelerator/simulator warm-up and QA procedures. Report erratic or malfunctioning equipment to Chief Therapist, Physicist and/or Engineer. Perform simulations. Administers contrast materials and should have a thorough understanding of protocol before, during and after contrast is given. Observe patient for reactions to contrast. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Prepare and construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices. Perform mold room duties. Review prescription, diagnosis, treatment plan, identification, and chart for accuracy prior to treatment. Properly identifies patient by confirming verbally name, social security number and/or date of birth. Technologist must wear proper and visible identification. Educate, prepare and reassure patients and their family members by answering questions. Transfer patient safely to treatment couch giving special attention to catheters, intravenous drips, etc. Position patient for treatment with accuracy according to prescription. Explain procedure to patient, means of communication during treatment and procedure to follow if emergency arises during treatment. Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body site using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards with minimal supervision. Maintain visual and audible communication with patient during treatment. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, visitors, staff and self. Technologist must wear film badge in compliance with regulations. Records all parameters involved with each patient, including daily and accumulated doses, treatment time, field size and type of radiation used. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Responsible for weekly stocking and inventory of all radiation oncology supplies and related materials. Public Law 97-35 requires persons hired after 1987 who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR, Part 75, must be certified as radiographers in their fields and maintain annual licensure renewal. CPR certification and recertification is required in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines. Performs irregular hour emergency simulation and radiation treatment. Requires the technologist be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call so proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Continually reviews new developments in the field of Radiation Therapy. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of treatment utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible treatments. Maintain patient markings. Observe patient for side effects such as skin irritation, nausea, and hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment. Obtain electronic radiation treatment field images. (OBI, CBCT, MV) and photos. Maintains an accurate schedule and performs charge capturing. Assist in training and orienting new staff and students. Participate in departmental PI (Performance Improvement) activities and all other duties as required. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's or higher degree accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the subsequent completion of a 12-month ED accrediting body-approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. Part 75. They must have successfully completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the ED, and be radiation therapists certified by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (T). Certification. All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)). (1) All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees in an occupation not requiring a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted or demoted within the occupation. Employees in an occupation requiring a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees in an occupation requiring a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher-grade