Radiation Therapist - Academic Medical Center, Full-Time, Days

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Radiation Therapist - Academic Medical Center reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Radiation Therapist - Academic Medical Center accurately delivers radiation treatments as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist, and is responsible for continued patient assessment, patient education, accurate and current documentation to assure the delivery of quality patient care on a daily basis.

Responsibilities:

• Accurately delivers the prescribed and planned course of radiation treatment to the patient, including verification of treatment and treatment dose, patient positioning and monitoring, imaging, and treatment delivery.
• Maintains complete and accurate record of treatments delivered, including appropriate documentation of daily treatments and changes or barriers encountered. Any deviation from prescribed treatment is reported and documented in accordance with department policy.
• Provides education to patients in a manner that is timely and consistent with the patient’s ability to learn. Identifies and overcomes barriers to learning.
• Assesses patients for unusual physical and/or psychological reactions to treatment or disease. Documents and refers to nurse or physician as needed.
• Maintains daily schedule in a manner that maximizes patient satisfaction and smooth patient flow through the department.  
• Rotates through all procedure and treatment areas
• Communicates with patients in a timely manner regarding any delay or wait time. 
• Actively participates in radiation therapy student clinical instruction and evaluates clinical performance and competency according to the defined systems of evaluation.
• Adheres to all departmental and radiation safety policies and procedures, ensuring the safety of patients, visitors and staff at all times.
• Assists in ensuring that all patients are treated in a safe and timely manner.  
• Assists in problem solving daily operational issues
• Assists in the training and orientation of new staff.   
• Actively identifies and participates in the design or development of improved practices or procedures for health and safety  
• Performs and records daily quality control and quality assurance processes.
• Proactively identifies quality issues to be addressed and brings to the attention of the Manager and Quality Committee as appropriate.  
• Completes proper documentation to ensure accurate patient charging.
• Maintains equipment and monitors supply levels in assigned area.  Reports any problems or supply needs to appropriate person.
• Recognizes need to elevate a situation and involve leadership or other areas of the department when necessary
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff throughout the department.
• Maintains a positive attitude, even in difficult or challenging situations
• Promotes a positive work environment.
• Has strong and respectful relationships with all disciplines in the department
• Supports all department and hospital quality and safety initiatives
• Promotes NMH Patients First Mission and identifies areas of improvement in enhancing the patient experience
• Maintains competencies and complies with continuing education requirements of credentialing agencies

Additional Functions:

• Ensures that assigned work area meets hospital and department standards of safety and professional appearance. 
• Proactively identifies and addresses maintenance and facility issues as needed.  
• Participates in the evaluation of new equipment.
• Assists with special procedures as needed (e.g. Brachytherapy, Gamma Knife, HDR, etc.)
• Assists with institutional clinical research studies
• Other duties as assigned by Manager

Qualifications

Required:

• IDNS Certification or eligibility for certification in Radia