Lead Radiation Therapist (MHO) in South Bend, Indiana at Beacon Health System

Reports to the department Manager/Director. Responsible for supervision, training and evaluations of the Radiation Therapists and daily radiation therapy patient activities. Coordinates daily treatment schedule and patient care activities to ensure safety and quality measures are followed. Following a prescribed course of treatment, the Lead Radiation Therapist participates and oversees treatment of cancer patients with the precise delivery of high energy ionizing radiation.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Supervises the clinical radiation treatment activities of department in order to ensure quality patient care by:

• Evaluating the daily patient schedule and ongoing Radiation Therapist staffing levels to meet patient/department needs and adjusts accordingly.
• Retaining accountability for all patient care given in assigned area and alerting Manager/Director to problems as they arise.
• Interpreting and enforcing Radiation Oncology policies, procedures and standards within assigned area.
• Providing technical training and orientation for all new Radiation Therapists and providing training and guidance to current team members as needed.
• Participating in performance improvement initiatives and evaluations of Radiation Therapists. Participating in disciplinary action as appropriate.
• Evaluating, on a regular basis, the quality of services in the Radiation Oncology Center and making appropriate recommendations to the Manager/Director.
• Ensuring necessary supplies and equipment are available to meet the needs of the area.
• Developing and implementing new or revised policies and procedures affecting the area assigned.
• Ensuring technical in-services are held regularly as required.
• Meeting with clinical team members in Therapists' meetings to discuss concerns.
• Reporting and following up on patient safety, staff and physician quality concerns to appropriate person(s).

Administers and supervises accurate therapeutic and simulation procedures in Radiation Oncology following physician orders by:

• Reviewing EMR for Radiation Oncologists prescription for treatment, simulation orders and treatment plan.
• Preparing patient for treatment planning by completing quality simulation with high patient reproducibility utilizing immobilization devices and markers as ordered by physician.
• Operating the treatment management software to ensure correct radiation dosage for the correct patient with correct treatment parameters.
• Properly establishing patient in treatment/simulation position as ordered by physician, verifying via imaging as ordered.
• Delivering radiation treatment as prescribed by Radiation Oncologist.
• Notifying Radiation Oncologist for treatments that require Oncologist to check patient set-up.
• Performing procedures ordered by Radiation Oncologist i.e.: fabricating custom bolus, blocking devices and oral appliances, shielding device placement, and applying permanent marks.

Performs and oversees quality assurance on radiation therapy equipment by:

• Completing and ensuring warm-up procedure and safety checks are completed daily on units.
• Performing and overseeing daily treatment beam quality assurance check as determined by physics and department policy.
• Documenting machine problems in machine problem log and notifying physics staff of problems.
• Completing machine quality assurance forms as appropriate.
• Contacting service engineer to work on equipment as needed.
• Making sure equipment/rooms are cleaned on a regular basis.

Assists in departmental leadership by:

• Exhibiting and encouraging positive customer service principles with patients and families.
• Building and maintaining positive professional, collaborative relationships with internal and external customers.
• Participates in conflict resolutions among team and/or other members of dept.
• Acting as facilitator between Radiation Oncologists and Radiation Therapists.
• Stepping into departmental leadership role with Manager/Director unavailable.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an accredited radiation therapy educational program and certified in good standing in radiation therapy technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and hold IN state license in Radiation Therapy. A minimum of five years of experience in radiation therapy is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of three years previous supervisory experience and a bachelor's degree.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of radiation therapy modalities necessary in developing patient treatment tools and in the administration of prescribed radiation therapy.
• Requires a thorough working knowledge of general radiation treatment protocols relating to provisions of care to oncology patients and in-depth knowledge of particular area(s) of responsibility.
• Demonstrates analytical skills necessary in order to read and interpret calculations used for the development and adoption of patient treatment modalities.
• Demonstrates leadership skills as reflected by, but not limited to, the ability to elicit cooperation and support from others, ability to interact tactfully with coworkers, superiors, patients and other Hospital team members.
• Requires the ability to coordinate various activities and establish priorities and to ensure timely completion of activities.
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, physicians and other staff members.

Working Conditions

• Patient care area requiring excessive walking, standing and the ability to communicate and monitor the patient during treatment via intercom and visual monitor.
• May be required to handle strong emotions concerning patient's health, treatment, anger and prognosis.
• Flexible work hours and overtime may be required.
• Evening, weekend and holiday call is assigned on a rotating basis.
• Possible exposure to radiation with little or no change of injury when established safety procedures are followed.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.