Radiation Therapist - Duke Regional Hospital - Durham - PRN

Company: Duke Health
Location: Morrisville
Posted on: May 26, 2023

Job Description:

Duke Regional Hospital offers the personal touch and hometown feel of a community hospital while serving as an essential arm of internationally recognized Duke University Health System. Duke Regional has served Durham, Orange, Person, Granville and Alamance counties for more than 45 years. To be successful at caring for our community and have a strong reputation among patients who seek our care, we have 3,500 team members who work together to provide exceptional, compassionate and equitable healthcare 24/7. We are a place of learning and acceptance for team members just starting their careers, as well as an institution of family culture and professional development for employees who have served for decades in our hospital units. Duke Regional has 388 inpatient beds and offers a comprehensive range of medical, surgical and diagnostic services, including orthopedics, weight-loss surgery, women's services, and heart and vascular services. We also offer care at our Duke Rehabilitation Institute, Davis Ambulatory Surgical Center, Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center Arringdon, Health Services Center, and Duke Behavioral Health Center North Durham. In fiscal year 2021, Duke Regional Hospital admitted 16,422 patients, performed 18,152 surgeries and welcomed 2,673 babies into the world. U.S. News & World Report ranked Duke Regional Hospital as in North Carolina and in the Raleigh-Durham area for 2021-22. The Human Rights Campaign consistently names us a Healthcare Equality Leader, and we are a Joint Commission-accredited and Magnet-designated hospital.

General Description of the Job Class Apply ionizing radiation to the patient (inclusive of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations) in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist and under the general supervision of the Chief Therapist.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

• Deliver accurately the prescribed planned course of radiation therapy with minimal supervision.
• Check prescription, diagnosis, chart and patient identification.
• Explain procedure to patient, means of communication during treatment and procedure to follow if emergency arises during treatment. Reinforce Radiation Oncologist's advice to patient regarding reactions to treatment and their care.
• Prepare room and equipment for patient according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lead protection devices, etc.
• Transfer patient safely to treatment couch, giving special care to catheters, intravenous drips, etc.
• Check daily treatment time and delivers prescribed dose. Maintain visual and audible communication with the patient during treatment.
• Maintain patient markings. Observe patient for unusual reactions and events and report accurate information to the nursing staff and/or Radiation Oncologist.
• Observe radiation safety measures for patient and personnel.
• Perform simulations.
• Assist in tumor localization procedures, preparation of immobilization devices, etc.
• Assist in dosimetry procedures (i.e. Prescription calculations).
• Obtain weekly port films and present such at chart rounds for review by Radiation Oncology staff.
• Assume weekly on- call status on a rotation basis. (Applies to Duke staff therapist only)
• Perform and document daily accelerator warm-up and QA procedures.(DRH and RCH)
• Maintain records of daily treatment and other records as required by department quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
• Perform mold room duties.(DRH and RCH)
• Secure and maintain supplies.
• Secure x-ray and lab reports as needed.
• Report erratic operation of equipment to Chief Radiation therapist, Radiation Physicist and/or Medical Engineer.
• Particpate in departmental PI (Performance Improvement) activities.
• Assist in the hiring and orienting of new personnel.
• Attend weekly QA rounds, monthly therapy meetings, and educational in-services.
• Incorporate department and hospital policies and procedures into care provided. Required Qualifications at this Level Education Satisfactory completion of a 24 month course in radiology technology and a 12 month course in radiation therapy technology; or
  
  Satisfactory completion of a 24 month course in radiation therapy technology; or
  
  Registered nurse who has satisfactorily completed a 12-month course in radiation therapy technology; or
  
  Satisfactory completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in radiation therapy.
  
  Experience One year clinical training in Radiation Therapy.
  
  Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification Current licensure as required by state or national authority and/or certification or board eligible in Radiation Therapy by the American Registry of Radiology Technology.
  
  Maintain ARRT certification in radiation therapy with a minimum of documented 12 hours of continuing education.
  
  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge in principles, practices and procedures involved in the operation of ionizing radiographic and radiation therapy equipment.
  
  Knowledge of the human anatomy and proper positioning of the patient to provide treatment as prescribed.
  
  Ability to administer CPR in a medical emergency.
  
  Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level N/A
  
  Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
  
  Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
  
  Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
  
  

Keywords: Duke Health, Cary , Radiation Therapist - Duke Regional Hospital - Durham - PRN, Healthcare , Morrisville, North Carolina