SUMMARY:
RADIATION THERAPIST
POSITION INFO:
RADIATION THERAPIST (Hospital)
Reporting to Regional Radiation Therapy Manager
The Radiation Therapist is a member of the Radiation Oncology Team and is primarily responsible for designing and accurately calculating a treatment plan, quality assurance of this treatment plan and the delivery of radiation treatment based on the Radiation Oncologist’s prescribed course and in accordance with established practices and standards.
Essential
ï‚· Registration with the HPCSA as a Therapy Radiographer.
ï‚· A relevant higher diploma or degree in Therapeutic Radiography at NQF level 7.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Essential
ï‚· Clinical Radiation Therapy
Preferred
ï‚· Experience in the private healthcare sector.
Administration
ï‚· Follow and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures and local operational guidelines
Research activities
ï‚· Participate in clinical research
Continuous education
ï‚· Ensure that continuous education is in line with the HPCSA’s requirements.
ï‚· Gain knowledge in current research publications in Radiation therapy.
ï‚· Keep up to date with the latest treatment protocols and advances in technology. BEST AND SAFEST PATIENT CARE
Administration of therapy
ï‚· Design a treatment plan by means of computer and/or manual calculation, with optimal beam geometry to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and spare critical structures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist''s prescription in consultation with the Medical Physicists.
ï‚· Identify and contour normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more diagnostic test. Assumes proficiency in image registration with CT, MRI and PET images.
ï‚· Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods, as specified.
ï‚· Assist in tumour localization, using specified imaging devices including, but not limited to CT, MRI, and PET.
ï‚· Supervise, perform or assist in the planning and implementation of the fabrication of custom shields, and other beam modifying devices.
ï‚· Supervise, perform or assist in the planning and implementation of the production of moulds, casts, and other immobilization devices.
ï‚· Communicate with the radiation therapists and assume an advisory role in the implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment or imaging parameters.
ï‚· Assist in brachytherapy procedures by performing treatment planning and dose calculations in consultation with the Medical Physicists.
ï‚· Prepare medical equipment or instruments for sterilization.
ï‚· Maintain accurate documentation in written and/or electronic medical record (EMR); documenting / recording information — entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
ï‚· Schedule patients for both internal and external appointments.
ï‚· Store, sterilize, or prepare the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician.
Patient care
ï‚· Ensure appropriate communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of information with patients, family members, the radiation oncology treatment team as well as outside entities.
ï‚· Educate and inform the patient about the side effects of treatment. Give appropriate written information leaflets.
ï‚· Continuously reiterate the side effects and care to the patient during treatment.
ï‚· Observe and reassure patients during treatment report and record unusual reactions to physician.
ï‚· Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
ï‚· Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
ï‚· Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
ï‚· Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.
ï‚· Address or escalate all patient concerns and complaint accordingly.
ï‚· Contribute to the holistic care of the patient.
Quality assurance and risk management
ï‚· Practice radiation protection techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient, visitors and staff.
ï‚· Perform calculations for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose, document all pertinent information in the patient record and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations by an approved method.
ï‚· Provide assistance and technical support to the Medical Physicist in radiation safety and protection, qualitative machine calibrations, quality assurance of treatment plans and radiation oncology equipment.
ï‚· Apply quality assurance protocols and participate in quality improvement programs.
ï‚· Utilize radiation monitoring devices to measure radioactivity.
ï‚· Provide assistance and technical support to ensure proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promote continuous improvement of workplace safety.
ï‚· Adhere to all policies and procedures with regard to health and safety, waste management and infection control. GROWING WITH PASSIONATE PEOPLE
Stakeholder relationship management
ï‚· Work effectively and co-operatively with others to establish and maintain good working relationships that are mutually beneficial.
ï‚· Create and maintain a positive environment where differences of others are recognized, understood and valued, so that all can reach their full potential and maximize their contributions.
ï‚· Recognise colleagues’ skills and empower self-growth.
ï‚· Develop collaborative relationships to help accomplish goals.
ï‚· Promote and maintain good public relations with patients, relatives and visitors.
ï‚· Communicate with Supervisors, Peers, Subordinates or Medical Specialists — providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
ï‚· Develop and build teams — encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
ï‚· Assist with the training of students and other colleagues.
ï‚· Adjust constantly to changes of the business environment, which could include occasional assistance at another radiation therapy unit due to activity or staff shortage reasons.
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