Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist

at  UPMC in Ireland

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

A Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist, as a member of the multi-disciplinary team, is responsible for the preparation and treatment of patients with a cancer diagnosis or other benign conditions requiring radiotherapy, providing psychosocial support throughout the course of treatment. A Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist is responsible for the justification of pre-treatment imaging and accurate treatment delivery. S/he must not only adhere to and implement all radiation safety regulations in their work environment, must assess the quality of their own work on a continuous basis and engage in continuous professional development in line with the state registration guidelines of CORU but also encourage and monitor other members of the Radiotherapy team to do the same. A Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist should possess strong leadership qualities, as well as management skills and must be able to efficiently manage the workflow within their designated clinical area.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains an atmosphere of caring, concern and support for patients of all age ranges, visitors, medical staff and co-workers on a consistent basis.
• Delivers radiation treatment according to written prescription and treatment plan. Provides safety in patient care through the consistent practice of Departmental Procedures for treatment administration. Recognises deviation from prescribed treatment delivery and reports all deviations to the Physics team.
• Assures the quality of treatment delivery through the complete and accurate documentation of treatment records.
• Assures the quality and consistency of treatment by acquiring, interpreting and evaluating electronic images and implementing any required changes according to departmental procedures. Explains treatment procedures to patient and/or family. Refers medical questions to appropriate personnel.
• At the request of a Radiation Oncologist, performs CT simulation/clinical mark ups after identifying and performing the optimal and most appropriate immobilization procedure for the specific patient. Responsible for the administration of oral contrast and IV contrast (with additional competencies) agents requested by a Radiation Oncologist for simulation procedures. Performs measurements for use during treatment calculation. Collects and documents data acquired during the simulation procedure and accurately records this information in the EMR.
• Assists in the orientation and supervision of students during clinical rotations. Assists the appointed Student Liaison Radiation Therapists in evaluation of student performance.
• Assists as needed in all treatment-related procedures. Assists at other UPMC Ireland locations as needed.
• Uses effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills to provide explanations for treatment-related procedures. Responds effectively to patient concerns. Observes patients for expected and unexpected reactions to treatments and communicates this to appropriate staff members. Reinforces patient education/side effect management information and indicates non-compliance to medical/nursing staff.
• Performs and documents daily and weekly QA activity for assigned equipment. Documents findings outside the range established by Physics. Notifies the Physics team immediately of findings outside the normal range of operations. Participates in programs to measure and improve the quality of care within the Department.
• Attends multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Completes the daily treatment schedule. Maintains an accurate record of procedures, including billing information and codes.
• Maintains a safe, orderly treatment room.
• Provides on-call cover for the treatment of patients in emergency situations.
• Oversees the day to day running of treatment units and CT unit. Ensures the smooth running of the daily list and adequate skill/grade mix cover of Radiation Therapists working on the unit.
• Work alongside more junior members of staff, make decisions and take responsibility for those decisions made relating to treatment of individual patients.
• Trains and supervises more junior Radiotherapy staff and ensures clinical competencies are complete.
• Is involved in the individual performance review process and contributes to staff development.
• Assists the Clinical Specialist team in developing and implementing new technology and procedures while providing a leadership role to staff in managing and implementing such change.
• Maintains familiarity with the administrative tasks associated with the running of the Department, such as billing and scheduling procedures and generation of statistical reports, providing cover for these tasks as necessary.
• Be responsible for your own continuous professional development in line with the state registration guidelines of CORU.
• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviours.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Lives the UPMC Values