Job 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:  

• Promotes NM Patient’s First Mission.
• 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.
• Adheres to all departmental policies and procedures, ensuring the safety of patients, visitors, and staff.
• Maintains complete and accurate record of treatments delivered, including appropriate documentation of daily treatments and changes or barriers encountered. 
• Reports and documents any deviation from prescribed treatment in accordance with department policy.
• Promotes an environment of cultural safety and dignity in verbal and written actions.
• Provides timely patient education that is consistent with the patient’s ability to learn.
• Identifies and overcomes barriers to patient education utilizing department resources.
• Assesses patients for physical and/or psychological reactions to treatment or disease.
• Prepares supplies and equipment needed for patient setup.
• Documents patient setup instructions in accordance with department format.
• Documents and refers patients 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 areas (Prentice & Galter) and roles (Chart Check).
• Participates in high acuity treatment and simulation procedures (TSI, TBI, TNI, CSI, Anesthesia, etc).
• Communicates with patients in a timely manner regarding any delay or wait time. 
• Actively participates in radiation therapy student clinical instruction and evaluates student performance and competency in accordance with the NM Radiation Therapy School standards.
• Ensures 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.
• Performs and records daily quality control and quality assurance processes.
• Identifies quality concerns and communicates them to the Managers and Quality Committee.
• Completes proper documentation to ensure accurate patient charging.
• Operates and maintains equipment; Notifies appropriate personnel of problems.
• Reports any problems or supply needs to the Managers.
• Recognizes when to elevate a situation and involve leadership or other areas of the department.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff throughout the department.
• Maintains a positive attitude, even in difficult or challenging situations.
• Maintains collegial, respectful relationships with all department staff.
• Supports all department and hospital quality and safety initiatives.
• Identifies areas of improvement in enhancing the patient experience
• Maintains competencies and complies with continuing education requirements of credentialing agencies.
• Maintains infection control standards in procedure rooms/areas of patient care services.
• Promotes a culture of safety and dignity for all department staff in action and words. Ensures that assigned work area meets hospital and department standards of safety and professional appearance. 
• 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 (Brachytherapy, Gamma Knife, HDR, MRgRT, etc.)
• Assists with institutional clinical research studies.

Additional Functions:

• Other duties as assigned by Manager.

Qualifications

Required :

• Illinois Emergency Management Administration (IEMA) license.
• American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) certification or eligibility.
  • If hired without ARRT, must obtain within 3 months of starting.
• Graduated from JRCERT/AMA approved course in Radiation Therapy Technology, resulting in certification or eligibility for ARRT certification in Radiation Therapy Technology.
• CPR Basic Life Saver certification through the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem solving and organizational skills.

Preferred :  

• Prior experience as a Radiation Therapist in a comparable clinical setting.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

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