Lead Radiation Therapist - South Shore Hospital
Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH)

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Lead Radiation Therapist is a professional Therapist who shares in the management of a specific care area, accepting responsibility and authority in direct collaboration with the Chief Radiation Therapist. The Lead Radiation Therapist will assume responsibility for specific activities related to maintaining the overall quality control of treatments, and the orientation, education and supervision of Senior and Staff Radiation Therapists in the Department of Radiation Oncology. Specific responsibilities include development of unit programs and departmental policies. These groups of activities will be delegated by the Chief Radiation Therapist and are in the categories of clinical responsibilities, administrative responsibilities, and general responsibilities. The purpose of this position is to promote the philosophy and goals of the Department of Radiation Oncology through leadership, management, and the professional development of the Radiation Therapy staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Responsibilities

Responsible for daily patient care and education.

• Appropriately involves the patient and their family in care and care decisions.

• Maintains and demonstrates respect for patient confidentiality and modesty.

• Explains the treatment procedure.

• Arranges daily radiation treatment schedule.

• Monitors patient's physical and physiological response and reactions to treatment and refer patient for appropriate management as needed.

Directly responsible for the efficient operation of the assigned clinical treatment and/or simulation area.

o Treatment

§ Administers radiation therapy treatment accurately and safely.

§ Monitors and reports treatment variances and inconsistencies.

§ Accurately document all treatment delivery information in the electronic medical record (EMR).

o Simulation

§ Demonstrates knowledge and ability to operate CT scanner and CT scanner software.

§ Demonstrates knowledge and ability to complete tasks in the Treatment planning software (Eclipse)

§ Demonstrates knowledge and ability to operate LAP Lasers

§ Explains simulation procedure, including the administration of permanent tattoos for set up purposes.

§ Assists and interacts with all departmental Radiation Therapists, demonstrating the ability to answer all questions and details pertaining to simulation to ensure quality treatment.

§ Demonstrates the ability to create immobilization devices, bolus, and accurately document set up instructions.

§ Demonstrates knowledge and ability to perform all aspects of both treatment and simulation. Assists treatment machines with difficult set ups.

§ Participates in the IV contrast program, including; Patient Screening, Peripheral IV placement, Injection of IV contrast agents via power injector.

§ Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in use of IV contrast Power injectors.

§ Administers Oral Contrast

§ Able to navigate and enter orders in the Hospital EMR (EPIC)

§ Assists in scheduling/rescheduling appointments, as needed.

§ Assists other areas of the department during low volume periods.

Coordinates the activities of the Senior and Staff Radiation Therapists to ensure quality treatment delivery and maximum utilization of both equipment and personnel.

Leads the therapist team in developing new techniques or resolving clinical problems.

• Resolves difficult set-ups and instructs staff members and students in this area.

• Practices continuous improvement and standardization of techniques.

5. Responsible for the safe and accurate utilization of all aspects of the electronic medical record (EMR) and Record and Verify system.

• Demonstrates the ability to teach and assist others in the proper use of the system.

Possesses an advanced knowledge base and ability to accurately perform and teach all new start QA measures, weekly chart checks, scheduling, treatment, image review, and billing procedures involving the EMR system.

7. Manages team during equipment failures and notifies patients as well as all functional areas of the department.

8. Responsible for the appropriate utilization and staff compliance of the Quality Assurance (QA) program on assigned unit to encompass all aspects of treatment, treatment delivery and quality patient care.

• Accurately document treatment variances and inconsistencies using appropriate tools.

• Practices and instructs staff on the proper use of the QA program of the designated treatment unit.

• Utilizes correct procedure checklist as necessary for each procedure.

• Participate in and appropriately documents the Time Out procedure for all treatments delivery information.

• Maintains staff compliance and education on all departmental policies and procedures.

9. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of the principles of growth and development from all life stages, ranging from infancy to geriatric. In addition, s/he must possess the ability to assess patient relative data as deemed pertinent to age-specific needs and provide care as described in the department's policy and procedure manual.

10. Demonstrates an understanding of the patient functional mobility assessment tool and mobilizes patients using appropriate mechanical assistive devices, such as ceiling lifts and lateral transfer devices, during the provision of patient care.

11. Other duties as assigned.

A. Administrative Responsibilities

Works with Chief Radiation Therapist and the Quality Assurance Specialist to develop, revise, implement and maintain policies and procedures pertinent to treatment, simulation, new programs and personnel.

Assists Chief Radiation Therapist and to assure therapist competence and compliance with mandatory annual competencies, including, but not limited to: Specific machine techniques and procedures, department policies and procedures, and other activities and techniques that arise as practices change.

Participates as needed in the departmental Quality Improvement (QI) committee.

• Assist with developing, collecting data and presenting QI initiatives pertinent to the departmental treatment and simulation activities.

As directed by Chief Radiation Therapist, demonstrates the ability to work with other departmental teams, including, but not limited to: physicians, nurses, physics, to efficiently problem solve and implement solutions around treatment planning/delivery problems.

Attends various departmental meetings, when requested.

Acts as resource to the Chief Radiation Therapist with all staff evaluations.

• New staff, probation period.

• Annual evaluations for current staff.

• Evaluates staff to appropriately retain and promote.

• Evaluation and remediation of staff that is not functioning independently.

Works with Chief Radiation Therapist to develop, document and execute comprehensive orientation plans for new therapy staff of designated work area.

Assists Chief Radiation Therapist in the recruitment and interview process of potential new staff candidates.

Works with Chief Radiation Therapist to assure appropriate staffing at designated work area and provides direct coverage when necessary.

• Direct coverage may be necessary on weekends and holidays in certain circumstances.

• Coordinates and adapts to contingency plans, which are in response to variables which influence workload and/or schedule.

Coordinates with the Clinical Radiation Therapy Program Director, the clinical assignment, instruction and evaluation of Radiation Therapy students.

• Responsible for the orientation of Radiation Therapy students.

• Responsible for student log-ins, competencies, and oral competency exams.

• Responsible for providing feedback for student evaluations.

Assumes Chief Radiation Therapist responsibilities in the absence of the Chief Radiation Therapist, when requested.

Other duties as assigned.

B. General

Maintains and demonstrates cooperation and responsiveness to all staff members.

• Models appropriate professional behavior, such as, but not limited to: courtesy, respect, constructive assertiveness, effective listening.

• Utilizes professional problem solving and negotiation skills to manage conflict.

Attends regularly scheduled Therapist staff meetings.

• Demonstrates ability to lead meetings, when requested, and support various departmental meetings.

3. Attends regularly scheduled continuing educational activities.

• Actively seeks management focused and career growth educational opportunities.

Maintains active membership in professional organizations.

• Participates in professional activates by attending meetings, serving on committees or task forces, writing and/or presenting scientific papers.

Works flexible shifts as directed by the Chief Radiation Therapist depending on patient volume and departmental needs.

6. Rotates to other treatment areas as directed by the Chief and Lead Radiation Therapist. These areas may include the simulation suites or Low Dose Brachytherapy.

7. May be required to travel to network satellite clinics as directed by the Chief Radiation Therapist.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
1. Must have proficient technical knowledge and skill set. This includes but is not limited to demonstrating efficient knowledge of all equipment operation, tools and procedures specific to assigned area. This also includes demonstrating the ability to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise.

2. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal professional relationships with physicians, management, staff, peers, patients, and their families.

3. Must convey a positive attitude and present a professional appearance.

4. Must have effective communication (both oral and written) skills sufficient to resolve conflicts, and relay information concisely to staff, patients, and other hospital personnel.

5. Must have sufficient organizational skills.

6. Assist in the recruitment, evaluation, and development of existing staff.

7. Ability to manage multiple assigned areas and various projects if asked.

8. Must be innovative and react quickly to new opportunities for improvements.

9. Demonstrate strong customer service skills, including the ability to use appropriate judgment, independent thinking and creativity when resolving issues and conflict.

10. Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently.

11. Demonstrate the ability and flexibility to effectively handle challenging and stressful situations and to balance and shift multiple priorities.

12. Must have the ability to adapt to frequent interruptions and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

13. Must have interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively with patients who may be under physical and/or emotional stress.

14. Must have to ability to handle sensitive and confidential patient information.

15. Must be proficient in the use of the Radiation Oncology Information Systems and software and Hospital Information Systems that integrate with the Department of Radiation Oncology, including, but not limited to: ARIA, EPIC, Eclipse.

Required
• Valid Massachusetts State License in Radiation Therapy
• Valid ARRT certification in Radiation Therapy
• Valid BLS certification

EDUCATION:

Field of Study (if applicable) Required: Radiation Therapy
Required: High school + Certificate in Radiation Therapy required or Associate Degree in Radiation therapy
Preferred: BS in Radiation Therapy

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Minimum of three (3) years of continuous clinical experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
• Responsible for the direct supervision of Senior and Staff Radiation Therapists, and Therapy Aides, and Radiation Therapy students assigned to area.
• Under the direction of the Chief Radiation Therapist, the Lead Radiation Therapist may have the authority to discipline staff as needed.
• Number of FTEs will vary depending on assigned area.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):
Assists Chief Radiation Therapist in assessing, ordering and evaluating equipment and
supplies for the assigned clinical area.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Must be prepared to work overtime, holidays and weekends, as needed.

2. Must be prepared to work and excel in a stressful, complex, and demanding team environment with varying workload, necessitating varying working hours.

3. Works with ionizing radiation, radioactive isotopes, MR, computers, cancer patients, both adults and children, and their families.

4. Exposure to human waste and disease.

5. Physical demands include but not limited to:
• Lifting and repositioning patients, using mechanical assistive devices.
• Lifting and positioning immobilization devices and beam modifying devices.
• Continuous standing.

6. Subject to frequent stressful situations.

GUIDELINES FOR PROMOTION
Promotion to a Lead Radiation Therapist will be based upon position availability. All qualified candidates will be considered by the management team.

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION
Reports to: Chief Radiation Therapist

CAREER PATH
With additional years of experience and position availability, advancement to the position of Chief Radiation Therapist may be possible. With additional collegiate level education, advancement to the position Technical Director may be possible. For possible alternative career path, one may elect to teach in the school of Radiation Therapy Technology, become Clinical Instructor, or Educational Director.

EEO Statement
Brigham and Women's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or on

basis of disability.

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