This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.
The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.
Summary
Under general supervision, provides radiation therapy services as prescribed by radiation oncologist and consistent with established federal, state, professional, and institutional standards and practices. Works closely with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapy assistants, and other clinical and non-clinical staff to provide high-quality care to all patient populations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Administers radiation therapy and/or simulations to patients as planned and prescribed by radiation oncologist. Verifies the treatment plan is consistent with prescription and can be accurately implemented in the treatment room. Checks prescription, diagnosis, chart, and patient identification, ensuring accurate treatments.
Educates patients of potential side effects of radiation treatment and how to manage any associated side effects, including but not limited to: maintaining patient markings during treatment, explanations and instructions regarding radiation therapy procedures, and education on skin care and nutrition.
Reinforces recommendations given to patients by the physician, dietitian, and other care providers regarding treatment reactions and prevention or treatment of generalized and local side effects.
Prepares room and equipment for patients consistent with prescribed care plan.
Escorts and otherwise assists patients prior to and following radiation therapy sessions; transfers immobilized patients from stretcher to treatment area, giving special care to medical life support equipment; positions patients in prescribed anatomical positions for treatment.
Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards. Adheres to radiations safety principle of as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
Observes and documents patient care updates, including but not limited to: evaluation results, individualized treatment plans, and progress reports.
Fabricates individualized immobilization devices including molds, blocks, compensators, and other beam-modifying devices, as needed.
Utilizes imaging technologies to support patient simulation, treatment planning and treatment delivery as prescribed by a radiation oncologist.
Partners with clinicians at initiation of treatment; applies corrections or changes to therapy as directed and consults with care team members.
Performs various administrative tasks to support departmental operations; schedules patients for treatments; answers phone calls, maintains supplies inventory, and stocks and reorders supplies as necessary.
Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
Performs daily warm-up procedures prior to patient treatment and maintains documentation of quality assurance activities, procedures, and results in accordance with established guidelines.
Ensures medical equipment is regularly maintained and in expected working order. Checks equipment for malfunctions/abnormal quality assurance readings and reports any abnormal findings to appropriate personnel.
Supervises or participates in the training and education of a variety of students.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Job Requirements
Associate's degree; no prior experience required. Certification/Licensure: State of New Mexico licensed radiation therapist; American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) licensure.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Knowledge of radiation therapy methodologies, technologies, equipment, procedures, and standards.
Knowledge of radiation simulator procedures.
Knowledge of dosimetry and dosage standards.
Knowledge of the nature and treatments of oncological diseases and of reactions and side effects of related therapy methods.
Knowledge of the physical and operational characteristics of radiation equipment and facilities.
Ability to safely lift and physically manipulate patients.
Ability to effectively communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the client.
Knowledge of patient care charts and patient histories.
Ability to prepare and/or maintain radiographic records and port and simulation files.
Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
Ability to document work in progress.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Ability to interact with students, faculty and/or staff in a team environment.
Conditions of Employment
Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
Must maintain certification and/or licensure status.
Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
CPR Certified.
May be required to submit immunization records for review for required vaccines and TB testing.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is performed in an interior medical/clinical environment.
Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.
The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.
