Senior Radiation Therapist - Limerick Cancer Centre

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 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 Clinical Specialist. 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 inputs this data into ARIA. 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 for coordination of patient care. Maintains a safe, orderly treatment room. Provides on-call cover for the treatment of patients in emergency situations. Ensures the smooth running of the daily treatment list.

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 competencies in the different areas are complete. Is involved in the individual performance review process and contributes to the implementation of staff development.

Assists the Clinical Specialist team in developing and implementing new technology and procedures. Maintains familiarity with the administrative tasks associated with the running of the Department, providing cover for these tasks as necessary. Be responsible for your own continuous professional development in line with the state registration guidelines of CORU Standard Responsibilities: Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviours.

Performs other duties as assigned. Lives the UPMC Values