At Houston Methodist, the Radiation Therapist position is responsible for assisting in the planning, treatments and monitoring of patients. This position provides radiation therapy treatment while functioning as an essential member of the radiation oncology treatment team to provide total quality care to patients. The Radiation Therapist position acts as a liaison with Physicians and supporting personnel. This position delivers exceptional patient care, ensures optimal patient safety and customer service while adhering to radiation safety standards and guidelines established by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology in Radiation Therapy.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicates effectively with others to facilitate providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter.

• Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards department goals for retention and employee engagement.

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides education, accurate explanations and instructions to patients and family members at an appropriate level utilizing verbal and non-verbal skills, terminology and language.

• Delivers a planned course of radiation therapy accurately and safely, as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist.

• Performs simulation operations and selects appropriate immobilization and positioning aides for simulation and treatment. Fabricates immobilization devices and custom blocks. Documents simulation steps accurately.

• Assesses the patient's condition, needs, and side effects daily. Provides information and refers the patient to the appropriate resources in a sensitive manner.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self and others.

• Follows safety standards and conducts all radiation therapy procedures accordingly. Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with radiation safety and infection control procedures.

• Implements and delivers accurately the prescribed planned course of radiation therapy utilizing department equipment, adhering to acceptable department, institutional, governmental, and professional standards.

• Performs and documents warm-up procedures and machine operation checks, as recommended by manufacturer, physics and department guidelines.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters, validates and reviews charges at the time service is delivered, as appropriate.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in department projects or shared governance activities. Assumes responsibility for growth and development by participating in in-services programs and continuing education.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Therapist.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section

WORK EXPERIENCE

• None

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• CMRT - Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist - State Licensure -- Registration as a Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT-GC) OR
• CMRT-Temp - Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist - Temporary State Licensure AND
• ARRT-THR - Radiologic Technologist - Radiation Therapy (ARRT) -- new graduates may be considered and if selected must obtain their ARRT (T) within 3 months AND
• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiation Oncology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents

• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform Yes
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Since 1998, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been serving Fort Bend and the surrounding counties. Residents have come to rely on a level of compassionate care and leading-edge technology that was once available only in the Texas Medical Center. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital tied for No. 4 in Houston and No. 6 (three-way tie) in Texas in U.S. News & World Report’s best hospital rankings in 2020. With 316 operating beds, 24 operating rooms and over 2,400 employees, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was designed to provide comprehensive, personalized care for the community.