At Houston Methodist, the Senior 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 Senior Radiation Therapist position acts as a liaison with Physicians and supporting personnel. This position is fully competent in all aspects of various radiation therapy procedures and serves as a mentor to Radiation Therapists and students by utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and educate others. The Senior Radiation Therapist position works independently exercising sound judgment and executing above average clinical skills on challenging diagnostic procedures and patient care situations. The Radiation Therapist position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to radiation safety standards and guidelines established by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology in Radiation Therapy to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service.

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

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

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Facilitates open, professional (verbal, nonverbal, written) communication to achieve mutual understanding, role modeling by example. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional, providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter.

• Guides and mentors Radiation Therapists and students to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities. 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

• Proactively assesses, identifies and responds to the needs of the patient to optimize patient care and patient experience. Delivers a planned course of radiation therapy accurately and safely, as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist.

• Performs simulation operations. Selects and fabricates appropriate immobilization, custom blocks and positioning aides for simulation and treatment.

• Provides accurate explanations and instructions to patients at a level consistent to the patients understanding. Assesses the patient's condition, needs, and side effects daily. Provides information and refers the patient to the appropriate resources in a sensitive manner.

• Uses appropriate professional judgment to contact Radiation Oncologist regarding side effects, problem situations or when to withhold treatment until a physician is notified.

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.

• Ensures warm-up procedures are performed and documented and machine operation checks, as recommended by manufacturer and physics guidelines. Reports any equipment malfunctions to appropriate personnel; calls for service if needed.

• Consistently performs chart reviews and documents simulation steps accurately to ensure quality outcomes. Ensures all daily treatment information is documented accurately, legibly, and completely and monitors daily doses to ensure that treatment does not exceed prescribed dose or normal tissue tolerance.

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. Utilizes efficient and cost-effective work practices with department resources and supplies; provides recommendations to reduce expenses. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in department projects or shared governance activities. Actively participates in Houston Methodist quality improvements initiatives. Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that improve quality of department services.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Therapist. Assumes responsibility for growth and development by participating in in-services programs and continuing education.

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

• Three years as a licensed Radiologic Technologist Therapist R.T.(T)

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) AND
• CMRT - Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist - State Licensure -- Registration as a Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT-GC) thru the Texas Medical Board AND
• Must have one of the following:
•    • ARRT-R - Radiologic Technologist - Radiographer (ARRT)
•    • ARRT-THR - Radiologic Technologist - Radiation Therapy (ARRT)

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 its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research.  In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its top ranked Honor Roll for the fourth time and second consecutive year. 2020 also marked the ninth year in a row Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital in Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 952 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and over 8,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.

 

The same high-quality care for which Houston Methodist is known is available at several Emergency Care Centers in Houston and the surrounding areas.  These Emergency Care Centers house exam rooms, full digital radiography suite, low radiation dose 16-slice CT scan, ultrasound and a full on-site stat chemistry lab.