Therapeutic Radiographer

Radiographer (Therapeutic)

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL BOARD

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:	   Radiographer (Therapeutic)
SALARY SCALE:  Z16-8 (Q.B) Z7-6 ($48,782.10-$61,644.69) Q.B ($63,297.84-$65,261.50) Barbados Dollars
DEPARTMENT:	   Oncology & Nuclear Medicine
REPORTS TO:	   Senior Radiographer

JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision assists the oncology team with the planning and administration of radiotherapy treatment for patients whilst assuring the optimum quality of care. Undertakes any relevant duties as required by management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed:

1. Administers prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards;
2. Positions patients for treatment with accuracy according to prescription;
3. Enters data into computer and set controls to operate and adjust equipment and regulate dosage;
4. Follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others;
5. Maintains records, reports and files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings and patients' reactions;
6. Reviews prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification;
7. Conducts treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the medical staff;
8. Checks radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation;
9. Observes and reassures patients during treatment and reports unusual reactions to physician/Senior Radiographer or turns equipment off if unexpected patient distress occurs;
10. Helps patients to understand the potential side effects of radiation treatment and how to manage any associated side effects;
11. Checks for side effects such as skin irritation, nausea and hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment;
12. Educates, prepares and reassures patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care;
13. Calculates actual treatment dosages delivered during each session;
14. Prepares and constructs equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices;
15. Assists medical staff and physicists with the preparation of physical and technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy;
16. Trains and supervises students or subordinate therapeutic radiographers;
17. Acts as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel;
18. Provides assistance to other health-care personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumour localization;
19. Stores, sterilizes, or prepares the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician;
20. Assists in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium and isotopes, for use in radiation treatments;
21. Plans course of treatment with clinical oncologists and physicists, which may be complex and requires high levels of accuracy and care;
22. Calculates the radiation dosage and maps the area to be treated, while minimising the dose given to normal tissue;
23. Seeks patient cooperation and trust and shows sensitivity;
24. Develops a relationship with the patient and the patient’s family;
25. Operates technical equipment responsibly and confidently;
26. Attends meetings and patient reviews;
27. Keeps up-to-date by attending all relevant training on treatment and equipment;
28. Participates in oncology research;
29. Observes health and safety protocols in the execution of duties;
30. Using customer service skills establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials and members of the general public.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to treat malignancy.
2. Demonstrates logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
3. Demonstrates an understanding of the workflow patterns within the Radiotherapy Department.
4. Ability to make accurate measurements.
5. Ability to effectively communicate.

QUALIFICATIONS
A Diploma of the College of Radiographers or any other approved qualification in Radiography and Radiotherapy.
Automatic advancement beyond the Qualification Bar is permitted on the acquisition of a higher diploma in Radiography or the Teachers Diploma of the College of Radiographers.