Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist - UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre CorkLocation: Radiotherapy Centre CorkJob type: PermanentOverview of role: A Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist, as a member of the multi-disciplinary team, is responsible for the preparation and treatment of patients with a cancer diagnosis or other benign conditions requiring radiotherapy, providing psychosocial support throughout the course of treatment. A Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist is responsible for the justification of pre-treatment imaging and accurate treatment delivery. S/he must not only adhere to and implement all radiation safety regulations in their work environment, must assess the quality of their own work on a continuous basis and engage in continuous professional development in line with the state registration guidelines of CORU but also encourage and monitor other members of the Radiotherapy team to do the same. A Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist should possess strong leadership qualities, as well as management skills and must be able to efficiently manage the workflow within their designated clinical area. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 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
written 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 Physics team.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. Assists and
attends departmental QA meetings. Attends multidisciplinary team meetings
for coordination of patient care. Completes the daily treatment schedule.
Maintains an accurate record of procedures, including billing information
and codes.Maintains a safe, orderly treatment room.Provides on-call coverage for the
treatment of patients in emergency situations.Oversees the day to day running of
treatment units and CT unit. Ensures the smooth running of the daily list
and adequate skill/grade mix cover of Radiation Therapists working on the
unit.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 while providing
a leadership role to staff in managing and implementing such change.Maintains familiarity with the
administrative tasks associated with the running of the Department, such
as billing and scheduling procedures and generation of statistical
reports, providing cover for these tasks as necessary.Be responsible for your own continuous
professional development in line with the state registration guidelines of
CORU.Qualifications & Experience:Candidates on receipt of
application must have:Completion of a qualification in
Radiation Therapy recognised by the Radiographers Registration Board at
CORU Maintain annual registration with CORU.Have a minimum of 6 years fulltime (or an
aggregate of 6 years) post qualification clinical experience. Act in accordance with the vision,
mission, and values of the company and in compliance with the corporate
policies, JCI and HIQA quality standardsEqual
Opportunity Statement and Benefits UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment
for all employees.At UPMC we provide a total rewards program
that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities
for all our colleagues.Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay
and premium pay where applicable.Benefits –
Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension
Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover
for all employees up to the age of 66.Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of
UPMC through our annual ACES programme.Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible
working opportunities to support you to work around external family
commitments.Development
and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach
their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.About
UPMC A $26 billion healthcare provider and insurer, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centred, cost-effective, accountable care. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialisation arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International.Providing high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006, UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations at UPMC Whitfield and in Cork, the UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic at SETU Arena, Waterford, TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick, TUS Thurles Campus, Tipperary, and the UPMC Concussion Network. The UPMC Institute for Health is located in Mayo and the Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny. UPMC is the Official Healthcare Partner of the GAA and GPA.