Radiation Technologist-Radiation Oncology

JOB DESCRIPTION

Radiation Technologist is responsible to participate in all radiotherapy treatment and pre-treatment procedures under the supervision, indirect or otherwise, of Senior Radiotherapy Technologists.

Managerial:

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in organizing/checking the daily scheduling of patients.
• Assists in providing accurate statistical data of the workload of the unit.
• Ensures all patient data has been recorded into the patient management software.
• Assists in the induction and orientation of new staff.
• Reports complaints, incidents, accidents and grievances to Senior RT Technologist/RT Supervisor/RT Manager.
  
  
  

Technical:

• Maintains and stays fully conversant with all major pieces of available equipment including, but not limited to, the Linear Accelerators, CT Scanner & Virtual Simulation, the Radiation Oncology Information System, Portal Imaging System and Planning system.
• Collaborates and work as part of the treatment and pre-treatment team by participating in all procedures relating to the treatment, immobilizing and imaging of patients within radiotherapy.
• Plans and work together with other health care professionals to provide a smooth and efficient flow of work through the department referring to more senior staff for approval on actions taken when these are not part of existing protocols.
• Ensures and take responsibility for ensuring patients receive safe, accurate and appropriate treatment and pre-treatment imaging procedures, setting high standards for practice.
• Ensures that all equipment defects, accidents and complaints are reported immediately to ensure that appropriate action may be taken in line with facility health and safety policies
• Provides the patient with all the necessary advice regarding diet, skin care and after treatment care, referring to Oncologist or relevant Health Care Professional if appropriate.
• Provides support in the management of the treatment unit workload and undertake the duties and responsibilities of the Senior RTT when requested to.
• Ensures gaps in patient’s treatment schedule are kept to a minimum during routine machine services, public holidays and unplanned machine breakdowns, adhering to treatment protocols and devising contingencies as appropriate.
• Uses the Radiation Therapy computer management system to schedule patients’ appointments, plan workload and locate patient records. Schedule treatment appointments at a time convenient to the patient but still ensuring that the workload is planned efficiently and waiting times are minimized.
• Maintains and strives to improve treatment techniques by focusing on technical innovations and developments, participating in trials of new equipment, treatment techniques and audits within SSMC where appropriate.
• Assists in all aspects of Pre-treatment to enable the patients to be planned in accordance with the Clinical Oncologists requirements.
• Operates all Pre-treatment equipment/software, including virtual simulation software
• Works on call for emergency duties and public holidays in accordance with departmental policy and any planned/unplanned overtime resulting from machine breakdowns and changes in service demand to keep treatment waiting times to a minimum.
• Undertakes routine dosimetric and geometric quality assurance checks on radiotherapy equipment, according to local protocols, to ensure that such equipment is safe and fit for clinical use and report any variances immediately.
• Ensures that the treatment has been planned in accordance with the clinicians’ treatment request.
• Determines whether treatment can proceed or further action is required when there are discrepancies against stated tolerances.
• Prepares and use professional knowledge and experience to support the safe and efficient operation of the working area and consult a more senior radiation technologist with concerns about the accuracy of treatment.
• Keeps accurate records of workload to assist in the compilation of statistics.
• Reviews and advises on changes in practice with regard to written guidelines and protocols adapting clinical practice.
• Manages personal workload in treatment imaging ensuring a high quality service reviewing all treatment portal images and assessing for treatment accuracy. Take responsibility for devising corrective action for any identified treatment discrepancies, under the supervision of a senior radiation technologist.
• Complies with the Local Rules of the department in accordance with FNAR regulation.
• Ensures safely and efficiently manipulate all complex, specialized equipment associated with the treatment of cancer patients undergoing treatment with ionizing radiation.
• Evaluate images by using both on-line and off-line review tools
• Maintains Program and reports faults and breakdowns to the Senior RT Technologist/ RT Supervisor.
• Ensures compliance with the Health and Safety regulations of the department, which includes the Radiation Safety regulations.
• Ensures orderliness and cleanliness of the patient areas and equipment.
• Undertakes further training as may be requested by superiors.
• Attends conferences, lectures etc. to maintain awareness of current trends in the profession and to obtain CME credits for professional registration.
• Adheres to clinical audit processes within the service and report on these as agreed. Supporting the promotion of audit and Quality Improvement programs on service implementation, in line with national policy, statutory requirements and service requirements within the facility.
• Undertakes other duties as may be required to achieve SSMC’s objectives, commensurate with the grading of the post.
  
  
  

Accountabilities

• Takes responsibility for the safe and accurate delivery of therapeutic doses of radiation to patients in accordance with the prescription.
• Takes responsibility for ensuring patients receive safe, accurate and appropriate treatment and pre-treatment imaging procedures, setting high standards for practice.
• Maintains treatment records and be responsible for their accuracy using the Oncology Information Management System.
• Checks the health of patients on treatment each day ensuring that the physical, mental and social welfare of all patients is constantly monitored and any change is reported to Oncologist or appropriate Health Care Professional.
  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Qualification:

Required:

• Education: Bachelor degree in Radiotherapy from an accredited college/university
• License: Home Country/practicing country License.
  
  
  

Desired:

• License holder of one of the following authorities
• Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi
• Dubai Health Authority
• Ministry of Health, United Arab Emirates
  
  
  

Required:

Specialist Certifications:

• N.A.
  
  
  

Desired:

• N.A.
  
  
  

Experience:

Required:

• Not less than 3 years’ experience as Radiotherapy Technologist in a hospital/clinical setting
  
  
  

Desired:

• N.A.
  
  
  

ABOUT US

At SSMC, we firmly believe that the human touch is a fundamental part of care. We understand that health care is both an art and a science, running deeper than simply diagnosing and treating those who rely on us. Our SSMC Model of Care puts our patients at the forefront of our purpose and at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that the needs of our patients come first. Every one of our patients receives individualized attention from a multidisciplinary team of experts who collaborate closely to deliver trusted and compassionate care. From the very first point of contact with SSMC, to the moment patients are back home, we ensure speciality-specific care at every stage and in every interaction. As one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the UAE, SSMC provides access to specialist medical treatments and advanced diagnostics, with a commitment to becoming a Destination Medical Center in the UAE and wider region.

ABOUT THE TEAM

About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)

SSMC is the largest tertiary hospital in the UAE and serves to elevate the provision of health care services in the nation under the mandate of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.

Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 44 specialties. A team of locally and internationally trained medical, clinical and admin professionals work seamlessly together, which promotes comprehensive interdisciplinary learning, allowing SSMC to become a leading hub for integrated patient-centric medical services in the region.

As the region’s leading tertiary facility, SSMC has 742 patient beds, 18 operating theatres, and includes a hybrid operating room, 26-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and the UAE’s largest pathology lab.