Registered Radiation Therapist Onboarding Checklist

Registered Radiation Therapist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Registered Radiation Therapist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Healthcare onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Registered Radiation Therapist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Registered Radiation Therapist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Registered Radiation Therapist Onboarding Checklist

1. Employee orientation: This task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. It is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator. The goal is to familiarize the new radiation therapist with the organization’s mission, values, and expectations.

2. Facility tour: A facility tour is essential for a radiation therapist to become familiar with the layout of the workplace, including treatment rooms, equipment, and support areas. This task is usually conducted by a senior radiation therapist or a designated staff member who can provide a detailed tour and answer any questions.

3. Introduction to team members: It is crucial for a new radiation therapist to meet and establish relationships with their colleagues. This task involves introducing the therapist to their immediate team members, including physicians, nurses, and other therapists. The team leader or supervisor typically facilitates these introductions.

4. Review of policies and procedures: Understanding the specific policies and procedures related to radiation therapy is vital for a new therapist. This task involves reviewing the company’s protocols, safety guidelines, and quality assurance procedures. It is typically performed by a senior radiation therapist or a designated trainer.

5. Training on equipment and software: Radiation therapists work with complex equipment and software systems. This task involves providing comprehensive training on the operation and maintenance of radiation therapy equipment, treatment planning software, and electronic medical record systems. It is usually conducted by a combination of equipment vendors, senior therapists, and IT specialists.

6. Compliance and regulatory training: Compliance with regulatory requirements, such as those set by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the Joint Commission, is crucial in healthcare. This task involves providing training on radiation safety, patient privacy (HIPAA), and other regulatory guidelines. It is typically performed by the radiation safety officer or a designated compliance officer.

7. Review of patient care protocols: Radiation therapists play a vital role in patient care. This task involves reviewing the company’s patient care protocols, including the process for obtaining informed consent, managing adverse reactions, and ensuring patient comfort. It is typically performed by the radiation therapy manager or a designated clinical educator.

8. Introduction to treatment planning: Treatment planning is a critical aspect of radiation therapy. This task involves introducing the new therapist to the treatment planning process, including the use of imaging modalities, contouring techniques, and dose calculations. It is typically performed by a medical physicist or a designated treatment planning specialist.

9. Shadowing experienced therapists: Shadowing experienced therapists allows the new radiation therapist to observe and learn from their more experienced colleagues. This task involves pairing the new therapist with a senior therapist for a period of time to observe patient interactions, treatment delivery, and workflow. It is typically coordinated by the radiation therapy manager or a designated preceptor.

10. Ongoing professional development: Continuous learning is essential in the field of radiation therapy. This task involves providing opportunities for the new therapist to attend conferences, workshops, and online courses to enhance their knowledge and skills. The radiation therapy manager or a designated education coordinator typically oversees this task.

11. Performance evaluation and feedback: Regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions are crucial for the growth and development of a radiation therapist. This task involves conducting periodic evaluations to assess the therapist’s competency, identifying areas for improvement, and providing constructive feedback. It is typically performed by the radiation therapy manager or a designated supervisor.

12. Mentorship program: A mentorship program can greatly benefit a new radiation therapist by providing guidance, support, and career advice. This task involves pairing the new therapist with an experienced mentor who can offer guidance and help navigate the challenges of the profession. The radiation therapy manager or a designated mentorship coordinator typically oversees this program.

13. Continuing education requirements: Maintaining professional licensure and certifications is essential for a radiation therapist. This task involves ensuring that the therapist is aware of the continuing education requirements and providing resources to fulfill those requirements. It is typically coordinated by the radiation therapy manager or a designated education coordinator.

14. Introduction to interdisciplinary collaboration: Radiation therapists often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as oncologists, radiologists, and nurses. This task involves introducing the new therapist to the interdisciplinary team and promoting effective communication and collaboration. It is typically facilitated by the radiation therapy manager or a designated team leader.

15. Familiarization with emergency procedures: In healthcare, it is crucial to be prepared for emergencies. This task involves familiarizing the new therapist with emergency procedures, including codes, evacuation plans, and response protocols. It is typically performed by the radiation therapy manager or a designated safety officer.

16. Introduction to research opportunities: Research plays a significant role in advancing radiation therapy practices. This task involves introducing the new therapist to ongoing research projects, clinical trials, and opportunities for participation. It is typically coordinated by the radiation therapy manager or a designated research coordinator.

17. Introduction to patient support services: Radiation therapy can be emotionally and physically challenging for patients. This task involves introducing the new therapist to the various patient support services available, such as social workers, psychologists, and support groups. It is typically facilitated by the radiation therapy manager or a designated patient support coordinator.

18. Review of documentation and record-keeping: Accurate documentation and record-keeping are essential in healthcare. This task involves reviewing the company’s documentation requirements, including treatment records, progress notes, and incident reports. It is typically performed by the radiation therapy manager or a designated compliance officer.

19. Introduction to quality improvement initiatives: Continuous quality improvement is crucial in healthcare to enhance patient outcomes. This task involves introducing the new therapist to the company’s quality improvement initiatives, such as peer review, outcome analysis, and performance improvement projects. It is typically coordinated by the radiation therapy manager or a designated quality improvement coordinator.

20. Introduction to radiation safety protocols: Radiation safety is of utmost importance in radiation therapy. This task involves providing comprehensive training on radiation safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment, radiation monitoring, and emergency response. It is typically performed by the radiation safety officer or a designated radiation safety specialist

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Registered Radiation Therapist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Registered Radiation Therapist up to speed and working well in your Healthcare team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.