2 answers
Abby
Student
Newport News, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
230 views
Is radiation therapy stressful? Especially now, are you adequately staffed? Are you able use PTO? Do you get PTO? Is there a lot of overtime?
Hello, currently in school for radiation therapy but haven't started clinicals. I'm really stressed about the job as I'm learning I don't deal well with the stress of school and working. The hospitals around me seem to be overrun and overtime is simply constant and expected. I do not want to work 5 10s and more. Is radiation therapy really this overworked? I'm just so scared ill burnout so quick. Even the pressure of school right now is kicking my butt.
2 answers
Olivia Schmidt BS, R.T.(T.)
Radiation therapy
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Abby!
It’s ok to feel the stress of the unknown!
For me - school was so much harder than the actual job. Especially since most jobs have multiple therapists working together on a machine. There’s a lot of team work going on to help with the everyday stress.
Radiation therapy is a great job, but it does differ place to place. For example, my last job was as an on call staff in Minneapolis. There were 12 therapists total - a mix of full time, part time, and on call. When we were busy I was working between 25-40 hours because of how the clinic hours were. We basically started at 7am, and would end the day whenever our last patient was so I would come in from 10am- close or cover a FT therapists PTO days or maternity leave.
Again, it’s going to differ so much place to place - I currently work for a dermatologist office doing superficial radiation treatments for non melanoma skin cancers and set my own hours! There’s so much opportunity out there, it just depends what you’re looking for. Even travel therapy has blown up since Covid and you can get in touch with recruiters - usually they have jobs in your local area and can set up contracts of around 13 weeks. That’s a good way to get into a clinic and see if you like how it’s run, or a great way to travel around if you like that.
My advice would be to get the most information out of your job interviews - what are your typical hours? What are your expectations of staff working late? How many hours does a staffer typically work a week? How does taking PTO work? Some places can go by seniority.
Hope that helps! :)
It’s ok to feel the stress of the unknown!
For me - school was so much harder than the actual job. Especially since most jobs have multiple therapists working together on a machine. There’s a lot of team work going on to help with the everyday stress.
Radiation therapy is a great job, but it does differ place to place. For example, my last job was as an on call staff in Minneapolis. There were 12 therapists total - a mix of full time, part time, and on call. When we were busy I was working between 25-40 hours because of how the clinic hours were. We basically started at 7am, and would end the day whenever our last patient was so I would come in from 10am- close or cover a FT therapists PTO days or maternity leave.
Again, it’s going to differ so much place to place - I currently work for a dermatologist office doing superficial radiation treatments for non melanoma skin cancers and set my own hours! There’s so much opportunity out there, it just depends what you’re looking for. Even travel therapy has blown up since Covid and you can get in touch with recruiters - usually they have jobs in your local area and can set up contracts of around 13 weeks. That’s a good way to get into a clinic and see if you like how it’s run, or a great way to travel around if you like that.
My advice would be to get the most information out of your job interviews - what are your typical hours? What are your expectations of staff working late? How many hours does a staffer typically work a week? How does taking PTO work? Some places can go by seniority.
Hope that helps! :)
Bhavna Sheth
95
Answers
Collinsville, Virginia
Updated
Bhavna’s Answer
Hello Abby,
Radiation therapy can often be stressful, and it's particularly true in today's rapidly changing healthcare environment. Hospital staffing can vary, so it is important to research and ask about the staffing levels of a particular hospital before you begin clinicals and eventually take a position. In terms of PTO, some radiation therapy departments offer paid time off, while others may only offer unpaid time off or vacation time. As for overtime, this will depend upon the hospital and the current workload. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the stress of school, you may want to consider asking your professor or adviser for some advice on how to better manage your workload or if any special accommodations can be made. You may also benefit from talking to a mental health specialist or counselor to help you better manage your stress.
Radiation therapy can often be stressful, and it's particularly true in today's rapidly changing healthcare environment. Hospital staffing can vary, so it is important to research and ask about the staffing levels of a particular hospital before you begin clinicals and eventually take a position. In terms of PTO, some radiation therapy departments offer paid time off, while others may only offer unpaid time off or vacation time. As for overtime, this will depend upon the hospital and the current workload. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the stress of school, you may want to consider asking your professor or adviser for some advice on how to better manage your workload or if any special accommodations can be made. You may also benefit from talking to a mental health specialist or counselor to help you better manage your stress.
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