Department Preview:RADIATION ONCOLOGY

About the DepartmentDepartment Overview Radiation Oncology provides advanced care to approximately 340

new patients each year, treating an average 45 patients per day. We currently have 1 Varian 21Ex linear accelerator with On Board Imaging, Cone Beam CT, BrainLab radiosurgery and Nucletron High Dose Rate. We have a dedicated GE CT simulator with Philips planning. We are ACR accredited and the Oncology Service Line has been designated a comprehensive cancer center with high accommodations by the American College of Surgeons. We are affiliated with CINJ and are one of 60 participating sites with the Cancer Trial Support Unit at NIH.

We have developed relationships with vendors and leaders in the field to use technology on the forefront of the industry. We are finalizing workflows to be paperless in order to increase communication and better our care. We value change and a patient focused team approach to provide outstanding outcomes. We plan to open a new department with 2 new linear accelerators and large bore CT in early 2011.

Department Staffing/Positions 5 staff radiation therapists1 lead radiation therapist2 FTE Oncology nurses0.8 transcriptionist2 clinical records assistants

Dosimetry and physics is contracted through the physician group

Scheduling & Shifts We treat patients from 6am – 6pm, Monday through Friday, but this varies with our volume. Shift flexibility is required for all positions.

Clinical Applications Mosaiq 1.6, MediTech, Sorian, Philips Treatment Planning, BrainLab, Nucletron

Staff CommentsJanet D., Radiation Therapist “I love that our department allows us to focus on patient care and

to work with the most advanced technologies. This allows me to expand my skills and spend more time with each patient.I think we have the absolute best team in the state! Our physicians, nurses, support staff and of course the other therapists treat each patient the way we would want to be treated.HR and administration strive to make it a great place to work and this translates to better patient care.”

Carol H., RN “I am fortunate to work in a collaborative environment. Each individual effort is vital to the successful patient encounter. Radiation Oncology is a true team approach to patient care. It is

rewarding working with highly educated physicians who are compassionate and patient focused. Our department manager is very supportive both professionally and personally. This administration has supported positive growth for personnel and technology to provide the community with the most up to date modern medical services. I’m proud to be an employee of CentraState Medical Center.”

Radiation Oncology Mission & Vision WE WILL DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL MEDICAL CARE TO OUR PATIENTS

We will view each patient as a whole human being We will never say “that is not from radiation; we will help

identify solutions or referrals We will provide the complete scope of cancer care: dietary,

physical therapies, social services, complimentary, survivorship

We will meet or exceed industry standards for care and documentation of services.

We will maintain all expected certifications; JCAHO, ACR, Magnet, ACCOS

We will assist each patient with coordination of care providers

The system will encourage staff education and the staff will value professional growth

We will speak up about each member of the team, encouraging trust in our services

We will value patient education: we will set reasonable expectations that we can meet and exceed

USING STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY The administration will value and support innovation and

early adapter status We will develop and maintain relationships with vendors

and experts within the field We will maintain the highest certifications for our position

IN A PATIENT FOCUSED AND COMPASSIONATE ENVIRONMENT

We will care for each patient as an individual. We will let the patient include others in their care. We will

help address the needs of the family/ significant others understanding they are affected by the cancer diagnosis.

We will maintain the utmost privacy for our patients; only those involved in care will participate in care. We are a teaching institution as well as a show site. Patients must consent to observation.

We will meet each patient’s insurance requirements and educate each patient regarding monetary expectations.

We will give each patient control of their care. We will accommodate patient needs regarding vision,

language, hearing, limited mobility.

We will prioritize need to make sure each patient feels our concern for their well being.

We will set reasonable expectations which the patient understands and we feel we can meet.

Manager OverviewAbout the department head,Jan DragottaI've worked at CentraState since: 2002

I've worked in healthcare since: 1981

My Education: AAS X-Ray Technology Middlesex County CollegeRadiation Therapy Certificate Overlook Hospital School of Radiation TherapyBS Business Administration New Jersey City University

I chose my profession because:  As medical patient since age 5, I have an intimate understanding of the patient experience. As a participant in a national research trial in 1963 I value research and the implication to individual patients. After 28 years in the profession I still get satisfaction from providing outstanding care to each patient.

I chose to work at CentraState because:  I was very excited and challenged to participate in the start up of a hospital department. The administration supports early adapter status and the physician group provides an academic approach to care. The organization provides avenues for professional growth and we have developed a team which values change and teamwork

My interests/hobbies include: I value education and am always taking classes to further my education. I am very active in the Society of Radiation Oncology Administrators (SROA) and am currently on the Board of Directors. I enjoy seeing movies, going to the beach and spending time with my family.

When you walk into our department, the first thing you'll notice is:

The calm, welcoming environment. Even though we are a busy department, you do not feel that anyone is overwhelmed. We support each other.

What sets our department apart from others is:

Our focus on the patient experience. This is evident from the design of the facility through physician involvement and our team approach to care.