SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Simulation Skills Lab Assistant provides technical and operational support for the routine activities of the evening/weekend nursing program simulation and skills laboratories. Under the direction of the Nursing Simulation Lab Coordinator, the position prepares laboratory spaces, equipment, supplies, and simulation technology for scheduled instruction; operates patient simulators; provides routine technical assistance; and performs basic equipment checks, troubleshooting, cleaning, and maintenance. The position collaborates with the coordinator, as well as the nursing faculty to support established simulation and skills laboratory activities.
Please note, this is a grant-funded, part-time position for 29 hours per week.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
- The Simulation Skills Lab Assistant reports to the Nursing Simulation Lab Coordinator.
- This position does not have supervisory responsibilities for other employees.
- The Simulation Skills Lab Assistant works collaboratively with the Nursing Simulation Lab Coordinator, nursing faculty and staff, and other college personnel as assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Operates patient simulators, clinical equipment, audiovisual systems, computer-based instructional tools, and other simulation technologies used in scheduled nursing skills laboratory and simulation activities.
- Prepares simulation and skills laboratory spaces, equipment, supplies, and instructional materials for scheduled activities in accordance with established procedures and faculty direction.
- Assists nursing faculty with the technical and operational implementation of scheduled skills laboratory and simulation activities, including operating patient simulators and running pre-programmed simulation scenarios as directed.
- Provides routine technical assistance and support to nursing faculty, instructors, and staff regarding the proper operation and use of patient simulators, clinical equipment, computer-based instructional tools, and related laboratory technologies.
- Assists nursing faculty and/or the Nursing Simulation Lab Coordinator with the technical development, preparation, testing, troubleshooting, and implementation of simulation scenarios and skills activities designed to support course objectives.
- Performs routine operational checks, basic troubleshooting, cleaning, and care of patient simulators, clinical equipment, safety equipment, and other laboratory resources in accordance with established procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
- Documents equipment malfunctions, technical issues, repairs, service requests, and the repair dates are completed; reports unresolved problems to the Nursing Simulation Lab Coordinator.
- Assists with receiving, organizing, labeling, storing, maintaining, and conducting routine inventories of simulation equipment, clinical equipment, supplies, and laboratory materials; reports shortages, damage, and discrepancies to the Nursing Simulation Lab Coordinator.
- Monitors the availability of laboratory supplies and equipment, assists with ordering and replenishing supplies as authorized, and communicates anticipated supply and equipment needs to the Nursing Simulation Lab Coordinator.
- Assists with maintaining equipment inventory records, maintenance and service histories, warranty documentation, and related records; identifies equipment requiring repair, replacement, or servicing.
- Maintains laboratory spaces in a clean, organized, and orderly condition and follows established institutional procedures for laboratory safety, infection prevention, equipment operation, and the handling, collection, and disposal of laboratory waste.
- Assists with maintaining laboratory safety and compliance with applicable OSHA requirements and other relevant regulations by following established procedures and promptly reporting identified hazards or safety concerns.
- Assists the Nursing Simulation Lab Coordinator with coordinating laboratory and equipment readiness for scheduled instructional activities and communicating resource or equipment needs that may affect laboratory use.
- Participates in training and professional development activities related to patient simulators, simulation technologies, clinical equipment, laboratory operations, and applicable safety procedures.
- Assists with laboratory demonstrations, facility tours, special events, and other approved activities utilizing the nursing simulation and skills laboratories.
- Assists with special projects, laboratory improvement initiatives, and other operational activities related to the nursing simulation and skills laboratories as assigned.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Associate degree in Nursing, Allied Health, Information Technology/Technology, or a related field preferred, or the willingness to work towards degree if hired, with a minimum of three (3) years of combined professional experience in healthcare/clinical and office, administrative, or technology environments. Clinical or healthcare experience is preferred, including familiarity with medical terminology, basic patient-care concepts, vital signs, body systems, and diagnostic or patient-care equipment. Previous experience in a nursing or healthcare simulation laboratory, healthcare education, or management of medical supplies and equipment is desirable. RN, EMT, Paramedic, allied health, nursing, or IT/technology experience is preferred.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Excellent organizational, time-management, communication, prioritization, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities independently. Knowledge of medical terminology, basic clinical concepts, patient-care supplies, diagnostic equipment, and healthcare practices, with the ability to learn clinical simulation software and technology. Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn new applications as needed. Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and other stakeholders; adapt to changing priorities; troubleshoot routine issues; and make sound decisions in a clinical education environment.