Simulation Operations Specialists aka Simulation Technicians support healthcare simulation by providing technical support for the many diverse pieces of equipment found in simulation. Last month we provided a Simulation Technician (Entry Level) Job Description Downloadable Template, and here today Dr. Kim Baily provides a similar article but for an experienced level Sim Tech. Kim Baily PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, is the previous Simulation Coordinator for Los Angeles Harbor College and Director of Nursing for El Camino College. Over the past 16 years Kim has developed and implemented several college simulation programs and previously chaired the Southern California Simulation Collaborative. Download the template below!
The exact role of a healthcare simulation operations specialist or technician varies with the type of simulation program. In larger facilities such as medical centers or university teaching hospitals simulation technologists may focus on equipment operation and maintenance while in small single simulation laboratories serving one program such as in a community college associate degree nursing program the simulation technician may have additional roles such as coordinator and/or educator.
The International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) has created a specific standard for Simulation Operations. The standard recommends that institutional written policies and procedures should define simulation related roles and responsibilities. Institutions that have these policies in place should ensure that job postings conform with written policies.
In addition, centers that have one or more simulation technicians, often designate different levels for simulation technicians depending on years of experience, responsibilities, skill set, education level and/or certification. Simulation technician salaries depend on experience, qualifications and location.
Entry level positions vary from $35-45,000 per annum. Experience and certification increase salaries to $55-75000 or more depending on location. As responsibilities increase, salaries tend to rise. Part time rates typically range anywhere from $10-30 per hour.
Simulation technicians come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have healthcare experience but many come with strong computer and audiovisual experience. Although computer skills are probably the most important skill set, some simulation technologists working today started out with limited experience in IT but were willing to take the necessary courses to improve their knowledge computer and audiovisual operation and maintenance.
The attached job description includes comprehensive lists of job responsibilities and requirements. The document should be adjusted to suit your institutional requirements. For example, requirements related to Standardized Patients are not relevant to all simulation centers.
SSH offers a certification for simulation technologists – Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS). Some simulation centers require either current certification or expect new hires to obtain a certification within a designated period of time.
The attached job description template is for institutions that require an experienced simulation technician. If the role will include educational responsibilities, additional requirements should be included.
Download the Experienced Sim Tech Job Description Here!
Again, HealthySimulation.com recently posted a job description for an Entry Level Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialist.
Further Reading From INACSL Standards of Best Practice: Simulation: Operations
Standard: All simulation-based education programs require systems and infrastructure to support and maintain operations.
Simulation operations encompass the infrastructure, people, and processes necessary for implementation of an effective and efficient simulation-based education (SBE) program. The interactions of these pieces must form a system that integrates with larger educational and health care entities to realize the goals of SBE. SBE is no longer an adjunct to health care training and/or professional development programs but an all-inclusive integrated program requiring business acumen and technically knowledgeable personnel that serve as team members providing leadership and support in the delivery of SBE.
The required knowledge, skills, and attributes to implement evidence-based best practices for simulation experiences are evolving rapidly. These skills may be possessed by an individual or shared among a team. Specialists with business, education, and technical skills promote growth, sustainability, fidelity, and achievement of goals and outcomes. The need for defining simulation operations goes beyond any role or title. Successful simulation operations are curated as dynamic collaborations among leaders, educators, learners, and adaptive relationships between departments. Read the full standard here.
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