Simulation Lab Coordinator

The simulation coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the simulation center at AtlantiCare. The simulation coordinator overseas the preparation, maintenance, inventory and operation of all simulation equipment/supplies and collaborates with faculty to design, plan, implement and schedule simulation activities. The coordinator ensures adherence to program policies, course objectives, program outcomes and current simulation best practice and safety measures in addition to oversight of Standardized Patients training and scheduling and/or virtual reality laboratories.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and supervise the general operation of the simulation laboratory/center to provide a wide variety of patient simulation experiences.
• Act as the primary contact for scheduling all simulation activities, departments and external clients utilizing the simulation center.
• Coordinate workflow between departments.
• Oversee the regular maintenance and repair of all simulation equipment, including:
  • Human patient simulators (HPS), computers, monitors and a variety of clinical medical equipment.
  • Audiovisual and debriefing systems.
  • Surgical simulators.
  • Virtual reality laboratory computers and other equipment.
• Communicate effectively with manufacturers regarding maintenance, repair, updates and technology changes.
  • Coordinate upgrades to software and equipment as needed.
• Provide technical support for trainers and multimedia peripherals, including:
  • Beds/examination tables, headwalls, patient monitors and other healthcare equipment.
  • Medication dispensing systems.
  • Vital sign monitors.
• Organize and restock simulation laboratory supplies.
• Oversee the set-up and take-down of simulation laboratory equipment, allowing for rapid turnover of simulation lab set-up as necessary.
• Monitor and prepare laboratory budget.
• Provide recommendations for equipment and supply purchase, anticipating future changes in technology.
• Ensure safety for all users.
• Maintain laboratory to meet regulation and accreditation standards.
• Collaborate effectively with faculty from the following departments: Medical Education, Nursing Education, Pharmacy, EMS and departments of Anesthesiology, Physical Therapy, Respiratory and Surgery.
• Incorporate research and evidence-based practice in program development with a focus on standardization and efficiencies across the healthcare continuum.
• Assist in the development and implementation of curricula for pre-medicine, nursing and allied health training programs. This includes development of simulation component for staff and student competency training.
• Participate in faculty and department meetings to assist with development and implementation of simulation experiences.
• Communicate effectively with all simulation laboratory educators, administrative staff and technical support staff.
• Create a positive work environment demonstrating leadership and supervision for Simulation Center staff.
• Complete staff reviews.
• Coordinate training for all users of the simulation laboratory, including faculty.
• Provide orientation to new simulation lab staff and oversee their training.
• Coordinate simulation center schedule (including OSCE, sim and classroom) in compliance with Simulation Center policies working to prevent scheduling conflicts.
• Schedule simulation laboratory staff to support learning activities.
• Network with other lab/simulation coordinators at local/state/national level to develop and utilize best practices.
• Coordinate the collection of data for ongoing research or grant requirements.
• Coordinate the set-up and maintenance of computer-based training programs.
• Maintain learner confidentiality.
• Hire, train and schedule Standardized Patients.
• Coordinate center tours.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.
• Assume faculty educator role for simulation as content expert.
• Conduct debriefing within scope of knowledge or assist content expert with debriefing.
• Develop simulation curricula to support course and department outcomes.
• Create and implement educational programs for new simulation faculty, including pre-briefing, simulation and debriefing.

QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: BS degree in a health or computer-related field. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy/physiology and understanding of adult learning theory. Combination of education, training and/or experience that can be demonstrated to result in possession of the qualifications necessary to perform the duties of this position.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) required within two years of hire date.
• EXPERIENCE: Minimum two years of experience in healthcare simulation as a nurse, educator or simulation technician. Mechanical skills to competently maintain and use equipment in the simulation center preferred. Ability to meet challenges of adult learners with diverse backgrounds. Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) to interact with and work effectively with other faculty, staff, students and vendors in a positive, helpful and cooperative working relationship. Familiarity with PC and Mac platforms with experience in MS Office and the ability to learn additional software programs, including audiovisual and computerized simulation equipment. Knowledge of operation of standard audiovisual equipment: projectors, microphones, portable screens, media players, etc. Organizational and time management skills to keep materials in order, track various projects, maintain files and follow through assignments to completion. Ability to create complex schedules. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information. Ability to quickly learn new technology. Ability to express technical information clearly and simply to non-technical persons. Physical ability to lift, move, maintain and set up computer, audiovisual and simulation lab equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. with assistance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens, along with infectious diseases (refers to blood-bourne pathogen requirement).

Essential functions of this position are listed on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.