Simulation Operations Specialist, Los Angeles

Position Summary

The Simulation Operations Specialist (SOS) serves as a technical expert who provides direct support for High-Fidelity/High-Technology (HF/HT) and virtual simulation. The SOS will report to the Manager of Simulation Operations. The SOS is familiar with the various modalities of simulation education and has knowledge of simulation educational principles; assists in the development, setup, and delivery, and takedown of simulation education sessions. The SOS collaborates with the Manager, Simulation Operations to support all learning activities in the lab. Under the guidance of the Manager, Simulation Operations, the SOS is responsible for the preparation, maintenance, and repair of computerized mannequins. Additionally, the SOS participates in grant activities related to High-Fidelity/High-Technology (HF/HT) and virtual simulation.

Essential Functions:

Advisory

• Collaborate with instructors on the level and difficulty of the simulation, recommend already written simulations that may meet the faculty need, offer suggestions to enhance the scenario based on the outcomes desired for the learning.
• Collaborate with Manager, Simulation Operations and nursing faculty on the onsite nursing skills and simulation laboratory to develop training programs and clinical scenarios involved with scenario planning and design.
• Instructs and assists simulation educators, faculty, and learners in the use of technical equipment used in simulation like high fidelity versus a low fidelity mannequin, use of Pyxis, and type of moulage, the use of sim rooms, number of scenarios, collaborating on type of scenarios, and having a list of disposable medical equipment needed for the scenario. 
• Collaborates with Manager, Simulation Operations to assist in maintaining skills and sim lab scheduling.
• Reports on any technical issues or risks to the Manager, Simulation Operations that could impact delivery of services.
• Supports learners to maintain a safe learning environment and be a resource to offer open lab hours for students to practice skills.
• Assists Manager, Simulation Operations, and faculty to develop training programs and clinical scenarios. Staff onboarding is limited to familiarizing clinical and theory faculty with the sim room and steps in place to plan simulations.
• Provides and implements solutions to enhance the delivery of simulation-based education.
• Assists with the piloting and delivery of simulation-based training and other educational activities undertaken during the simulation project, commissioning, and operational phases.

Inventory Control/Purchasing

• Under the guidance of the Manager, Simulation Operations maintains inventory stock levels and performs purchasing functions.
• Makes recommendations for the purchase of equipment, supplies, and materials required for simulation-based sessions.

Simulation Equipment

• Set up, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and in some cases repair simulation equipment, hospital-type equipment used in simulation activities, and AV/IT equipment used in simulation activities.
• Maintains the clinical and educational equipment to a high standard including cleaning and basic maintenance.
• Attends vendor training sessions, conferences, etc. for training on simulation, hospital, and AV/IT equipment.
• Operates and troubleshoots any malfunction of equipment used in the simulation environment (beds, pumps, etc.).
• Control, program, maintain, and troubleshoot patient simulators (voice and physiological parameters) during scenario-based training sessions, open days, and demonstrations.
• Maintains an equipment inventory and schedule of maintenance and technical activities.
• Maintains equipment including routine cleaning and care, advanced maintenance (including parts repair and replacement), and coordinates with vendors to send equipment for repair/servicing when needed.
• Troubleshoots technical issues with mannequins and equipment and can mobilize resources to ensure functionality of equipment for course requirements.
• Contribute to the strategic planning to inform the campus leadership and program ADP of the technical equipment based on projected student utilization of the simulators needed for the upcoming academic year. Information details include mannequin maintenance or replacement needs, Pyxis maintenance, and resources that need updating for budget planning.

Simulation Environment

• Set up and operate equipment/AV system in rooms including equipment, supplies, moulage, etc. for simulation activities.
• Organize rooms after simulation and set up debriefing equipment for faculty.
• Uses appropriate checklists for environment/simulation setup.
• Assist in operational activities such as staff and maintenance scheduling.
• Coordinates and maintains operations manuals in conjunction with vendors and supplies teaching aids to support the clinical educators.

Audio/Visual Equipment

• Has an implicit knowledge of A/V system and can assist and advise clinical educators to maximize use.
• Manages installation, installs, tests, and operates IT and A/V equipment and software or delegates to appropriate technologists.
• Operates A/V systems in context of overall simulation infrastructure.
• Operates A/V system components/functions including cameras, recording/playback, exporting, etc.
• Troubleshoots AV system.

Script/Scenario

• Involved with scenario planning and design and advise on the feasibility, and integrity of the scenario.
• Assists with the running of scenarios including directing and coordination of scenarios.
• May be involved with the educational aspects of scenarios including debriefing/feedback.
• Instructs actors or acts during scenarios, acts as voice of manikin during scenarios.

Professional Development

• Participates in professional and educational activities to maintain professional competencies and current knowledge base.

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s degree in health-related, educational field, networking/information technology, sciences, or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in health-related, educational field, networking/information technology, sciences, or equivalent preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years of simulation experience or networking/information technology experience required.

Competencies / Technical / Functional Skills:

• Competency in technical skills related to simulation and information technology.
•  Accepts personal accountability, proactively seeks resolution for personal limitations head-on; and supports honesty and respect towards others, the company and oneself.
• Actively seeks to influence, build effective relationships, and gain alignment with peers, functional partners and/or external partners to accomplish business objectives. 
• Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge processes. Ability to generate and/or recognize imaginative or creative solutions that generate successful outcomes.
• Advanced use and knowledge of computer systems.
• Ability to drive towards achieving measurable and challenging goals to support organizational success.
• Demonstrates the ability to focus on achieving results consistent with the organization’s objectives.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with various stakeholders within diverse communities.
• Work independently and foster a cooperative spirit within a large and/or small team of diverse cultures, while working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and frequently changing priorities.

Location: LA

Travel: Occasional travel to National University nursing simulation centers in other locations to collaborate with other SOS and/or Manager, Simulation Operations for all simulation operations.

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Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and competencies. Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University’s total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the “whole you” with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family. For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For Part-time benefits, please click here.

Compensation Range:

Hourly: $24.86 - $32.32

National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality, diverse workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 5,000 faculty and staff and serves over 41,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community and a commitment to diversity. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our diverse student population, including adult learners and working professionals.

National University offers an opportunity to work in an innovative environment that supports diversity.

National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a diverse mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University. We are focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, color, ancestry, age, family care status, veteran status, marital status, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and other legally protected group status.