Standardized Patient (Simulation Actor)

Salary: $18.90 Hourly

Location : Dearborn, MI

Job Type: PT Non Classified

Job Number: 202500363

Division: Nursing

Department: Nursing

Opening Date: 05/23/2025

Position Description Summary

Henry Ford College presents an opportunity for an occasional Standardized Patient (Simulation Actor).

This is a by-appointment position based on classroom needs at Henry Ford College Health and Human Services. Employees participate in four-hour sessions, schedulable M-F, 8am-9pm, totaling up to 20 hours per semester during both Fall and Winter. The Standardized Patient (SP) will be part of a "pool" and will be brought in as appropriate based on availability and scenario need. SPs may get up to 20 hours per semester, broken up over several sessions.

The Standardized Patient (SP), reports directly to the associated faculty and participates in simulation scenarios with the Nursing Program at Henry Ford College, East Campus. The SP may be required to sign a waiver upon hire.

The major responsibility of this position is to accurately portray, following staff training and instructions, all the characteristics of a real patient, simulating the signs and symptoms required by different training scenarios. SPs follow basic prompts provided by instructors, engage directly with students, and participate in post-clinic debriefings to help assess clinical skills and provide constructive feedback about a student's performance. Through their involvement, an SP plays a vital role in helping nursing students gain real-world experience in assessing and caring for patients in a safe, supportive learning environment. SP's participation helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice, making a real impact on the future of healthcare.

Each SP will be assigned multiple, four-hour, on-site visits each fall and winter semester, with up to two sessions a visit. Each visit will involve scenario training, meeting with students in a simulated healthcare scenario, and post-simulation de-briefing. Additionally, all SPs will be expected to attend an on-campus orientation and complete an online, asynchronous training module (training paid at standard hourly rate).

Core Competencies and Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Comfort with and consent to undergoing a physical exam conducted by (both male and female nursing students) under faculty supervision while wearing a hospital gown.

Comfort and consent to having hypoallergenic special effects/bruising/wound makeup applied for simulation

Comfort with discussing and portraying patients in mental health crises

Reliability and punctuality.

Patience, empathy, and understanding

Excellent communication skills and ability to follow directions.

Improvisational skills/ability to "stay in character" within assigned simulations.

Access to personal technology for online training, scheduling, and other communication

Must be able to sit for long periods of time, able/willing to get their vital checked, able to stand up/sit down, get on and off an examining table, roll over, and twist torso during examinations.The ideal candidate will have experience that also reflects:

Training or experience in health professions and/or training or experience in acting, hospitality, tourism, commission sales, or other performance-based skills

Flexible schedule to meet the various needs (with notice) of curricular schedules

Experience working in healthcare, educational, or training environments.

Performers with improvisational and "crowd-work" experience are encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to

Be highly dependable and punctual

Demonstrate flexibility and reliability with scheduling and assignments

Follow written and verbal instructions

Working in a professional manner when interacting with learners, faculty supervisors and peers

Be comfortable having repeated physical examination maneuvers performed on self

Be willing to wear a hospital gown with only undergarments/short or tank top underneath, while on camera and/or observed live through an observation window or video monitor for training purposes

Simulate all aspects of scenarios, including offering a provided history of current problems, affect/behavior, and physical findings, in a standardized, accurate, reliable, and realistic manner

Accurately and consistently complete cue sheets

Accept ongoing feedback from Nursing Faculty/facilitators and incorporate into case simulation

Be willing to be audio and video recorded during simulations

Other duties as assigned, qualified and trained to perform.

Additional Information

Working Hours/scheduling: This is for Fall 2025

SP simulation scenarios are scheduled based on the program's curricular needs. Dates are provided as far in advance as possible. (Sessions available M-F, 8am-9pm)

Paid training is provided through an on-campus orientation and self-paced, asynchronous online course. Individual scenario information provided in advance and at each scheduled exercise.

SPs will be part of a "pool" and will be brought in as appropriate based on availability and scenario need. SPs may get up to 20 hours per semester, broken up over several sessions.

This position is not eligible for benefits.