The Professional Simulation Educator supports the design, delivery and evaluation of high-quality clinical simulation experiences for medical students, residents and interprofessional learners. Under the direction of the Simulation Center Assistant Director, the Professional Simulation Educator is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating simulation-based learning experiences. This role blends educational expertise with applied clinical and communication skills, including portraying an Embedded Participant (EP) to enhance scenario realism. The educator also serves as an instructor for educational activities offered through the Department of Medical Simulation including but not limited to American Heart Association (AHA) courses, ensuring learners receive current, evidence-based training in resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care.
Simulation Instruction and Facilitation
- Facilitate simulation-based learning sessions across UME, GME, and interprofessional programs.
- Lead prebriefs, guide scenario flow, and deliver structured debriefing using recognized frameworks (e.g., Advocacy/Inquiry, PEARLS).
- Ensure psychological safety and uphold simulation best practices, including the Basic Assumption.
Embedded Participant (EP) Performance
- Serve as an Embedded Participant to portray patient family members, nurses, consultants, or other key roles.
- Provide consistent role portrayal, thoughtful cueing, and appropriate emotional expression to support learning objectives.
- Observe learner performance closely to support accurate assessment and targeted debriefing.
Curriculum & Scenario Development
- Collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to develop and revise simulation scenarios, learning objectives, and assessment tools.
- Integrate AHA principles and emergency management skills into simulation cases when appropriate.
- Contribute to the creation of educational materials, cognitive aids, and orientation resources.
Operational Collaboration
- Work closely with simulation operations staff to ensure appropriate equipment setup, moulage, and manikin programming.
- Support audiovisual setup, troubleshooting, and coordination of simulation logistics.
- Help maintain and organize simulation equipment and supplies.
AHA Course Instruction
- Teach and facilitate AHA courses such as BLS, ACLS, and PALS according to certification and program needs.
- Ensure instruction aligns with the most current AHA guidelines and institutional training requirements.
- Assist with course logistics including equipment preparation, scenario setup, skills testing, and documentation.
- Maintain AHA instructor status and participate in instructor updates, renewals, and alignment meetings
Assessment & Quality Improvement
- Participate in formative and summative learner assessment using standardized tools and competency-based frameworks.
- Collect learner feedback, assist with program evaluation, and contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts.
- Engage in ongoing professional development in simulation-based education, clinical skills, and AHA updates.
What You'll Bring
Required education and experience
- Bachelors degree in nursing, medicine, healthcare education or a related field required.
- Clinical or medical education experience (e.g, RN, APP, EMT/Paramedic or equivalent)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience with acting, role-playing, or comfort portraying characters in simulation.
- Current AHA Instructor certification in BLS, ACLS, or PALS (or eligibility to obtain within a defined timeframe).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation, scheduling, and curriculum support.
Preferred
- CHSE, CHSE-A, or relevant simulation certification.
- Experience facilitating AHA courses across multiple learner levels.
- Knowledge of competency-based medical education and assessment.
- Simulation facilitation & debriefing
- Embedded Participant performance
- Professionalism & psychological safety
- Flexibility & situational awareness
- Organization and Communication
- Microsoft Office and educational technology proficiency
