Simulation Lab Technician

Mission Driven, Community Focused  About | Charles R.Drew University of Medicine and Science (cdrewu.edu)

Charles R. Drew University is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of south Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts uprising. CDU was founded to address inadequate medical care in the region and to provide equitable medical education opportunities for under-represented students.

CDU offers the only historically black Doctor of Medicine program west of the Mississippi, and is strongly invested in the local and regional community. The university leads multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in a variety of south Los Angeles neighborhoods.

TITLE:                          SIMULATION LAB TECHNICIAN

DEPARTMENT:           Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing

 JOB CODE:                    SLTC

DATE:                             1/29/2014 (rev 9/2024)

REPORTS TO:                Assistant Director, Simulation Education

DLSE STATUS:                NON-EXEMPT

SALARY RANGE:            $55,840-$93,270

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, incumbent will oversee, manage, and operate complex simulation apparatuses, equipment, machines, PC’s, AV equipment and other medical simulation equipment. This position will coordinate the set-up, use, and maintenance of all simulation / practice equipment in the MMDCON. In collaboration with the Director, this person will also provide administrative support to facilitators and/or outside affiliates for sessions, train potential users on programming scenarios, set-up the simulation sessions, orient participants to the simulators, run simulation operations during sessions, and provide feedback to faculty. This position will provide consultation and support for complex simulation manikins and equipment to incorporate into College of Nursing (CON) programs. The Simulation Lab Technician will consult with CON faculty and staff on all lab courses and lab availability, oversee and manage students’ needs for supplies and equipment during lab hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Technical Support

• Independently set up skills and simulation labs with needed equipment and supplies for educational sessions.
• Operate computer-based multimedia systems and their components, including operation of digital cameras, video cameras, audio/video, Learning Space software, monitors, LCD projectors, and other equipment.
• Assist faculty and students with different simulator technologies ranging from anatomic models and task trainers (low fidelity) to computer-based simulations and full body patient simulators (high fidelity).
• Operate simulation-based software, including Laerdal LLEAP, Gaumard UNI, Learning Space, CAE, and Cerner
• Perform pre-simulation activities including: powering up simulators, mannequins, patient monitors, AV equipment and other electronic equipment and tests all to ensure proper functioning prior to each simulation session, programming patient scenarios, preparing scenario props, stocks patient rooms and equipment carts with supplies and equipment needed for specific simulation scenarios, including medications, prepares mannequins as appropriate to the simulation scenario; including filling simulated blood and body fluid chambers, applying wounds and dressings, inserting tubes, using moulage.
• Perform post-simulation activities including operating debriefing equipment, clean patient rooms; including changing linens, cleaning surfaces, draining simulated blood and body fluids from mannequins, cleaning mannequins.
• Program simulation scenarios and revise scripts based on feedback from faculty.
• Serve as the simulation operator during educational sessions.
• Provide orientation information to faculty, students and visitors as needed.
• Install new hardware and software on simulation equipment and perform upgrades as necessary; perform operational checks on equipment; interface with the equipment manufacturers regarding diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair malfunctioning equipment; consult with technical support as necessary; send out for repair as appropriate; oversee scheduled maintenance. Collaborate need and update progress with Simulation and Skills Lab Coordinator.
• Oversee and participate in the ordering and maintenance of supplies, materials, and equipment; acquire and maintain an inventory of materials for instructional programs; create database for inventory of supplies; store, discard and rotate materials according to standard procedures; receive, assemble and test new equipment.
• Conduct routine equipment maintenance, inventory updates, and equipment purchases.
• Proactively seek and maintain proficiency and provide reports on existing and emerging technologies. Including basic theory, design and implementation; participate in technical training as necessary; attend conferences to stay current with simulation technology.
• Train faculty and other Simulation Center staff in the operational aspects of simulation. Evaluate new equipment and identify opportunities for technology improvement and integration into healthcare education.
• Assist instructors, staff and students in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment, materials and supplies in an instructional setting; use and setup AV equipment to record simulation sessions.
• Maintain a clean and safe learning environment, lab environment and organized supply room.
• Maintains infection control supplies including sharps containers, hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels, warm water, gloves, masks, and gowns throughout the center.

Administrative Support

• Provide administrative support to ensure smooth daily operation of the simulation and skills labs.
• Attend all meetings of skills lab staff and clinical faculty for issues pertaining to the lab and follow through assigned action plans.
• Order office supplies, simulation equipment, clinical supplies. Maintain inventory to assure appropriate levels of all supplies are adequate.
• Dispose of biological and hazmat waste used in skills and simulation labs in compliance with CDU, State, and Federal guidelines.
• Provide support and work with faculty on tours of the simulation or skills labs.
• Serve as a liaison resource to the CON Simulation and Skills Labs with faculty, staff, students, and the public in a positive and professional manner.
• Keep accurate records of supplies and equipment invoices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

 EDUCATION:

• Regionally accredited 2-year technical degree or equivalent related training in computer science and/or health care-related field.
• Combination of education and experience within last 5 years will be considered.
• Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS)

  EXPERIENCE:

• Three years of experience with electronics technology within the last five years.
• 1-year experience with simulation in nursing or health care related preferred.
• Two years of college level courses working in nursing, anatomy, physiology, or related field will be considered.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Demonstrate experience and knowledge of PC/Mac computer software: MS word, Excel, Outlook.
• Demonstrate experience and knowledge of AV equipment.
• Demonstrate ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner under workload and deadline pressures, fluctuating workload, and frequent interruptions by prioritizing and multitasking.
• Excellent ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors, faculty, staff and students.
• Excellent skill in independently setting priorities and time management, which accurately reflects the relative importance of the job.
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate ability to develop strong and effective professional relationships with vendors, affiliated, partner hospitals, etc.
• Excellent ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated knowledge of biological waste disposal using hazmat materials.
• Demonstrate ability to work with persons of various backgrounds and ethnicities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when needed. Consistently available during working hours.
• Consistently maintain professional behavior in all interaction with staff, faculty, administration and students.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY/SKILLS PREFERRED:

• Demonstrate knowledge and experience independently programming simulation manikins and virtual phlebotomy machines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Medical Terminology, Physiology, Pharmacology and equipment.
• Previous experience in clinical or education in nursing or healthcare.

As a health professions institution of higher education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science seeks to protect the health and safety of the University community. As a condition of enrollment and employment, students, faculty, and staff must comply with the current CDU Covid-19 requirements as described on the CDU Covid-19 webpage.  Please visit the CDU Return to Campus website https://www.cdrewu.edu/covid-policy/ or email the Campus Nursing Office at nurseofficer@cdrewu.edu.

Excellent benefits:  Medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, vacation accrues on first day of employment, wellness programs, 17 paid holidays per year, up to 16 hours of paid time off to participate in community service and much more.  

Full Time  

EEO Statement: Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.

Fair Chance Statement: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local “Fair Chance” laws.

Salary : $55,840 - $93,270