Nursing Simulation & Clinical Educator

The Nursing Simulation and Clinical Educator supports students through simulation-based learning and clinical site instruction. The educator will play a crucial role in developing students’ clinical competencies by facilitating simulation exercises, providing hands-on instruction at clinical sites, and fostering a dynamic learning environment. This is a full-time, 12-month staff position with 50% in the simulation/nursing lab and 50% at a clinical site.

Simulation 

Design & Implementation

• Orients and supports faculty and staff on the use of simulation, projection, and recording equipment used in the lab.
• Collaborates with faculty to develop, implement and evaluate high quality simulations that align with course outcomes.

Facilitation & Instruction

• Guide students through high and low-fidelity simulations.
• Conduct pre-briefing and debriefing sessions to enhance learning and critical thinking.
• Use debriefing frameworks to promote reflective learning.

Assessment & Evaluation

• Applies pedagogically sound principles of evaluation with respect to students’ progress and on-going learning needs.
• Provide constructive feedback to students on clinical decision-making, teamwork, and communication.
• Collect data to assess the effectiveness of simulation activities and student outcomes.

Technology & Equipment Management

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot simulation equipment, mannequins, and audiovisual systems.
• Ensure the proper setup and breakdown of simulation labs before and after sessions.

Faculty & Curriculum Collaboration

• Serves as a member of the Nursing Simulation Committee. 
• Assist in the integration of simulation into interprofessional education initiatives.
• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with faculty colleagues.

Research & Continuous Improvement

• Stay updated on emerging trends, research, and best practices in nursing simulation and education.
• Participates in a minimum of one yearly professional development activity related to simulation.
• Seek opportunities for accreditation or certification in simulation-based education (e.g., CHSE - Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator).

Lab

• Maintains an inventory of durable and disposable medical/nursing supplies.
• Meets with students as requested through faculty referral for one-on-one or group tutoring or skill support and supervision. Generates reports related to student progress.
• Provides Dimensional Analysis support and reports to faculty on student progression.

Clinical

• Lead nursing students through clinical experiences, demonstrating best practices in patient care, safety, and professional conduct.
• Assess students' clinical skills, critical thinking, and professionalism through direct observation and clinical evaluations.

• Maintain adherence to facility policies, state regulations, and academic program guidelines.
• Offer guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback to support student growth and confidence in clinical settings.
• Work closely with nursing faculty to align clinical instruction with classroom learning outcomes.
• Encourage student engagement, problem-solving, and teamwork while reinforcing ethical and compassionate nursing practices.
• Ensure students provide safe and competent care under supervision, intervening when necessary to maintain quality patient outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, performance evaluations, and any necessary Need Improvement plans.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education & Experience

• Master’s Degree in nursing required. 
• Current RN licensure in the State of Connecticut (must be valid and in good standing) required
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) certification (or ability to become certified by date of hire)
• A minimum of three years of full-time nursing practice in a medical surgical or critical care environment is required. 
• Prior experience in teaching at the clinical or college level is ideal but not required. 
• Knowledge of and experience with simulation pedagogy preferred.
• Experience with simulation use in nursing education preferred.

Other Qualifications

• Up-to-date with all immunizations required by the State and organization.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, may include evening hours.
• Excellent problem solving and organizational skills; the ability to make pedagogically sound decisions with respect to students’ learning needs and progress, instructional approaches to students who participate in lab experiences.
• Able to function independently while operating effectively within a team environment
• Possess solid general computer skills, including ability to work in a Windows environment. Proficiency with MS Office Suite, Internet, and other programs as needed (e.g., mail merge, data base management).  Familiarity with specific applications used by the University/Department a plus.
• Excellent oral and written skills and ability to communicate comfortably with students, colleagues, and external constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex and multiple tasks in a professional and efficient manner
• Exhibits a high level of professionalism, leadership and creative problem solving.
• Professional, courteous demeanor and appearance; ability to engage positively and work professionally with students, faculty, staff and administration and represent the University professionally to the public.
• Cultural competency to work with diverse student and/or employee population.
• Commitment to the mission of the University of Saint Joseph. 
• Physical ability to perform essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment (a brief description)

Lab: This position requires standing and walking for several hours during the day. Some of this may be at the bedside for extended periods of time while observing student activities. This position may also be required to lift objects of up to 50 lbs (supplies, chairs, mannequins’ simulators, etc.). Assistance from facilities may be available as needed. The activities of this position should be considered to be similar to those encountered in a true clinical setting. 

The noise levels in the lab are fairly well controlled but are consistent with that of an interactive classroom setting. The lab is air-conditioned during the summer months.