What is a Simulated Participant:

A Simulated Participant is a person carefully recruited and trained to take on the characteristics of patients and other supporting roles, thereby affording the student an opportunity to learn and to be evaluated on designated skills within a simulated clinical environment. The NMSU SON will be seeking persons from a variety of ages and ethnic backgrounds to fill the role of the patient and become a member of the simulation team. No prior experience is required.

 

What does a Standardized Patient do?

A Standardized Patient will be expected to:

  • portray realistic medical backgrounds, physical symptoms, and emotional states represented by patients in pre-written scenarios
  • undergo a health history interview and a limited physical examination at the student's direction
  • respond to or ask questions of the learner to assist students in developing their communication and clinical skills
  • assist students in working through difficult emotional situations in a safe environment
  • wear a hospital gown with undergarments, as needed for case portrayal
  • sign a consent for photo, video and audio release for assigned scenarios as needed for educational purposes
  • use a computer and enter information as it relates to the program

What skills are required?

Preferred Skills for a Standardized Patient

  • Attention to detail
  • Good memory and concentration
  • Intentional listening
  • Effective communication
  • Emotional maturity
  • Projection of physical and emotional states

Important Qualities for a Standardized Patient

  • Professionalism
  • Reliability and punctuality
  • Adaptable learner
  • Consistency as it relates to reproducing the patient’s characteristics
  • Fair and impartial attitude

Physical Requirements

  • Expected to maneuver on and off a standard exam table or hospital bed and perform active range of motion with arms, legs and hips
  • Occasional rolling to one side, sitting, standing, and walking is also required

What is the time commitment and pay?

Standardized Patients are needed part-time on an “as needed” basis. Initially, simulation days are scheduled as follows:

  • Monday: 7:30 am – 12 pm and/or 12:30 pm – 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:30 am – 12 pm and/or 12:30 pm – 5 pm. 

Standardized Patients will be paid $22.50 for each scenario performed.  This includes ½ hour of prep time per scenario, performance of the scenario, and the time spent in the providing feedback to the student.

Available hours per person can range anywhere from 1.5 to 13.5 hours a week, however, there is no guaranteed minimum number of hours.

What training is required?

Formal Training

Each Standardized Patient in the program is expected to attend at least 9 hours of in-person training over 3 sessions. These sessions will provide all the necessary information and tools to prepare for the new role. Compensation is $45 per training session.

In addition to classroom training, Standardized Patients will be expected to attend one or two formal rehearsals to prepare prior to the live sessions with students.  Compensation per rehearsal is $22.50.

Self-Study

New Standardized Patients are expected to put in several hours of practice and rehearsal prior to working with students. They will be provided with a patient scenario to study on their own time.  This will include prep-time for the rehearsal sessions.  

How do I apply?

All interested persons can apply here or can request an application over the phone by calling Staci Poe at 575-646-3274 (M-F 9-4) or by email at stacipoe@nmsu.edu.

Chosen applicants will be contacted and scheduled for an interview and audition.