Description

The M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing seeks applicants for the role of Simulation Operations Technician III. The Simulation Operations Technician III provides advanced technical expertise and leadership in support of simulation operations and technologies. This includes the preparation, maintenance, and repair of complex computerized highfidelity manikins and associated software including programming manikin software for simulationbased activities; ensuring efficient operation of datacapture systems and related multimedia peripherals; and validating data collected during simulation scenarios. The Simulations Operations Technician III is responsible for setup, takedown, moulage, and providing programming support for simulation activities in alignment with the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice.

The Technician III also collaborates in the planning and implementation of simulationbased learning activities, including selecting appropriate simulation methodologies (highfidelity manikins, standardized participants, virtual reality, etc.) based on learning objectives. The role leads the adoption, integration, and continued development of virtual reality (VR) technologies across the curriculum, supporting and training faculty and staff, coordinating with University Technology Services, researching emerging products, and developing VR cases for use in undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Technician III serves as a subject matter expert for simulationrelated IT systems, the Learning Management System, and virtual conferencing technologies, providing advanced-level support to faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, this role takes the lead in coordinating Simulation Operations Technician staff activities, including mentoring, overseeing maintenance workflows, and guiding troubleshooting efforts to ensure effective daily operations.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required.
Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) Certification.
 

Minimum Work Experience
Minimum 5 years working in healthcare simulation with intermediate skills with simulation IT, AV and manikin support.

Specific Job Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience using simulation software including but not limited to virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, extended reality, and artificial intelligence.
• Demonstrate proficiency with simulation related IT, learning management systems, and video conferencing.
• Excellent interpersonal and human relation skills.
• Creativity and flexibility in designing innovative approaches to solving problems.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Work independently under limited supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Express technical information clearly and simply to non-technical persons.
• Learn new software and hardware quickly and independently.
• Ability to assess, troubleshoot and fix equipment and technology failures in a timely fashion.
• Work well under pressure, set priorities, and make critical decisions.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student performance, job assignments, and sensitive issues.
• Work with internal and external individuals from different disciplines and different levels of training.
• Take initiative, problem solve and improve processes.
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in MS software applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), Internet, and database use.       

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in pre-hospital, hospital, medical military environment, or any other healthcare experience.
• Knowledge of human patient simulator technologies and applications.
• Knowledge of data capture systems.
• Knowledge of Laerdal, Gaumard, METI/CAE, and other simulation technology including VR.
• Computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to simulator functions.
• Knowledge of audio/video equipment and software for recording, duplication, mixing and editing.
• Knowledge of networks, computer security, databases, servers, decoders, audio mixers, etc.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

• Must attend one approved simulation conference per year or complete four approved web-based simulation education modules.
• Ability to work evenings/weekends when needed.
• Exposure to industrial strength disinfecting chemicals.
• Potential exposure to sharps (e.g. needles).
• Typically standing or walking; intermittently sitting/standing/stooping/bending/crouching; using tools requiring high dexterity.
• Must be able to independently move equipment (less than 25 lbs.) and move manikins (greater than 25 lbs.) with the assistance of others.
• Visual Requirements – ability to see cues from simulation educator related to transitions within the scenario.
• Hearing Requirements – ability to hear cues from simulation educator related to transitions within the scenario.
• Ability to work within the simulation/classroom environment often requiring minimal lighting.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:
Simulation Support

• Work collaboratively to plan and implement simulation based activities including the selection of appropriate simulation methodologies (high fidelity manikins, standardized participants, virtual reality, etc.) based on provided objectives, course planning, delivery, debriefing and documentation.
• Program manikin software for simulation based activities.
• Implement adoption and use of VR throughout the curriculum. Support and train faculty and staff regarding VR methodology and related equipment and software. Work with UTS to obtain and support VR functionality. Research new products as VR evolves. Develop VR cases for use in undergraduate and graduate education.
• Serve as subject matter expert in supporting faculty, staff, and students with simulation related IT, use of Learning Management System, and conference (virtual) capabilities.
• Take the lead in coordinating simulation operations technician staff activities including supervision of maintenance and trouble-shooting.
• Identify and diagnose complex technical issues during simulation events and perform maintenance and calibration in between simulated activities.
• Provide setup/takedown/moulage of requested simulations (including all equipment, supplies, EHR, medicine carts, VR, etc.); re-setting the simulation activity between active simulations to maintain quality and consistency between groups of learners.
• Prepare and store documents and set up equipment and supplies for each simulation.
• Manage all programmed scenarios for access across devices. Test and run simulation scenarios/activities in partnership with faculty simulation facilitators.
• Operate simulation technology assuring that the environment surrounding the simulation activity (facility, equipment, manikins, standardized patients, supplies, etc.) are set up appropriately.
• Consult with faculty and staff to ensure accuracy of scenario documents.
• Operate simulation capture system to ensure that simulation activities are videotaped correctly, completely, and perform as expected to assist faculty in evaluating summative experiences and debriefing students on their performance during simulation-based events.
• Troubleshoot any technical or logistical issue(s) that arise immediately prior or during a simulation activity; formulate and enact a solution to the issue and effectively communicate it to the simulation center staff.
• Develop and maintain daily running simulation schedule, in advance of activities, to ensure coordination of faculty, resources, and SPs.
• Provide training/support/consulting to faculty and other simulation center staff in the technical aspects of simulation.
• Contribute to the development and documentation of simulation center policies, procedures, and best practices.
  Provide tours/demonstrations/trainings/forums about simulation and simulation technologies.
   

Equipment, Software & Program Maintenance

• Provide specialized technical support/maintenance for all computer-based multimedia systems and their components, including operation of digital cameras, video cameras, audio/video mixer, digital/analog converter, monitors, VR, and medical equipment.
• Provide technical support/maintenance for high-fidelity computerized manikins and task trainers.
• Ensure and monitor compliance with various internal and external policies and procedures; ensure any certifications/accreditation or external relationships are maintained; recommend adjustments in policies, procedures, and staffing expectations as necessary to ensure compliance.
• Create and provide reports on simulation activities to measure operational success and to assist in resource and strategic decision-making.
• Manage and install software and hardware upgrades and maintain functionality of manikin components and data capture system as directed by manufacturer support.
• Audit, test, and ensure that all equipment and systems are running efficiently according to current specification requirements, and keep current on all periodic product information releases.
• Perform maintenance and inventory updates. Interface with the equipment manufacturers regarding equipment troubleshooting and system problems; maintain record of repairs.
• In collaboration with simulation center management, UTS, and College IT, conduct research, evaluate, and make recommendations on new technologies to support current and future simulation activities.
• Work with College IT, UTS, and vendors to resolve any issues with campus related hardware and networking, ensuring a strong understanding of campus networking and required systems that allow vendors, faculty, staff, and students to access critical materials.
• Keep up to date with all emerging technologies affecting simulation and data capture.

Inventory, Records and Data Management

• Assist with disposable inventory organization, identify needs, and make recommendations.
• Assist with the management of records and data within the simulation center including learner and facilitator evaluations, usage statistics, equipment specs and documentation.

Training & Development

• Stay current and up to date by researching emerging technology related to simulation technology to improve operations and/or outcomes.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with entities internal or external to the university.
• Ensure that knowledge and expertise in the use and operation of different simulator technologies ranging from anatomic models and task trainers to screenbased simulations to high fidelity patient simulators and immersive and virtual reality are always up to date.
• Provide recommendations and training for new resources as needed.