Part-Time Standardized Patient, Orvis School of Nursing (LOA)

About the Role

The Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno invites applications for the position of LOA Hourly – Standardized Patient (SP), also known as a Standardized or Simulated Participant. A Standardized Patient is an individual trained to accurately and consistently portray a patient, family member, healthcare provider, or other participant role for the purpose of simulation-based education and assessment. Standardized Patients play an essential role in preparing nursing and healthcare students for clinical practice by creating realistic learning experiences that promote the development of clinical, communication, interpersonal, and critical-thinking skills. Through participation in simulation activities, SPs support the Orvis School of Nursing's commitment to developing compassionate, competent, and patient-centered healthcare professionals. Simulation activities may include health assessments, communication skills training, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), physical examinations, procedural simulations, interprofessional education, and other experiential learning opportunities.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Simulation scenarios may involve emotionally sensitive or challenging healthcare situations, including illness, grief, mental health, trauma, or end-of-life topics.
• Sessions may be video or audio recorded for educational and quality assurance purposes.
• Some scenarios may involve non-invasive physical examination contact by learners under faculty supervision.
• SPs are expected to maintain the integrity of simulation cases and not disclose scenario content to students outside of approved educational settings.

Responsibilities

• Accurately portray assigned patient, family member, healthcare provider, or other simulation roles, including patient history, current health concerns, emotional responses, behaviors, physical findings, and communication styles in a standardized and reliable manner.
• Maintain consistency in role portrayal across multiple learner encounters and assessment activities.
• Provide face-to-face verbal feedback to students and faculty using structured feedback techniques and established program guidelines.
• Complete learner evaluation checklists, assessment tools, and other program documentation as assigned.
• Accept coaching and constructive feedback from faculty and simulation staff and incorporate revisions into future role portrayals.
• Participate in required training sessions, rehearsals, and simulation preparation activities (all paid at the hourly rate).
• Respond to University and simulation program communications in a timely and professional manner.
• Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to participate in all scheduled training sessions, simulations, and assessments.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism regarding simulation activities, student performance, and program operations.
• Serve as a positive representative of the University of Nevada, Reno and support the mission and values of the Orvis School of Nursing.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as assigned and communicated in advance.
• Reliable transportation for in-person sessions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to memorize and consistently portray assigned roles and scenarios.

Note: Students currently enrolled in the nursing program at the University of Nevada, Reno, and students enrolled in pre-requisite courses who plan to apply to the Orvis School of Nursing nursing program, are ineligible for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal training or experience in acting, theater, communications, education, or a related field.
• Previous experience serving as a Standardized Patient or participating in simulation-based education.
• Experience working in healthcare, customer service, training, education, or related environments.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and interact effectively with diverse learner populations.

Schedule

• Up to 8 hours per day, not to exceed 20 hours per week.
• Work schedules vary based on program needs and may include weekdays, evenings, and occasional weekends.
• Hours are scheduled in advance according to simulation and educational programming requirements.
• Remote and in person. In-person simulation activities take place at the Orvis School of Nursing Simulation Center, University of Nevada, Reno; some training, preparation, or simulation activities may be conducted remotely.

Compensation

Grade LOA Hourly Patient Model: $20.00/hour. All required training, rehearsals, and case-preparation time is paid at the hourly rate.

Contact Information

Haley McNeil – hmcneil@unr.edu

Impact of the Role

Standardized Patients are integral partners in healthcare education. By creating authentic, human-centered learning experiences, SPs help nursing and healthcare students develop the clinical judgment, communication skills, empathy, and professionalism necessary to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. Through their contributions, SPs support the Orvis School of Nursing's mission to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve the needs of Nevada and beyond.

About Us

The University of Nevada, Reno is a leading public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevada's original land-grant university, the University serves more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries. Classified by the Carnegie® Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 ("Very High Research") university, it is also recognized in the Carnegie® Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the "Best National Universities" and "Best National Public Universities." It also ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times' "Top Colleges for Economic Diversity." Since 2009, nearly $1 billion has been invested in advanced labs, facilities, and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevada's first medical school – the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe, where education, research, and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada Small Business Development Center, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and Wolf Pack Athletics. The main campus is in Reno, Nevada, a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe, the beautiful, 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. The University's physical infrastructure is expanding with ongoing construction of the newly named John Tullock Business Building, set to open in fall 2025. Groundbreaking is also planned for a new State Public Health Laboratory Building on campus, alongside the recent acquisition of 16 parcels near campus, known as "University Village," to provide affordable housing for graduate students and early career faculty. Collaborating with world-renowned organizations, the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple, which ensures equitable access to technology for students, providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with an iPad Air and accessories. Google's TechWise initiative is an 18-month program that fully supports undergraduate students in becoming entry-level software engineers by graduation. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Nevada – led by the University of Nevada, Reno – was named one of the inaugural 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (TechHubs). Nevada was selected from a competitive pool of 489 applicants from across the United States and its territories. Nevada's Tech Hub will strengthen America's lithium batteries, critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state. Through its commitment to high-impact education, world-improving research and creative activity, and outreach that's transforming Nevada's communities and businesses, the University continues its 150-year tradition of benefitting our state, nation and world.