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“All the world is a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and entrances; Each man in his time plays many parts.”
-William Shakespeare
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OBJECTIVES
Describe the basic roles essential to simulation.
Know the basic skills needed in simulation.
Identify different position titles and sample position descriptions utilized in simulation centers.
Understand certifications and resources that might assist in advancing a career in simulation.
Define the four Society for Simulation in Healthcare simulation educator competencies.
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Careers in simulation, the roles of individuals involved in simulation, and the variety of simulation program opportunities have rapidly evolved. Healthcare simulation opportunities exist in areas such as academia, fire departments, hospitals, military, and freestanding simulation and education centers.
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Simulation in healthcare is a specialty with identified knowledge and competencies. All individuals working in simulation must be well versed in simulation as well as competent in their clinical or technical roles.
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This chapter provides an overview of the roles needed in simulation programs. Whether you are on a limited budget with a small center or have a huge multi-hub center and an unlimited budget, there are basic roles that must be filled to be successful. Roles to plan, design, implement, and evaluate simulation-based learning and development outcomes support the achievement of facility and regional strategies and initiatives to meet organizational goals.
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In many cases, the designers of the simulation center or simulation proposal serve in the initial roles of administrator, facilitator, debriefer, educator, simulation curricula designer, and delivery expert, as well as in supportive roles such as the scheduler.
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Individuals working in simulation can learn on the job or from additional sources such as fellow pioneers, publications, and programs offered by hospital or university-based simulation centers. Conferences and workshops are available, such as the International Medical Simulation in Healthcare Conference, the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).
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Simulation certification programs are available through a variety of institutions for leadership and for simulation educator and technologist roles.
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Simulation Program Roles
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As simulation programs continue to grow, so do the number and types of roles in these programs. The result has been increasing specialization of roles and distinctive role descriptions. This chapter section covers some of the common roles needed for the operation of a simulation program or center (see Table 14.1). Each role is unique to required knowledge and competence (e.g., simulation manager should have knowledge in management and administration, technology, and education, while a simulation technologist should have knowledge in audiovisual (AV) and mannequin technology as well as clinical aspects). Roles are needed to meet organizational goals and requirements by identification of training needs, subject matter experts (SME), simulation curriculum development, and measurement and evaluations leading to learning and clinical ...