Nursing Simulation Operations Technician

The Faculty of Health Sciences and Human Services includes the Departments of Child and Youth Care, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene, Early Childhood Education and Care, Health Care Assistant, Nursing, Practical Nursing, Social Work, Education Assistant and Community Support, and a Professional Development and Training department. The mission of the Faculty is to foster student success and develop and maintain relevant, responsive, and stimulating learning opportunities that are community-based, globally and locally, and offered in a visionary, interprofessional environment that is conducive to learning and promotes health and wellness for all. The Dean and the Dean's Office lead, manage, administer and support the instructional, scholarly and outreach activities of the Faculty on four campuses with this mission in mind.

Duties:

The Nursing Simulation Operations Technician is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the nursing simulation laboratory in the VIU Health Sciences and Human Services (HSHS) Faculty. The incumbent works in conjunction with the HSHS Dean/Associate Dean, Faculty and staff, Facilities staff, IT personnel and Laerdal Healthcare (provider of the Simulation Lab Technology).

The Technician

• Prepares and maintains simulation equipment, media, computers and materials related to simulation learning for various health care programs.
• Collaborates with faculty and simulation specialists in designing, planning, implementing simulation activities, and curriculum materials to support student achievement of nursing program outcomes.
• Supports planning, implementation and evaluation of simulation activities in accordance with program policies, course objectives and program outcomes.
• Serves as an expert resource and leader to faculty in developing simulation in the learning centre and simulation lab.
• Promotes a student-centered approach while providing client centered services to all stakeholders.
• Develops and incorporates evidence based best practices in the delivery of simulation teaching and learning experiences.
• Promotes efficient and effective processes and procedures to meet HSHS faculty needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Simulation Operations Technician is a member of the HSHS Faculty and works with the programs, participates in relevant Committee(s), works closely with the Simulation Coordinator and nursing faculty.

1. Operationalize a wide variety of simulation experiences in conjunction with the Simulation Coordinator.
2. Support integration of Human Patient Simulation into learning centre and clinical courses, using the available software and other created scenarios.
3. Promote an optimal learning environment in all simulation areas for all participants and facilitators. For example: prepare and run simulation events as needed, provide assistance to students, faculty and simulation specialists using simulation and maintain safety standards with regard to the use of equipment and hazardous waste disposal.
4. Establish practices and procedures for simulation and lab activities that provide for effective learning experiences and safe practice.
5. Support evaluation activities.
6. Make recommendations for equipment maintenance and purchases to the Dean/Associate Dean to maintain standards essential for effective instruction to the programs.
7. Direct and maintain an inventory of supplies and equipment to support all instruction in the simulation laboratory.
8. Provide direction for all support staff including student peer mentors for the nursing simulation lab.
9. Assist with faculty development, support, and guidance in simulation and other related innovative teaching/learning methods.
10. Provide client centered service to all stakeholder groups and work with faculty and staff to provide seamless simulation learning experiences for students
11. With the ongoing support of Laerdal Healthcare, provide basic trouble shooting for simulators, program software to maintain correct physiological function, and provide ongoing maintenance.
12. Support research related to simulation and other innovative teaching/learning.
13. Work flexible hours and travel between campuses, as required.

Working Conditions

The job may require some evening or weekend work, e.g., workshops, or education of faculty.

Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a health-related field and a minimum of 1 year experience with clinical simulation equipment and technology (e.g., working with high fidelity mannequin, simulation processes, etc.). Minimum 2 years teaching experience in a post-secondary institution.

• Experience in supervising personnel in a health care or educational environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in integrating simulation into the Nursing curriculum is considered an asset. 

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note: 

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students.  In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences.  We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter.  When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity.  Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.