Nurse Education Professional Assistant & Simulation Operator

Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist

The Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist serves as the operational and technical expert for the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) Simulation Program. The incumbent is responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, programming, inventory management, troubleshooting, and support of simulation technologies, audiovisual systems, task trainers, and simulation environments used for healthcare education.

The Simulation Operations Specialist collaborates with nurse educators, instructors, clinical departments, and external partners to ensure simulation activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and according to current healthcare simulation best practices. This position does not function as a nurse educator but provides technical, operational, and logistical support essential to the successful implementation of simulation-based training.

Simulation Operations and Technology

• Operates high-fidelity simulators, task trainers, virtual reality systems, standardized patient technologies, and related educational equipment.
• Programs simulation scenarios under the direction of simulation faculty or educators.
• Manages simulator software, hardware, networking connections, and audiovisual systems.
• Supports simulation activities through operation of control rooms, observation systems, recording systems, and debriefing technologies.
• Troubleshoots simulator, computer, network, and audiovisual issues before, during, and after simulation events.
• Maintains simulation databases, scenario libraries, digital assets, and equipment inventories.
• Assists with moulage preparation, room setup, environmental realism, and scenario logistics.
• Provides operational support during mock codes, emergency response drills, skills fairs, nurse residency activities, orientation programs, and interprofessional education events.
• Ensures simulation activities are conducted in accordance with established safety procedures and simulation program policies.

Equipment and Facility Management

• Maintains all simulation equipment according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Performs routine preventive maintenance and calibration of simulators and medical equipment.
• Maintains equipment maintenance logs and repair records.
• Coordinates warranty repairs and vendor service requests.
• Tracks and monitors inventory of simulation supplies and replacement parts.
• Assists with procurement recommendations for simulation equipment, software, and supplies.
• Ensures simulation laboratories, classrooms, storage areas, and control rooms remain organized, secure, and operational.
• Supports transport, setup, and operation of equipment for off-site training activities.

Learning Management and Compliance Support

• Assists with administration of the Relias Learning Management System.
• Uploads and maintains records including certifications, training completion records, CE documentation, orientation verification, and employee learning history.
• Provides technical assistance related to LMS access, login issues, module assignments, and completion tracking.
• Performs quality assurance reviews of educational records and compliance reports.
• Generates reports related to training completion, certification compliance, and accreditation requirements.
• Supports organizational readiness for regulatory and accreditation surveys.

American Heart Association and Education Program Support

• Assists with scheduling, setup, and preparation of American Heart Association courses.
• Maintains training equipment used in life support programs.
• Uploads certification documentation and distributes records to appropriate departments.
• Coordinates training materials, rosters, and educational resources.
• Assists educators with administrative and logistical functions for educational programs.

Simulation Program Quality and Best Practices

• Supports implementation of simulation activities consistent with current Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives related to simulation operations.
• Assists with collection of utilization data, performance metrics, and program outcome measures.
• Maintains participant confidentiality and security of simulation recordings and educational records.
• Supports simulation environments that foster psychological safety, learner confidentiality, and professional conduct.

Customer Service and Administrative Support

• Responds to employee, student, and departmental requests within established timelines.
• Assists with student clinical placement documentation and onboarding processes.
• Maintains schedules, calendars, inventories, and operational records associated with educational programs.
• Recommends process improvements that enhance efficiency and user experience.
• Provides exceptional customer service to employees, students, healthcare partners, and visitors.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• Associate Degree in Healthcare Technology, Information Technology, Education Technology, Business, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Simulation Operations, or related field required.
• Individuals holding a healthcare certification such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT, Paramedic or other comparable healthcare credential may be considered in lieu of a degree when combined with relevant experience.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in technical operations, educational technology, healthcare technology, audiovisual systems, information technology, simulation operations, or related field or if experienced CMA, EMT or Paramedic is chosen for the job and proficient in required technical aspects of position. Technology degree can be waived.
• Healthcare simulation experience preferred.
• Experience supporting Windows-based systems and learning management systems preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with healthcare simulation equipment and audiovisual systems.
• Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) or willingness to obtain certification.
• Knowledge of healthcare education and accreditation requirements.

Core Competencies

• Strong technical troubleshooting skills
• Strong skills using Excel, Power Point and other Microsoft tools to track and document simulations, preventive maintenance, employee participation in events, etc.
• Attention to detail and data accuracy
• Organization and inventory management
• Customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and continuous improvement

Primary Focus: Ensure simulation technologies, educational systems, and training operations function effectively to support staff development, regulatory compliance, patient safety initiatives, and high-quality healthcare simulation programs.

Contact with others: Has frequent contact with Nursing managers, program directors, CIHA personnel, and the public. May also have contact with internal/external contractors, facility and maintenance vendors, Federal, State, Tribal agents, CIHA and IHS regarding explanations, discussions, procedures and obtaining approval. Contact requires a high degree of tact, courtesy, and business etiquette to maintain positive working relationships. Will consistently demonstrate superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHAs guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.

Confidential Data: Works with and/or has access to personnel files, including but not limited to, certifications, license, transcripts, highly confidential Division files, memos, and contract proposals. Must adhere to all CIHA confidentiality policies and procedures, as well as the Privacy Act of 1974 and HIPAA.

Mental/Visual/Physical Effort: Close concentration and attention to detail are required while performing most duties of the job. The incumbent is subject to frequent interruptions, both by phone and in person, which require varied responses with each contact. The duties of this job routinely require large amounts of standing, walking, and sitting, kneeling, crouching, and reaching. Must be able to see, hear and communicate verbally. Must be fluent in English. Performance will involve moving more than 50 pounds ie mannequins, video equipment, stretchers, etc.

Environment: The incumbent works in normal business office environment with frequent visits to program sites and training rooms while performing job duties. May involve contacts with patients in both well and illness status.