Standardized Patient (Simulation Actor)

Henry Ford College; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Henry Ford College is seeking a part-time Standardized Patient to assist in nursing education. This role requires participation in simulation scenarios to accurately portray patients and provide feedback to students. Ideal candidates will have a flexible schedule and be comfortable with physical simulations.

All training is paid, and the role is set for Fall 2025. Responsibilities include portraying various patient scenarios, maintaining professionalism, and participating in training sessions.

Qualifications

• Comfort with undergoing physical exams by nursing students
• Willingness to wear a hospital gown for simulations
• Ability to portray patients in mental health crises

Responsibilities

• Accurately portray all characteristics of a real patient
• Participate in simulation scenarios with nursing students
• Provide post-simulation debriefings to assess clinical skills

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Improv skills

Reliability and punctuality

Patience and empathy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Description Summary

Henry Ford College presents an opportunity for an occasional (part‑time/daytime hours) Standardized Patient (Simulation Actor). This role is a by‑appointment position based on classroom needs at Henry Ford College Health and Human Services. Employees participate in scheduled sessions around their availability, ranging from 1½ to 4 hours each, with up to two sessions a day. While rare late‑evening or Saturday sessions may occur, the greatest need is for morning, mid‑day, and afternoon sessions beginning between 8 am and 2 pm, Monday‑Friday, during Fall and Winter semesters.

The Standardized Patient (SP) will be part of a pool and will be brought in as appropriate based on availability and scenario need. Depending on classroom needs and employee availability, most SPs will participate in 12 to 40 hours of work per semester, broken up over several sessions.

The SP reports directly to the associated faculty and participates in simulation scenarios with the Nursing Program at Henry Ford College, East Campus. The SP may be required to sign a waiver upon hire.

Core responsibilities include accurately portraying, following staff training and instructions, all the characteristics of a real patient; simulating signs and symptoms required by different training scenarios; engaging directly with students; and participating in post‑clinic debriefings to help assess clinical skills and provide constructive feedback. Participants help bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice, making a real impact on the future of healthcare.

All SPs will attend an on‑campus orientation and complete an online, asynchronous training module (training paid at the standard hourly rate). Additionally, CPs will be expected to attend scheduled sessions, participate in scenario training, meet with students in simulated healthcare scenarios, and provide post‑simulation debriefing.

Core Competencies and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Comfort with and consent to undergoing a physical exam conducted by both male and female nursing students under faculty supervision while wearing a hospital gown
• Comfort and consent to having hypoallergenic special effects, bruising, or wound makeup applied for simulation
• Comfort with discussing and portraying patients in mental health crises
• Reliability and punctuality
• Patience, empathy, and understanding
• Excellent communication skills and ability to follow directions
• Improvisational skills/ability to remain in character within assigned simulations
• Access to personal technology for online training, scheduling, and other communication
• Must be able to sit for long periods, voluntarily get vital signs checked, stand, sit, get on and off an examining table, roll over, and twist torso during examinations

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Training or experience in health professions and/or acting, hospitality, tourism, commission sales, or other performance‑based skills
• Flexible schedule to meet the various needs (with notice) of curricular schedules
• Experience working in healthcare, educational, or training environments
• Performers with improvisational and “crowd‑work” experience are encouraged to apply

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Be highly dependable and punctual
• Demonstrate flexibility and reliability with scheduling and assignments
• Follow written and verbal instructions
• Maintain a professional manner when interacting with learners, faculty supervisors, and peers
• Be comfortable with repeated physical examination maneuvers performed on self
• Wear a hospital gown with only undergarments, short or tank top underneath, while on camera or observed live through a window or video monitor for training purposes
• Simulate all aspects of scenarios, including providing a provided history of current problems, affect/behavior, and physical findings in a standardized, accurate, reliable, and realistic manner
• Accurately and consistently complete cue sheets
• Accept ongoing feedback from Nursing Faculty/facilitators and incorporate it into case simulation
• Be willing to be audio and video recorded during simulations
• Complete other duties as assigned, qualified, and trained to perform

Working Hours / Scheduling

• SP simulation scenarios are scheduled based on the program’s curricular needs. Dates are provided as far in advance as possible (sessions available Monday‑Friday, 8 am–9 pm).
• Paid training is provided through an on‑campus orientation and a self‑paced, asynchronous online course. Individual scenario information is provided in advance and at each scheduled exercise.
• SPs will be part of a “pool” and will be brought in as appropriate based on availability and scenario need. SPs may work up to 20 hours per semester, broken up over several sessions.

Additional Information

This position is for Fall 2025. All duties are performed under the supervision of faculty and align with the Nursing Program’s educational objectives.