Clinical Simulation Specialist

About the job

About the Work Unit:

VUSN supports the development of innovative academic educational programs within the school which align strategically with other Vanderbilt University initiatives to address national priorities to promote, protect, educate students and play a vital role in developing clinicians who will provide access to health care for people everywhere.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Simulation and Skills Design, Operations, and Evaluation

• Design and refine simulation experiences in consultation with Program Directors and Simulation Educators
• Share simulation pedagogy and Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice®.
• Provide professional development around prebriefing, facilitation, debriefing, and comprehensive simulation evaluation of participant, facilitator, and program outcomes.
• Perform a needs assessment using outcome data and accreditation requirements to identify priority simulation content and sequencing.
• Construct measurable objectives that build upon students' foundational knowledge.
• Create relevant, interactive, and innovative simulation and skills experiences that aim to enhance the curriculum, standardize student experiences, and promote readiness for practice.
• Build simulation-based experiences to align with modality and learning objectives.
• Partner with Simulation Operations Technician, Simulation Educators, and additional VUSN faculty to implement high-quality simulations and skills experiences.
• Pilot test simulation-based experiences before full implementation.
• Evaluate simulation and skills teaching strategies.
• Enforce policies and safety procedures to maintain a milieu of physical and psychological safety

Simulation Facilitation

• Support simulation throughout the Master of Nursing (MN), Post-Master's Certificate, and Master of Science in Nursing program.
• Program and operate patient simulators, audio/visual equipment, and computer software for simulations.
• Troubleshoot equipment for simulation and skills experiences.
• Reset the room for the next simulation in a timely manner.
• Assure utilization of equipment, supplies, services, and materials is cost-effective.
• Act as voice for mannequins and others in simulation using a script and operate the simulation session.
• A senior-level Clinical Simulation Specialist may facilitate prebriefing and debriefing with students across programs.
• In collaboration with Program Director and faculty, design prep work.
• Deliver a briefing before each simulation.
• Overview of experience.
• Acknowledge physical and psychological safety and expectations.
• Assign student roles.
• Ensure observers are in the correct location and can see and hear the simulation.
• Carefully observe the simulation, noting correct and incorrect aspects.
• Guide the Simulation Operations Technician in managing the fidelity and the responses based on the participant's actions and the simulation template.
• Ensure observers and participants are actively engaged in debriefing.
• Provide feedback and support students' reflection using the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice®.

Evaluating the Simulation and Skills Ecosystem

• Evaluate systems integration with SimCapture, medication dispense system, and modality-specific hardware/software for continuous quality improvement.
• Plan and implement interventions to mitigate risk in the simulation ecosystem.
• Plan an evaluation process to determine the quality and effectiveness of simulation-based experiences including feedback from students, faculty facilitators the Assistant Dean for Simulation, and larger VUSN academic programs that guides resource allocation.
• Professional Integrity - uphold and honor the Healthcare Simulationist Code of Ethics.
• Additional Responsibilities - performs additional duties as necessary.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor's Degree is required.
• Master's Degree in a healthcare related field is preferred.
• Certification as a Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) required within first year of employment.
• Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience and Skills:

• Two years of experience in a related field with a systems-integration focus.
• Experience with biomedical technology and biomedical equipment preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy, and human physiology preferred.
• Certification as a Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) preferred.
• Proficiency utilizing computer software (Microsoft Office, Adobe), laptop computers and tablets is required.

About Us

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 10009008
• Job Category: University Operations
• Posting Date: 2026-10-09
• Job Schedule: Full time