Fast Facts

WGU is seeking a Standardized Patient for its Nurse Practitioner Program to contribute to the simulation experiences by acting as patients during Objective Structured Clinical Examinations.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include acting as a patient during OSCEs, preparing and performing specific scripted scenarios, assisting students with technological issues, and maintaining professionalism in communication.

Skills: Required skills include strong time management, effective communication, technology competency, and the ability to maintain character during simulations.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in a supporting field, experience as a registered nurse or certified teacher, and a background in virtual presentations or performing arts.

Location: Position based in Indianapolis, IN, required onsite presence at the simulation center.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $15 - $35.

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Services 209Pay Range: $ - $

Job Description

Onsite Location

Indy Simulation & Learning Center, 9045 River Road, Indianapolis, IN

Anticipated Schedule

Student assignment openings for sign-up shall be posted two to three months in advance. Work up to 24 hours per week, based on student practicum scheduling needs. Days may include Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, typically in a 4-hour minimum block between 8am to 4pm.

Job Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a supporting field from an accredited institution
• Distance education participation history as a student or teacher desired

Experience

• Option 1: Two (2) years of experience as a certified teacher
• Option 2: Two (2) years of experience as a registered nurse

Background

• Option 1: Conduct virtual presentations
• Option 2: Perform in the fine arts/acting
• Option 3: Serve in an educational setting

Job Summary

The Standardized Patient is a professional contributor to the simulation experiences of WGU nurse practitioner students with educational experience as a Registered Nurse or Certified Teacher. This role is responsible for playing the part of the patient during the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) for nurse practitioner students. During each OSCE the standardized patient plays the role of a fictional patient using a scripted case, is responsible for being prepared to play the specific role for each OSCE and is responsible for creating a backup recording of each completed OSCE. Responsible for helping students troubleshoot common technological issues during OSCEs and is punctual for student OSCE experiences. This role is responsible for cultivating a robust community of practice around innovative and effective simulation experiences.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for playing the role of the patient during the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) for nurse practitioner students.  
• During each OSCE the standardized patient plays the role of a fictional patient using a scripted case, including chief complaint, past medical history, physical examination findings, and appropriate responses during the simulated case.  
• Responsible for being prepared to play the specific role for each OSCE using the scripted case.  
• Responsible for creating a backup recording of each completed OSCE. 
• Responsible for helping students troubleshoot common technological issues during OSCEs.  
• Remains punctual for student OSCE experiences. 
• Acts as a steward for carrying out WGU’s mission and strategic vision by demonstrating effective and consistent commitment to learner-centered, competency-based educational support. 
• Fosters student learning through innovative, effective learning practices. 
• Responds with urgency to meet student needs and communicates professionally and respectfully with students and all other members of the WGU community. 
• Responds promptly to student and faculty communication. 
• Uses technology-based OSCE recording and communication platforms to aid students in the development and demonstration of competencies. 
• Participates in all required training activities. 
• Consistently exhibits WGU Leadership Principles. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent time management skills. 
• Ability to accurately and consistently perform specific OSCE scenarios including demonstrating symptoms, problems, and or behaviors associated with the OSCE scripts. 
• Ability to effectively communicate with students acting as providers and WGU faculty.  
• Ability to remain in character when dealing with students playing the role of a healthcare provider. 
• Ability to keep all OSCE case information confidential.  
• Ability to be discrete in answering student questions in order to not give away additional case information. (Don’t lead the student) 
• Ability to manage time in order to prevent OSCEs from running over the assigned time per case. 
• Must demonstrate technological competency: OSCE recording and communication platforms. 
• Extraordinary customer service orientation. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to present information clearly, concisely, and accurately; friendly, persuasive speaking and writing style. 
• Well organized - conscientious and detail oriented.
• Strong understanding, acceptance, adherence, and promotion of the tenets of competency-based education in the WGU model.

Position & Application Details

Part-Time Intermittent Positions (classified as intermittent and less than 30 standard weekly hours): This is a part-time, intermittent position (classified to work less than 30 SWH) that may be eligible for mental healthcare; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; and prorated paid holidays and accrued sick time.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.