Adjunct Faculty - Nursing Simulationist

Job Summary/Basic Function

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples’ lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here.

Aurora University seeks talented adjunct faculty who are passionate about teaching and learning. Adjunct faculty are qualified part-time instructors offered teaching opportunities based on course demand and staffing.

Teaching Responsibilities

Position Purpose:

The nursing simulation adjunct faculty work collaboratively with the Director of the Center in the day-to-day operations of the nursing simulation and skills laboratories to offer best-in-class simulation and skills experiences to promote the students’ critical thinking and clinical judgment skills. Following standards of best practice, adjunct faculty implement, operate, and participate in nursing skills and simulation activities to guarantee a high quality, safe, and consistent learning experience. This position will require the candidate to interact directly with students, staff, inter-professional colleagues, and vendors. This is a high-paced dynamic environment that will require the candidate to be willing to learn new technologies and skills as they emerge.

Essential Job Functions:

  1. Collaborates with faculty to develop, present, and refine scenarios for simulation experiences, to create realistic learning environments, and meet course outcomes.
  2. Instructs students using simulation scenarios, including pre- and post-simulation.
  3. Partners directly with nursing faculty in the process of student learning, assessment, and performance by providing feedback through debriefing sessions.
  4. Assists faculty with the preparation, break down, and cleanup of instructional laboratory simulation sessions in the NSSC.
  5. Assists with educating staff, faculty, and students on the use and operation of NSSC simulation laboratory equipment and supplies.
  6. Manages simulation (high, medium, and low fidelity) technology during simulation education sessions by acting as technician to run simulators.
  7. Records simulation exercises and makes the audio/visual files available to faculty and students for education purposes.
  8. Ensures a safe learning environment, the safe storage and disposal of all hazardous materials, and oversees the implementation of lab rules and procedures.
  9. Assists the Director of the Center with technical and operational systems design, policies, planning, safety and support, and for IT-related needs.  
  10. In collaboration with the Director, evaluates effectiveness of resources and teaching aids provided, oversees the collection of evaluation data on learning outcomes for simulation activities, and provides data and disseminates findings as necessary for the program evaluation plan (PEP).
  11. Participates and/or leads tours of the center to visitors.
  12. Seeks opportunities to maintain professional competence related to simulations.
  13. Performs other responsibilities and projects assigned by the Director of the Center.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:     

  • Current unrestricted Illinois RN license (required).
  • Master’s degree in Nursing (required).
  • Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) or equivalent (preferred).

Experience:     

  • Minimum 1 year experience working in a fast-paced teaching/learning simulation education environment (required).
  • Working knowledge of computer software and networked systems (including wireless networks) used in support of teaching in a clinical laboratory setting and experience in providing technical assistance (required).

Skills:

  • Demonstrate excellent organizational, interpersonal and written communication skills, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work effectively on a team.
  • Maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling student files and personal student information.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to work varying schedules and hours including evenings and weekends, if necessary, to accommodate open lab hours.
  • Ability to correctly lift and carry manikins, equipment, and supplies.
  • Will take initiative, prioritize, and adapt to shifting variety of duties.
  • Skilled in debriefing using a planned and structured framework.
  • Proficient in Microsoft software applications including Word, Excel, and Power Point, and the Internet.

Physical Requirements: 

  • Physical ability to lift, move, maintain, and set up computer, audio-visual, and simulation lab equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. without assistance.

Application Materials

Please email resume or curriculum vitae, transcripts, evidence of licensure or certification if required for the position, and cover letter stating the specific areas you are interested in teaching to:

adjunctfaculty@aurora.edu

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.