Standardized Patients

The terms standardized patient and simulated patient (SP) are often used interchangeably and refer to a person trained to portray a patient in realistic and repeatable ways. SPs are part of the educational team, focused on fulfilling the learning objectives of a simulation activity in service to learners.

The role of SPs may be extended into the classroom, interprofessional education opportunities, clinical examinations, or other learning scenarios. SPs can also provide feedback on participant performance from the perspective of the person they portray.

Students work with real patients in supervised clinical experiences. However, standardized patients help to provide a safe and controlled learning and testing environment to prepare students to see real patients. Standardized patients provide students with the same, consistent case each time, and as a result the faculty can be sure that the same skills are practiced by all students.

We are looking for adults of all ages, physical types, ethnic groups, and backgrounds to portray the various types of patients represented in the cases. We need individuals who can memorize their role, remain focused on the task at hand for long durations, are strong communicators, can learn quickly, accept direction and feedback, and are comfortable using technology. A high level of energy is required as the days can be long.

SPs must have a wide range of skills. SPs will be trained to role-play with faculty and students, requiring them to be comfortable working with a varied group of people. SPs may also be responsible for providing written feedback to students, so strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Lastly, it is imperative that SPs are punctual, reliable, and flexible.

SPs are temporary employees of Auburn University. Training is held two weeks prior to the simulated event and can last up to four hours. Most event days, SPs report at 7:30 a.m., and will work until 4:30 p.m. A minimum commitment would be a half-day of training and one full day of work. SPs are scheduled to work based on the availability they provide, which is done by responding to a Doodle poll.

Yes, the students are aware that you are not a real patient. Students are told to perform histories, interviews, and physical examinations as they would with real patients.

SPs receive their assigned case on the training day. The case is reviewed with the SPs and a faculty member who is a content expert. During this time, SPs will take turns role-playing the case and receiving feedback so that we can standardize the portrayals as much as possible. The case materials will contain all of the needed information about the case, including what the SP can say to the student nurse, and the patient’s appropriate attire and emotional state. Other information provided, when pertinent, includes family history, type of employment, or hobbies.

Yes, all SP encounters with student nurses will require a non-invasive physical examination. Most commonly, that consists of checking blood pressure, listening to heart and lungs, and checking the skin. In some instances, the SP may be required to wear a hospital gown, other cases simply require street clothes. The School of Nursing does not currently conduct invasive exams.

No. Your patient case will contain all of the information you need.

Perhaps. A SP with previous cardiac issues, for example, would not be assigned to portray a heart patient. However, this person could be assigned to another case.

SPs may be expected to grade students. If grading is required, SPs will receive training on grading procedures. All students participating in simulation receive feedback during a debriefing session immediately following the experience, which is conducted by faculty trained in debriefing methodologies.

If you are related to or have a close relationship with a CON student, you will not be scheduled to work the event for that student’s class. Any close relationships with a CON student must be disclosed to the SP Supervisor prior to event scheduling.

This is not an easy job. It requires concentration, consistency, recall, and the ability to interact with students in an unbiased manner. Punctuality and reliability are mandatory, and a high energy level is necessary to provide consistent performance over the duration of the event. SPs should be willing to be videotaped for educational purposes, be comfortable with their own health and with being touched by students, must keep all case material confidential, be able to take feedback in a positive manner and make adjustments based on feedback, and have a desire to contribute to the education of future nurses.

If you are still interested, please complete the Standardized Patient Interest Survey, link included under Resources. This will be reviewed by the SP Supervisor. Once we have reviewed your responses, we will contact you if we think you meet the needs of our program. You may be invited to an information session, or training session. You will have the opportunity to indicate your availability for the different event dates, and we will select SPs based upon our needs for each particular event. If you are selected to join our Standardized Patient program you will complete employment documentation through the Auburn University office of Temporary Employment Services.