Standardized Patient Employment

Standardized Patients (SPs) are individuals trained to portray a patient with a condition or symptoms in a realistic, standardized and repeatable way. They are utilized for healthcare education, evaluation and research, in a simulated clinical environment. SPs assess and evaluate learner performance with history taking, physical exam and communication skills, as well as, deliver communication based verbal feedback.

We have a very robust SP program and utilize SP simulation in many different projects. Some of the projects that involve SP Simulation include; observed structured clinical exams (OSCEs), group interviews, interdisciplinary activities, faculty development, communication cases, and delivering bad news cases.  If you are interested in becoming an SP, please submit a screening/recruitment form.  Click HERE to access form.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What will the job entail?

Each program requires a training session and learning an “SP case” which includes: patient chief complaint/medical findings (symptoms), background history and physical exam information. You will undergo a patient interview and physical examination by a learner in a medical office setting. The learners include healthcare professionals, such as, medical students, nursing students, physician assistant students, dental students, as well as, residents and nurses.

You will be dressed in a hospital exam gown and will be required to wear full coverage undergarments. In addition to the case portrayal you will complete checklists to assess clinical skills, communication skills and at times provide verbal, communication based feedback.

Note: We do not participate in any invasive physical examinations (breast, rectal, corneal reflexes).

Q: What are the basic requirements to be an SP?

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED), Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
  • Punctuality, Reliability and Flexibility are essential.
  • You must have daytime availability, meaning large blocks of time Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to work a flexible schedule. 
  • Ability to be objective and follow directions.
  • Excellent memorization and recall skills.
  • Excellent communication Skills.
  • Basic computer skills utilizing the mouse and keyboard.
  • Acting experience desirable but not required.
  • Previous Standardized Patient experience desirable but not required.

Q: How many hours will I work?

This is a part time/per diem job. SPs are hired for specific projects based on program needs. Candidates must be willing to work a variable shift between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm to work a flexible schedule. Our work days consist of both half day and full day programs.

Q: How can I be a successful SP?

  • Being punctual, flexible, available and most importantly, reliable.
  • Performing to a high standard of excellence by consistently following training protocols.
  • Maintaining a positive attitude toward the program, learners and co-workers.
  • Maintaining the confidentiality of the Clinical Simulation Center and learners at all times. 

Q: Where are you located?

We are located at Stony Brook University in the Health Sciences Center, Clinical Simulation Center (CSC) in the Health Science Tower, Level 2, Room 180, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8220. 

Q: How do I apply to become an SP?

  • Please submit a screening/recruitment form by clicking HERE.

 

ATTENTION STONY BROOK STUDENTS:

Please be aware: Your direct employer will be an outside temporary agency therefore this is NOT considered “On Campus Employment”.