The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or jobs@unr.edu. For UNR Med professional job postings, please contact the Office of Professional Recruitment at (775) 784-6778. 

Job Description

The Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno invites applications for the position of LOA Hourly – Standardized Patient (SP), also known as a Standardized or Simulated Participant. A Standardized Patient is an individual trained to accurately and consistently portray a patient, family member, healthcare provider, or other participant role for the purpose of simulation-based education and assessment. 

Standardized Patients play an essential role in preparing nursing and healthcare students for clinical practice by creating realistic learning experiences that promote the development of clinical, communication, interpersonal, and critical-thinking skills. Through participation in simulation activities, SPs support the Orvis School of Nursing's commitment to developing compassionate, competent, and patient-centered healthcare professionals. 

Simulation activities may include health assessments, communication skills training, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), physical examinations, procedural simulations, interprofessional education, and other experiential learning opportunities. 

Special Conditions of Employment 

• Simulation scenarios may involve emotionally sensitive or challenging healthcare situations, including illness, grief, mental health, trauma, or end-of-life topics. 

• Sessions may be video or audio recorded for educational and quality assurance purposes. 

• Some scenarios may involve non-invasive physical examination contact by learners under faculty supervision. 

• SPs are expected to maintain the integrity of simulation cases and not disclose scenario content to students outside of approved educational settings. 

Responsibilities

• Accurately portray assigned patient, family member, healthcare provider, or other simulation roles, including patient history, current health concerns, emotional responses, behaviors, physical findings, and communication styles in a standardized and reliable manner. 

• Maintain consistency in role portrayal across multiple learner encounters and assessment activities. 

• Provide face-to-face verbal feedback to students and faculty using structured feedback techniques and established program guidelines. 

• Complete learner evaluation checklists, assessment tools, and other program documentation as assigned. 

• Accept coaching and constructive feedback from faculty and simulation staff and incorporate revisions into future role portrayals. 

• Participate in required training sessions, rehearsals, and simulation preparation activities (all paid at the hourly rate). 

• Respond to University and simulation program communications in a timely and professional manner. 

• Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to participate in all scheduled training sessions, simulations, and assessments. 

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism regarding simulation activities, student performance, and program operations. 

• Serve as a positive representative of the University of Nevada, Reno and support the mission and values of the Orvis School of Nursing. 

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. 

• Must be at least 18 years of age. 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule as assigned and communicated in advance. 

• Reliable transportation for in-person sessions. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to memorize and consistently portray assigned roles and scenarios.

​​Please note: Students currently enrolled in the nursing program at the University of Nevada, Reno, and students enrolled in pre-requisite courses who plan to apply to the Orvis School of Nursing nursing program, are ineligible for this position. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal training or experience in acting, theater, communications, education, or a related field. 

• Previous experience serving as a Standardized Patient or participating in simulation-based education. 

• Experience working in healthcare, customer service, training, education, or related environments. 

• Ability to provide constructive feedback and interact effectively with diverse learner populations. 

Schedule

• Up to 8 hours per day, not to exceed 20 hours per week. 

• Work schedules vary based on program needs and may include weekdays, evenings, and occasional weekends. 

• Hours are scheduled in advance according to simulation and educational programming requirements. 

Remote and in person. In-person simulation activities take place at the Orvis School of Nursing Simulation Center, University of Nevada, Reno; some training, preparation, or simulation activities may be conducted remotely. 

Compensation Grade

LOA Hourly Patient Model

$20.00/hour

All required training, rehearsals, and case-preparation time is paid at the hourly rate. 

Contact Information

Haley McNeil - hmcneil@unr.edu

Impact of the Role 

Standardized Patients are integral partners in healthcare education. By creating authentic, human-centered learning experiences, SPs help nursing and healthcare students develop the clinical judgment, communication skills, empathy, and professionalism necessary to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. Through their contributions, SPs support the Orvis School of Nursing's mission to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve the needs of Nevada and beyond.

Exempt

No

Full-Time Equivalent

50.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at jobs@unr.edu.

Attach the following attachment(s) to your application

Resume/CV – (required) List a detailed description of the major duties that you performed as part of each job. You must demonstrate that you qualify for the position and your education and experience must be clearly documented.

Cover Letter – (optional)

Contact Information for Two References – (optional) Please include name, contact information, and relationship.

This posting is open until filled

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.

Posting Close Date

07/27/2026

Note to Applicant

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

  

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment.

  

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

  

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

  

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

    

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). 

About Us

The University of Nevada, Reno is a leading public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s original land-grant university, the University serves more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries.

Classified by the Carnegie® Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 (“Very High Research”) university, it is also recognized in the Carnegie® Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the “Best National Universities” and “Best National Public Universities.” It also ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times’ “Top Colleges for Economic Diversity.”

Since 2009, nearly $1 billion has been has invested in advanced labs, facilities, and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevada’s first medical school – the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe, where education, research, and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada Small Business Development Center, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and Wolf Pack Athletics.

The main campus is in Reno, Nevada, a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe, the beautiful, 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. The University’s physical infrastructure is expanding with ongoing construction of the newly named John Tullock Business Building, set to open in fall 2025. Groundbreaking is also planned for a new State Public Health Laboratory Building on campus, alongside the recent acquisition of 16 parcels near campus, known as “University Village,” to provide affordable housing for graduate students and early career faculty.

Collaborating with world-renowned organizations, the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple, which ensures equitable access to technology for students, providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with an iPad Air and accessories. Google’s TechWise initiate is an 18-month program that fully supports undergraduate students in becoming entry-level software engineers by graduation.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Nevada – led by the University of Nevada, Reno – was named one of the inaugural 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (TechHubs). Nevada was selected from a competitive pool of 489 applicants from across the United States and its territories. Nevada’s Tech Hub will strengthen America’s lithium batteries, critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state.

Through its commitment to high-impact education, world-improving research and creative activity, and outreach that’s transforming Nevada’s communities and businesses, the University continues its 150-year tradition of benefitting our state, nation and world.

The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.

Today, the University delivers on its original land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics, facilities, support, engagement and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students’ cognitive growth and academic achievement – all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.

For more information, please visit the University’s website.

University of Nevada, Reno