Adult Standardized Patient Application
Interested in becoming a Standardized Patient?
We recruit and employ individuals who have the ability to portray patients with many different conditions and emotional states in both inpatient and outpatient simulated settings. Standardized patient events offer students the opportunity to practice communication and physical assessment skills in a safe environment and further their development as emerging health care professionals. Standardized Patients (SPs) are also utilized in the testing and evaluation of students and are coached to be able to effectively provide meaningful feedback to students verbally or through a written feedback tool.
The GVSU Standardized Patient Program currently serves students from many academic programs which include Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, Therapeutic Recreation, Speech and Communication Disorders, Clinical Dietetics and Social Work.
Our Standardized Patient Team is proud of the work we do to enhance our student’s learning opportunities. Our events are held year round during the day, evenings and on Saturdays. Most standardized patients (SPs) work 4-5 times a semester. SPs (adult and children) are hired as temporary employees of the university and paid an hourly wage.
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As an SP, I effort to be a quality and realistic “patient” and take my roles seriously, with the goal of contributing to students’ learning experiences and providing a safe space for students to practice their clinical and interpersonal skills (and make mistakes).
The Standardized Patient Program staff at GVSU are an excellent team and train SPs thoroughly to meet educational objectives. I'm never left with inadequate understanding of case objectives.
Besides specific case portrayal, I feel a large part of our value also lies in the (specific) feedback we provide to them — how it feels to be their “patient.” Some of the most rewarding and exciting things are seeing students mature and progress in their skills and witnessing their “aha” moments.
It’s a privilege to be part of their educational process and rewarding in so many ways to be an SP — and it’s fun!
~ Deb A.
The Simulation Center at GVSU is truly top of the line, and it is such an honor to be able to work as a Standardized Patient there. As an SP, I love that I get to work directly with students on developing skills such as bedside manner, communication, tone of voice, body language, demonstrating compassion, clarifying information in a way that is easy to understand, and assessing for social factors that patients may experience in addition to their presenting problem. Working as a Standardized Patient is rewarding and fun, and it's an opportunity to see the development of students who are the next generation of healthcare professionals (spoiler alert: there are some really great people entering the field!).
Carly V.
As an alumni of GVSU’s Kirkhof School of Nursing and a retired RN, I find it very fulfilling and satisfying to be part of helping the next generation of Nurse’s, PA’s, Nurse Practitioner’s, PT’s, OT’s, and Social Worker’s gain practical experience for their profession.
~ Shirley O., RN, BSN
Faculty who regard SP's as colleagues in the educational process Staff who educate and encourage Camaraderie of the SP Team The thrill of watching students develop from their first tentative SP encounters into confident health professionals This is what has brought joy and deep satisfaction to the 13 years I have been an SP at GVSU.
Sheila K.
When I first began my journey several years ago at GVSU as an SP (standardized patient) I discovered a whole new world and I knew I was in the right place. I am blessed to be working alongside colleagues who are so supportive both on and off the job.
The students at GVSU are a joy to watch as they continue to learn and hone their skills in all areas of medicine. Just to be able to play a small part in their education of working with patients brings me such satisfaction.
As an added bonus, I have had the good fortune to actually see a few of the students in a professional setting as my husband was recently hospitalized for a few days and wouldn’t you know it, a few of the students were assigned to come and check in on him.
Thank you GVSU…a great place to work and learn.
Mara B.
I've been a standardized patient at GVSU for about three and a half years. I like to call it my acting job—but it's so much more than that. While I genuinely enjoy engaging with and learning from the staff and my fellow “patients,” the real reward comes from witnessing students grow into confident, capable medical professionals. There’s nothing quite like the joy of being present when a student experiences that “aha” moment.
~ Linda S.
What is an "SP?" Why/how would you become one?
I'm retired, and I heard about the Standardized Patient program through a friend of mine.
An SP is a person who gets to play a patient for health care students in a GVSU program: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, nursing, physicians assistant. The SP receives a "case" to study about a week before an event for students. One event might be a broken hip, another might be anxiety, another might be a wound that won't heal. Each SP is expected to "play" his or her case according to the notes given so that student A gets the same practice experience that student B gets. (You know, like the standardized tests we all know and love.)
I really love this "gig" for several reasons: you work on an as needed, as available basis; you get to input into the health care system on a tangible level; you get to help wonderful students who truly appreciate you; and the staff of the Simulation Center is top notch!
Anonomous
