What is a simulated patient?
A simulated patient is a person trained to mimic a patient with a specific health condition in order to support the learning of nursing students or qualified professionals undergoing training during a clinical placement.
To this end, based on a scenario, the person learns to:
Re-enact the symptoms of a condition
Tell a health-related story
Describe the manifestations and consequences of an illness
Express emotions and motivations: the aim being to create the illusion of reality
The inclusion of simulated patients adds a strong human dimension, enabling in-depth work on the care relationship, active listening and empathy.
- Raphaël Rich
What role do they play in nursing education?
Simulated patients help to create structured learning situations that enable students to practise without harming the physical or mental health of a real patient.
They enable nursing students to practise:
Collecting and analysing data to identify the patient’s problems and resources
Communicating information
Support patients during difficult times
Discuss a care plan
Monitor the progress of a treatment
Carry out a systematic physical examination, etc.
As part of the physical examination, students may be required to auscultate, palpate or percuss certain areas of the body; this physical examination is carried out whilst the patient is in their underwear. No invasive procedures are ever performed.
Entry requirements
No specific training is required; drama classes are not essential
There are no medical requirements; we will teach you how to simulate
A flair for expression is welcome
You must not have another full-time job, as classes take place during the day
Remuneration
This is a paid role. The role is on an ad hoc basis and involves teaching a single class, depending on our needs and your availability.
Contact person
Head of the simulated patient pool:
Raphaël Rich
Email: patients.simules@ecolelasource.ch
Tel. +41 21 556 40 49
Would you like to take part?
After reading the specifications for simulated patients and if you’d like to register, with no obligation, please complete the form below.