Our Simulated Participants work with a wide range of our schools throughout the university. They help students' to develop communication and diagnostic skills in a safe environment to prepare them for real-life scenarios in their chosen profession. Working with volunteers helps students to gain confidence and competence not only in their interview and communication skills, but also in practical, non-invasive procedures such as the taking of blood pressure and temperature.
By volunteering to be a Simulated Participant you will provide a standardised, consistent, and more realistic learning experience for future healthcare professionals and will play a key role in improving their confidence and competence. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals of all ages, genders and cultural backgrounds to get involved.
What does being a Simulated Participant involve?
As a volunteer, you would be:
- Helping with communication and interview skills
- Helping with non-invasive clinical procedures such as the taking of blood pressure and temperature
- Playing the role of a service user or family member.
As a volunteer, you would be helping to educate undergraduate (bachelor's) and postgraduate (master's):
- Nursing and Midwifery students
- Paramedic Practice students
- Physiotherapy students
- Occupational Therapy students
- Radiography students
- Dietetic students
- Pharmacy students
- Social Work students
- Postgraduate students
What are the benefits for volunteers?
As a volunteer:
- You will have the opportunity to be part of the education of the next generation of healthcare professionals
- You will be provided with training sessions
- You will have the opportunity to meet other volunteers and develop new friendships
- Your travel expenses will be reimbursed (to a maximum of £15)
- You will be given a free pass, for every time you attend, to use the swimming pool or attend an aqua aerobics, yoga or tai chi class at RGU's Sports Centre
What is expected from a Simulated Participant?
Volunteers will be expected to:
- Be an effective communicator
- Be flexible
- Be a team player
- Demonstrate professionalism and maintain confidentiality
- Be punctual
- Learn your role and consistently portray it as dictated by the scenario
- Seek clarification if unsure over any component of your role
- Set an example and avoid using language displaying behaviour that may be offensive to others
- Attend future training sessions as required by the role
- Complete relevant RGU training as required