Skills Lab Specialist (21123)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Skills Lab Specialist (21123) Classification Learning Lab Supervisor Position Number 00021123 Open Date 06/05/2026 Close Date Priority Review Date 06/26/2026 Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job code 1500 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Nursing College/Unit College-Hlth & Human Sci Dean Division Academic Division Location NS 190 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.chhs.niu.edu/nursing/index.shtml

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The skills laboratory (1843.34 sq. ft.) contains nine hospital beds and two examination tables. The lab utilizes eight low-fidelity mannequins, six of which are Lifecast mannequins. These mannequins are cast from real humans and provide a high level of realism, allowing students to practice a wide range of psychomotor and clinical skills, including nasogastric tube insertion, urinary catheterization, intravenous insertion, dressing changes, and other foundational nursing procedures.

Additional equipment in the skills laboratory includes four IV arms, three IV pumps, a medication dispensing machine, two central line task trainers, and three computers on wheels. A recent addition to the lab is a portable headwall unit capable of simulating oxygen administration and suction, which is used to support skills-based coursework. The lab also houses the Simbionix pelvic simulator, which is utilized in the graduate program's health assessment course.

The simulation laboratory (1533.67 sq. ft.) contains four hospital beds and one infant warmer. This space utilizes high-fidelity mannequins, including two adult male Apollo mannequins from Elevate Health (formerly CAE), one pediatric HAL mannequin, one Super Tory infant mannequin, and one Victoria birthing mannequin from Gaumard. The simulation lab is further equipped with a Pyxis medication dispensing system, a computer on wheels, an IV pump, and the capacity to simulate oxygen administration. To enhance realism and variability in patient presentation, the lab also utilizes three Echo Masks that can be placed on mannequins during simulation scenarios.

Adjacent to the simulation laboratory are two conference rooms that support simulation-based education. One conference room is used for live observation of simulation scenarios and structured post-simulation debriefing. The second conference room contains a stretcher and a low-fidelity mannequin, providing additional space for students to practice skills and complete competency checkoffs.

The health assessment laboratory (1633.82 sq. ft.) is located on the main campus in the Health Services Building. This relocation occurred in response to the need to expand the skills laboratory space. In December 2024, the health assessment laboratory was moved onto campus, and a connecting door was installed between the health assessment lab and the skills lab to create a larger, more functional skills learning environment. The current health assessment lab contains seven examination tables, one wall-mounted television, one mobile television on a cart, and additional tables and chairs to support instructional activities.

Position Summary

The Skills Lab Specialist supports the daily operations of the Nursing Skills Laboratory by providing coordination, instructional support, and operational oversight of skills-based learning activities. This role focuses on the preparation, facilitation, and evaluation support of student skills practice and testing, ensuring a consistent, organized, and high-quality learning environment. The Skills Lab Specialist collaborates closely with faculty and simulation leadership while maintaining primary responsibility for skills lab readiness, student support, and coordination of skills-related activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Skills Lab Operations & Instructional Support

• Prepare, organize, and maintain skills lab spaces for student practice, instruction, and testing
• Assist faculty in the delivery of skills-based learning activities, ensuring all materials and equipment are available and functional
• Support the flow of lab sessions, including setup, transitions, and reset between student groups
• Communicate with faculty and simulation personnel to ensure alignment of lab activities and readiness
• Ensure a safe, organized, and effective learning environment that promotes skill acquisition and confidence

Student Support & Remediation

• Serve as a resource for students seeking to practice and refine clinical skills
• Provide guided support during open lab and structured practice sessions
• Conduct remediation sessions based on faculty direction to support student skill development
• Reinforce proper techniques and adherence to clinical standards
• Serve as a liaison between students and faculty for skills lab-related needs

Inventory, Equipment, and Resource Management

• Manage skills lab inventory, including supplies, equipment, and educational resources
• Monitor stock levels and coordinate ordering to maintain uninterrupted operations
• Oversee organization and accessibility of lab materials for student and faculty use
• Facilitate equipment and resource check-out processes
• Coordinate with faculty and staff to anticipate resource needs for upcoming activities

Skills Testing & Evaluation Coordination

• Coordinate and facilitate student skills and health assessment testing in collaboration with faculty
• Ensure all testing materials, equipment, and documentation are prepared and standardized
• Support faculty during evaluation processes to ensure consistency and efficiency
• Coordinate testing schedules and logistics with faculty and program leadership
• Maintain organization and integrity of testing processes and materials

Checklist & Curriculum Support

• Maintain, update, and organize skills checklists in collaboration with program leadership
• Ensure alignment of checklists with current standards, course objectives, and best practices
• Assist in maintaining consistency of skills expectations across courses and instructors
• Communicate updates and changes in skills requirements to relevant stakeholders

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

n/a

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

n/a

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

n/a

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

n/a

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Active Illinois RN license
• Experience in clinical nursing practice
• Experience in teaching, precepting, or supporting nursing students or clinical staff

Additional Requirements (SPS)

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic educational environment

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Experience in nursing education, skills instruction, or laboratory coordination
• Familiarity with competency-based education and skills evaluation methods
• Experience supporting student remediation and clinical skill development
• Experience working in simulation or skills lab environments

Physical demands/requirements

• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand and move throughout lab spaces for extended periods
• Manual dexterity to demonstrate and assist with clinical skills and equipment use

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 08/16/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 0.75 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours 8:00AM-4:30PM, one-hour lunch Salary $47,250.00/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,625.00/Semi-monthly Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, prospective applicants should visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/92876 to apply and upload the following materials by June 26, 2026:

• Resume/CV Cover letter
• List of three professional references
• Unofficial transcripts (Official required upon hire)

Applications received after June 26, 2026 are welcomed, but will be considered as needed.

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/92876 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).