Alliance for Workforce Identification in Simulation in Healthcare (AWISH): Defining simulation professional identities – Advocacy efforts by INACSL, SimGHOSTS, ASPE, and SSH

Abstract : This multi-organizational initiative, the Alliance for Workforce Identification in Simulation in Healthcare (AWISH), established to advocate for the addition of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code(s) for 3 healthcare simulation professionals. Specifically, we seek to define Simulated Participant/Patient Educator, SP, and Simulation Technology/Operations Specialist. Although individual HR departments are beginning to recognize the unique roles of healthcare simulation workers, these professional identities are not officially recognized in current labor categories. There is often little consensus or conformity among roles between regions, organizations, and countries. As our global healthcare profession has evolved, we have seen an increased frequency of in-person and online dialogue about achieving professional identity.
To address this need for the simulation community, the AWISH workgroup convened in January 2024 with representation from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, The Association of SP Educators, The Gathering of Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialists, and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare to create submissions for the U.S. Department of Labor - Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. Specifically, we seek to define Simulation Technology/Operations Specialist, Simulated Participant/Patient Educator, and SP. AWISH members will present a progress report to attendees and invite feedback on the approach and planned output. This workshop is designed for Simulationists to better understand the significance of professional identification within the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - SOC, contribute to the advocacy work related to this project, and improve the breadth of knowledge for at least one of the Standard Occupation Classifications.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: The Alliance for Workforce Identification in Simulation in Healthcare (AWISH) seeks your insights and feedback on developing these simulation-specific job classification codes in the United States for Simulated/Standardized Patient (SP) Educator, SP, and Simulation Technology/Operations Specialist.