Nursing Student Teaching Assistant (WS-ST2)

Location: Northfield, MN, United States Department: Student Work

Job Title: Nursing Student Teaching Assistant (WS-ST2)

Classification: Student Employee (non-exempt)

Name and Address of Employer: St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057

If the position requires the student to work off campus, provide the name and address here:

Department Name: Nursing

Unit Number (5 digits): 11250

Length of Position: Academic Year

Contact Person/Supervisor: Associate Professor of Nursing

Wage Range: $12.00-13.00/hour

Description of the Position: (Purpose of the Position):

The Nursing Student Teaching Assistant (TA) supports faculty and peer students in achieving educational and clinical skill learning objectives. Working under the direct supervision of nursing faculty or lab staff, the TA assists with skills lab preparation, peer tutoring, practicing clinical procedures, simulation facilitation, and administrative tasks. This role provides an opportunity to reinforce clinical knowledge, develop leadership and teaching skills, and mentor underclassmen.

Transferable Skills:

Balancing TA shifts and lab setup with personal clinical rotations, exam schedules, and coursework.

Managing inventory, operating high-fidelity simulation technology, keeping track of equipment maintenance, and assisting with administrative workflow.

De-escalating anxiety during exam preparation, displaying empathy toward overwhelmed peers, and navigating feedback professionally.

Coaching peers through high-stress skill check-offs, offering constructive feedback, encouraging struggling students, and serving as a professional role model.

Explaining complex pathophysiology or procedural steps in plain language, adapting teaching methods to different learning styles, and enforcing evidence-based practice.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical Skills & Simulation Lab Support

Prepare lab equipment, supplies, task trainers, and high-fidelity mannequins for scheduled lab sessions and simulation scenarios; clean and restock stations afterward.

Assist students with practicing fundamental nursing skills (e.g., vital signs, sterile technique, IV insertion, medication administration, urinary catheterization) during open lab hours or scheduled skill sessions.

Provide constructive, real-time feedback to peer students practicing for skill check-offs, reinforcing safe practice and institutional policy.

Academic Support & Mentorship

Hold designated office or open lab hours to assist students with course concepts, medical-surgical principles, dosage calculations, and study strategies.

Serve as a positive role model, offering guidance on time management, balancing clinical rotations, and navigating nursing school challenges.

Administrative & Faculty Assistance

Maintain lab cleanliness and inventory

Assist faculty with non-evaluative duties

Qualifications: (Education/Experience/Skills)

Completed Nursing 211 and Nursing 212

Physical and Environmental Factors:

This position requires crouching, stooping, reaching overhead, and lifting objects up to 20 lbs. to perform the essential functions. It also requires exposure to loud noise to perform the essential functions. Protective equipment is required to perform some essential functions. Candidates must possess the ability to safely perform the physical work required of all duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

This job description is for general information purposes.  It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position.  This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.