University of Southern Maine

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Maine Med Provides Special Delivery of USM's Newest "Baby"

March 15 , 2006

The University of Southern Maine's College of Nursing and Health Professions is pleased to announce the arrival of SimBaby, the newest life-sized addition to the robotic family in USM's nursing lab.

An advanced training simulator for infant care emergencies, SimBaby's delivery to USM was made possible thanks to the donation of the mannequin by Maine Medical Center (MMC). The value of the gift is estimated at $42,200.

When it comes to training in pediatric care, SimBaby will help both USM nursing students and Maine Medical Center nursing staff get as close as they can to real emergencies by simulating real-life experiences in a controlled environment.

SimBaby is equipped with software that allows USM nursing faculty and lab technicians to program simulated health care situations-sudden cardiac arrest, seizures, choking, vomiting-where a nurse would have to react. Nursing students' responses, such as checking vital signs, starting a real IV-even administering electric shock, determine if SimBaby's condition improves or worsens. The students receive instant feedback from their care-giving decisions by viewing the mannequin's vital statistics on nearby monitors. Together, faculty and students also can review each student's performance thanks to computer and video recording capabilities.

"For USM's nursing students, the interactive experience with SimBaby replicates real-world situations, but in a safe environment," says USM Associate Professor of Nursing Janis Childs, who directs USM's Learning Resources Center. "The robotic capabilities allow students to see, hear and feel SimBaby's responses to their care in real time, which encourages critical thinking, quick decision-making, and ultimately, retention of knowledge."

SimBaby also provides unique opportunities for collaboration with Maine Medical Center, such as nursing orientation and continuing education opportunities for pediatric nurses at The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center, to address the growing national nursing shortage. 

"We are grateful to Maine Medical Center for their support of technologies that are so beneficial to our program," said Jane Kirschling, dean of USM's College of Nursing and Health Professions. "As our program has increased the number of nursing students to help address state and national nursing shortages, specialty clinical placements, such as pediatrics, have been more difficult to arrange. Maine Medical Center's generosity allows USM to better prepare students for careers in pediatric nursing and to collaborate with MMC to better serve the people of Maine and our region."

SimBaby joins SimMan, an adult-sized robotic mannequin, in USM's nursing lab. Purchased in 2003, SimMan been incorporated into USM's courses in introductory nursing, adult health and senior acute care.

USM currently is one of eight universities chosen to participate in a national study, underwritten by the National League for Nursing and the mannequin manufacturer, Laerdal, on the use of simulation in nursing curricula. Early reports from the study are that this type of teaching gets students actively involved and excited about learning, promotes critical thinking skills and helps students gain confidence in their nursing care.

Editor's Note: Members of the media interested in arranging a first-hand demonstration of SimBaby and/or SimMan by USM nursing students and faculty should contact Lynn Novak or Bob Caswell, USM Office of Public Affairs, at 780-4200.

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