Meet the Manikins : St. David's School of Nursing: Texas State University : Texas State University

The Simulation Labs are home to several different types of manikins and task trainers. These extremely lifelike patient simulators come in various sizes, genders and ethnicities and can be used to perform a wide range of nursing skills ranging from the basics to highly complex procedures.

Most models are able to simulate heart, lung, and bowel sounds and utter basic words and phrases. Some higher fidelity manikins are able to sweat, cry, bleed, convulse, and speak recorded phrases and sounds.

These capabilities are vital in reinforcing student learning via practical application as well as helping to improve the realism of the interactive medical scenarios that our future nurses participate in.

SimMan® 3G

SimMan® 3G is our most highly advanced manikin at the St. David's School of Nursing. He is completely wireless and includes his own internal battery and air compressor. This combination allows the faculty to include him in scenarios at any location (indoors or out) without the need for external power or accessories.

These capabilities afford the staff a tremendous amount of freedom in terms of both programming and usage.

Key Highlights:

Auto Drug and Event Recognition
CPR Feedback regarding Rate, Pressure, and Cycle Timing
Secretions (Tears, Sweat, and Frothing)
Convulsions
Programmable Pupilary Responses
Bleeding Wounds
Custom Sound and Vocal Responses

SimMan®

SimMan® is one of our favorites here at the St. David's School of Nursing. He possesses many of the same functional capabilities as his big brother (SimMan® 3G), but he is a bit more limited in terms of mobility. SimMan® must have compressed air supplied via external means in order to activate his breathing components. Also, his connections to the ancillary equipment required to run him are hardwired.

You'll find at least one SimMan® in all of the learning labs on the south side of the building. This ensures that each group of students is able to have the same high fidelity simulation experience no matter what learning space they are assigned to.

Key Highlights:

Full Scale Patient Simulator with Realistic Anatomy
Mechanical Breathing Action
Multiple Pulse Points
Simulated Patient Monitor with Touch Screen Functionality
Programmable Scenarios with can include X-Rays, Media, and Lab Results
Multiple Accessories to Simulate Wounds, Burns, and Traumatic Injuries

Nursing Anne™, Kelly, and Kid

Nursing Anne™, Kelly and Kid are the workhorses of the St. David's School of Nursing. These manikins are very rugged and durable and are designed to withstand years of continuous use. They are specifically designed to assist students in learning how to properly care for a wide range of common in-hospital conditions.

Although highly-useful by themselves, we have coupled these trainers with their optional electronic controller units (SimPad®) to increase their fidelity.

Key Features:

Multiple Accessory Modules (Trauma, Bleeding, NBC)
Anatomically Correct Torso allows for NG, OG, Tracheal Care and Suction Procedures
Heart, Breath, and Bowel Sounds
Blood Pressure Arm with Variable Settings
IV Arm
Catheterization and Enema Procedure Capable
Software for Scenario Creation and Editing

SimBaby™ and SimNewB®

SimBaby™ is an advanced infant patient simulator that calls our Maternal/Child training room home. He allows our students the opportunity to practice their pediatric care skills in a safe, controlled environment.

Key Features:

Advanced Anatomical and Clinical Functionality
Adjustable Breathing Patterns
Airway Management Training Capable
Adjustable Fontanel to Present Abnormal Conditions
Cyanosis Functionality
Live Defibrillation Capable

SimNewB® is a highly-realistic neonate patient simulator. She was designed with the help of the American Academy of Pediatrics to accurately represent a full-term 7-pound newborn female. SimNewB® resides with her sibling SimBaby™ in our Maternal/Child training lab.

Key Features:

Muscle Tone and Cyanosis Control
Umbilicus which supports Cutting and Catherization
I/O Access in Both Legs
Realistic Movement and Sounds

Some images and information provided courtesy of Laerdal Medical Incorporated