St. Francis-Mooresville’s first ‘Noelle’ helps train staff for labor, delivery

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – Make no mistake about it: “Noelle” is no mere dummy when it comes to teaching others.

The computerized mannequin recently joined the staff at St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville and is helping train new nurses and other medical staff for childbirth. The life-sized simulator can be programmed for virtually any scenario or complication that can arise during delivery.

“This is a safe and effective way to teach how to care for patients,” said Kim Waite, R.N., who coordinates the training at Mooresville. “We have used the simulator to train for breech deliveries, postpartum hemorrhage and situations where the baby’s shoulder is blocking the birthing process.”

Noelle was born a few years ago in the laboratories at Florida-based Gaumard Scientific Co., Inc., and may be the only simulator of its kind used for obstetrical training. It simulates breathing and heart rate (mother and fetal), blood flow, urine output and other vitals; and can be fitted for IV and intubated to assist breathing.

The simulator can be programmed for normal vaginal, multiple and C-section deliveries and post-delivery care. It also measures cervical dilation and the extent of an infant’s head descent.

The fruit of Noelle’s labor and delivery is a lifelike newborn mannequin, which helps staff prepare for neonatal emergency situations.

“Initially, labor and delivery educators at our Mooresville and Indianapolis hospitals have become familiar with the simulator and participated in Code Blue [emergency] drills,” said Lori Warner, director of St. Francis Women and Children’s Services. “More obstetric nurses and physicians at both campuses will receive training.”

The patient simulator was made possible, in large part, by a grant from the St. Francis Auxiliary through the St. Francis Healthcare Foundation.