Walsh University’s Byers School of Nursing is delighted to announce the addition of two high-fidelity simulators, Margo and Francis, which will transform how nursing students prepare for real-world clinical scenarios.
Margo, an infant simulator, and Francis, a pediatric simulator, replicate the complexities of neonatal and pediatric care, offering hands-on experiences that prepare students for the challenges of modern healthcare. These state-of-the-art simulators are designed to mimic a wide range of physiological responses such as heart sounds, lung sounds, chest rise and fall, and even emotional cues like crying or cooing.
“In the past, we relied on low-fidelity dolls or task trainers,” said Professor Jessica Seich, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing and Coordinator of Clinical and Laboratory Experiences. “But with Margo and Francis, students now interact with simulators that move and respond like real human patients. This provides a much more realistic, immersive learning experience.”
Margo, the infant simulator, is portable and wireless, making it easy to bring into different classrooms and simulate various conditions, such as respiratory distress or cardiac arrest. “We can practice essential resuscitation techniques with Margo, such as using an Ambu bag and suctioning a newborn’s mouth and nose—skills that our students may not always get to perform in clinical settings,” said Professor Stephanie Fox, Clinical Assistant Professor of Maternal Child Nursing.
The addition of these simulators allows every student to have the same hands-on practice in a safe and controlled environment. “Simulation is crucial for helping students gain confidence before entering clinical rotations,” said Fox. “Students often come into simulation nervous and unsure, but by the end of the experience, they feel much more confident because the scenarios build on what they already know.”
The simulators were named with input from faculty and students: Margo represents Walsh University’s maroon-and-gold school colors, while Francis honors St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment, reflecting the Catholic values of the university.
The acquisition of Margo and Francis was made possible, in part, through generous donor support and underscores Walsh University’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology for nursing education. “Our goal is to integrate high-fidelity simulation into every course throughout the curriculum,” said Seich. “We want our students to graduate with the skills and confidence needed to excel in hospital settings.”
