Pictured left to right: Mary Beth Russell, Senior Vice President, Center for Professional Development and Research (CPDIR) and The Institute for Nursing Excellence; Michelle Eaton, Coordinator, Regional Orientation, CPDIR; Evan Holtz, Program Manager, CPDIR; Suzanne Spernal, Senior Vice President, Women’s Health; Nancy Holecek, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer; Kevin Kurzweil, Director of Simulation, CPDIR; Sheila Collier, Project Manager, Women’s Services, ; and at the bedside, Michelle Dickerson, Clinical Educator, Perinatal, CPDIR.
West Orange, NJ – January 29, 2025- RWJBarnabas Health - The Institute for Nursing Excellence, a leader in advancing nursing education and clinical practice, is proud to announce the acquisition of the newest and latest cutting-edge simulation training tool, MamaAnne™, a full birthing simulation manikin with the latest, most-advanced, real-life capabilities. RWJBarnabas Health is the first health system in New Jersey and only the 6th in the nation to have the MamaAnne manikin.
This simulation technology provides nurses, physicians and labor and delivery clinical care teams with an unparalleled hands-on learning opportunity, enhancing their ability to deliver safe, high-quality care to all mothers and newborns at RWJBarnabas Health birthing hospitals.
MamaAnne, equipped with the latest advancements in medical technology, enables nurses to experience realistic labor and delivery scenarios, including postpartum complications, and newborn care. With lifelike anatomy, functionality, and advanced programming, the manikin can replicate a range of simulations, from routine deliveries to complex emergencies, such as breech births, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal resuscitation.
“This is a one-of-a-kind addition for The Institute, and to acquire this state-of-the-art technology represents a significant milestone in our commitment to nursing excellence,” said Nancy Holecek, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, at RWJBarnabas Health. “By providing our nurses with realistic, hands-on experiences in a controlled and supportive environment, we are preparing our nurses to respond confidently and competently to possible real-live clinical challenges during labor and delivery. I am extremely proud of our team and their dedication and commitment.”
The birth simulation manikin is meant to also support interprofessional collaboration, allowing nurses to work alongside medical professionals and educators in simulated scenarios. This team-based approach fosters critical communication and decision-making skills that are essential for ensuring positive outcomes in high-stakes situations.
“The addition of this advanced technology aligns with The Institute’s purpose to lead innovation in nursing education across the system by integrating simulation-based learning into its curriculum, The Institute is equipping its nurses with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to excel in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape,” adds Dr. Mary Beth Russell, Senior Vice President, Center for Professional Development, Innovation and Research and The Institute for Nursing Excellence at RWJBarnabas Health.
The use of simulation has been supported by regulatory agencies, accrediting bodies and professional organizations as an ideal method of hands-on education. MamaAnne’s design provides high-fidelity training for critical obstetric emergencies and is equipped with several unique features that distinguish it from other birthing simulators including:
- Rapid Setup: MamaAnne’s design includes a belly-latch system, accessible fluid reservoirs, and limb connectors, allowing for quick preparation and seamless transitions between training sessions. This efficiency reduces downtime during simulations.
- Automatic Delivery System (ADS): The next-generation ADS facilitates precise and realistic birth movements through the birth canal, enhancing the authenticity of labor and delivery simulations.
- Modular Components: MamaAnne’s modular design enables flexible training scenarios, including the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). It offers internal bleeding options for high-fidelity scenarios and clean bleed mats for efficient transitions and cleanup.
- Realistic Anatomy and Articulation: With realistic silicone skin and articulating joints, MamaAnne can assume various birthing positions such as supine, semi-recumbent, left lateral, lithotomy, and sitting, providing a comprehensive training experience.
- Inclusivity and Social Impact: Through the “Buy One, Gift One” program, purchasing a MamaAnne includes a MamaBirthie simulator for the buyer’s program, and an additional MamaBirthie is donated to a community in need, promoting global maternal health education.
“RWJBarnabas Health is dedicated to making investments to enhance our nurses’ skill, competency and professional growth and we are proud of the diligent efforts from Nancy Holecek, Dr. Russell and the entire team at The Institute for Nursing Excellence to incorporate technology, to create a realistic and effective training environment. The addition of this simulation technology is one of the many ways we accomplish this and by creating curriculum where inter-professional health care teams can think critically and hone their skills in a non-judgmental environment with no risk to patient safety,” adds John Doll, Chief Operating Officer at RWJBarnabas Health.
Learn more about The Institute online at www.rwjbh.org/thenursinginstitute or email TheNursingInstitute@rwjbh.org.
Media Contact:
Sherry Smith
(609)-584-6583
sherry.smith2@rwjbh.org