Madison medical professionals use virtual reality and simulation to practice life-saving skills for newborns

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) -UW Health and UnityPoint Health-Meriter have opened a new training facility designed to help medical staff prepare for critical situations involving newborn babies.

The NEST, or Neonatal Education Simulation and Training Center, opened last month as a permanent space where medical professionals can practice life-saving skills using advanced technology and realistic scenarios.

Hailey Madson, a NICU nurse with UW Health Kids, said having a designated practice space provides valuable and engaging training opportunities.

“Having a designated place where I get to practice it in a safe space that isn’t on a patient that I’m actively trying to care for is really nice,” Madson said.

Madson noted that some skills taught at the center are skills she’s learned through training and working on the job, not in nursing school. They are often skills that are not used every day, but only in emergencies.

“It makes me feel a lot more confident when I do take care of the babies,” explained Madson.

The center represents an upgrade from previous training arrangements. While UnityPoint and UW Health have offered classes in the past, the new permanent space makes it easier and more organized to use advanced equipment.

The facility allows medical professionals to maintain and improve their skills in a structured environment designed specifically for neonatal care training. Medical staff are able to practice essential skills in a controlled and safe environment in the NEST.

The center uses realistic mannequins and virtual reality technology to create realistic training environments for medical professionals.

Dr. Ryan McAdams, a neonatologist with UW Health Kids, said the VR technology looks very realistic and allows him to practice real situations.

“The purpose is to be able to practice individually or as teams and go through the steps to resuscitate a baby so that when we do it in real life, we’re better at it,” explained Dr. McAdams.

He emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for emergencies involving newborns.

“I think this is an important skill to always be your best at because so much is on the line,” said Dr. McAdams. “Like if I resuscitate the baby properly, then I’m giving them the best chance for the best outcome.”

The training follows the principle that practice makes perfect, particularly when lives are at stake during deliveries.

Classes and walkthroughs using mannequins also allow students to refresh critical skills.

“By going through all the skills and the scenarios that we might run into in real life, we’re just more prepared for when they do come up in real life,” said nurse and neonatal outreach educator at Meriter, Kate Kroes.

Kroes says they have been waiting for a space like the NEST to come together for several years.

She says behind-the-scenes work and simulations help make sure their nurses and doctors provide the best care to families.

“We do practice all of those things, those things that probably feel really scary when you’re a parent and your baby is so tiny, but we work really hard to make sure that we’re providing excellent care,” explained Kroes.

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