CSUF Nursing program unveils high-tech training mannequins

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Soothing this swaddled baby is no easy task for nursing students. But this baby isn't actually the real thing, it's a mannequin, and it's part of the learning environment at Fresno State's brand new, Knorr Simulated Nursing Lab.

The lab was funded by an endowment from Alpheda Knorr, a Valley nurse who left her $250 thousand estate to the university. Nursing students say new technology is allowing them to sharpen critical thinking and judgment skills.

Everything from the mannequin's voice, to shivering arms and bodily functions are controlled in a separate room by educators.

Multiple cameras display and record the work students perform on their patients. Then they all sit down and talk about what was done right or wrong.

While there is no substitute for real patients, students say this lab is preparing them and helping them build confidence when they are called on to save a life.