Alfred State College Professor Nursing Tara Histed, far left joins nursing students Avery Grusendor of Belmont; Nikki Sauerbier of Hornell, and Mariam Tahira of Dansville in the obstetrical unit of ASC's Nursing School. The group stands over "Bailey Miller," an obstetrical robot acquired by ASC with support from the Bethesda Foundation.
Alfred State College nursing students welcome "Bailey Miller" into obstetric unit
In 2023, the Bethesda Foundation awarded $40,000 to Alfred State College for the purchase of an obstetric robot, which ASC subsequently nicknamed "Bailey Miller." Bailey is operated through a sophisticated computer program that simulates virtually every possible physical condition accompanying delivery, including the fetal heartbeat and blood pressure, plus vital signs of the mother.
While nursing students attend to Bailey's birth contractions, an ASC Nursing Program technician operates the robot from an adjacent room that looks into the delivery room via a one-way mirrored window. A fetal doll can be placed in Bailey's interior (which can be unsnapped), and delivered manually. The doll may be placed in Bailey to simulate a standard "face-down" birthing position, or varying positions that present complications in the birth process.
In addition to using Bailey as a teaching tool for nursing students, Alfred State College plans to introduce the robot to regional ambulance companies in a community outreach effort.
The Bethesda Foundation welcomed the opportunity to support Alfred State College's efforts in the area of OB nursing. The Foundation also awards $15,000 annually in scholarships aid for student nurses at the College.