Nebraska hospital uses robots to train nurses

A hospital in eastern Nebraska is training its staff with the assistance of subjects that don't exactly feel the pain, according to the Columbus Telegram.

That pain would be inflicted by ailments and symptoms and though the patients breathe, roll their eyes and react to medicine dosages, injections and intravenous therapy, they actually are life-sized robots.

"The present health care environment presents a challenge for nurse educators and managers to ensure initial and continuing competence of staff nurses," nursing vice president Linda Walline with Columbus Community Hospital told the publication. "The new CCH Simulation Lab will use innovative technology to provide nurses and student nurses with critical thinking skills necessary in today's changing health arena."

The effort is geared toward people seeking nursing jobs, such as collegiate nursing students, Walline told the publication. The hospital's nurse educator said the robots can spill blood, regurgitate and shed tears.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses are the biggest occupation in healthcare with an estimated 2.6 million jobs. Six of 10 nurses find employment at hospitals.