Tiny Patients, Big Escape: An Innovative Pedagogical Approach to Educate Undergraduate Nursing Students on Pediatric Care

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Keywords

fsc2026

Abstract

Background This tabletop escape room will showcase an innovative approach to teaching the care of children to nursing students in a pediatric course. This scenario was previously executed after lectures on pediatric respiratory illnesses, where students then applied new knowledge in the escape room. Use of gamification, like escape rooms, has boosted engagement, satisfaction, and confidence in undergraduate nursing students (Sánchez-Valdeón et al., 2024), while also enhancing teamwork and interprofessional communication (Seymour et al., 2024).

Purpose For this tabletop escape room, participants will appraise the pedagogical impact of gamification, in the form of an escape room, on student learning in an undergraduate nursing course.

Learning objectives identified for the original escape room scenario included:

1. Accurately demonstrate the essential components of pediatric respiratory assessment including respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, work of breathing, and level of distress.

2. Select priority interventions for the pediatric patient based on the severity of illness including positioning, oxygen administration, suctioning, medications, and fluids.

3. Demonstrate effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration with team members and peers.

Methods The original scenario methods and results can be displayed and discussed during a tabletop variation of the case. A tabletop version of the original scenario will be carried out in less than thirty minutes with 2-4 participants. A low-fidelity baby doll with labels will be the patient. Additional clues/props include jigsaw puzzles, combination locked bags, password-protected document on a laptop, UV flashlight, notecards with invisible ink, oxygen mask, oxygen and medical air flowmeters, bulb suction, nebulizer kit, medication pump, IV fluids, tubing, demo-dose medications, contact and droplet signage, PPE, baby props (bottle, blanket, etc.) and laminated information cards as applicable. The escape room can be carried out in a compact space with enough room for two separate tables to distinguish between the patient room and shared space/nurse’s station.

Comments

Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.

Also presented at the ANA-NY Conference in October 2025.

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