Virtual Escape Room for Nursing Students : Supporting a Culture of Safety

Abstract

Supporting a culture of safety for clients as well as nurses (RN and PN) is critical in creating a safe environment that promotes health and decreases errors and complications for those cared for by the nurse. As well, a safe working environment creates a positive, safe and stimulating work atmosphere for future practitioners and can assist with nursing retention. Promoting and being knowledgeable about the concept of safety in nursing practice is therefore foundational in nursing curricula. This virtual simulation experience promotes a culture of safety in the form of an educational game, an Escape Room. This experience focuses on building, sustaining, and supporting a culture of safety through four scenarios representing clients across the lifespan with a variety of health challenges and at different points of access to health care. Professional competencies in and related to nursing have been incorporated in the Escape Room: College of Nurses Entry to Practice Competencies (CNO, 2019), Code of Conduct (CNO, 2019) and Safety Competencies (CPSI, 2020). The game utilizes a clinical judgment framework and focuses on the identification of barriers and facilitators that influence safety and the nurse’s role in contributing to a culture of safety. Learning outcomes and key learnings have been integrated at the beginning and end of each scenario to assist in solidifying learnings.