Strengthening Critical Thinking Skills in Associate Degree Nursing Students Through Combined Pedagogies of Concept Mapping Using the Nursing Process and Simulation

Combining the utility of concept maps using the nursing process with simulation in associate degree nursing programs may help develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills of novice learners. This qualitative case study explored the learning experiences of students enrolled in the first nursing course. Although results showed initial feelings of uncertainty, confusion, and an overwhelming experience, students found the combined pedagogies beneficial in developing essential competencies of critical thinking when utilized consistently across the program. Integrating concept maps into the simulation design as a framework for immersive learning presented both challenges and opportunities.