Escape to Learn! An Innovative Approach to Engage Students in Learning

Background: Research has demonstrated that the use of games such as escape rooms can promote engagement in student learning. Escape rooms also promote teamwork, encourage analytical thinking, and improve problem solving, all of which are vital skills for nursing students. Escape rooms have become a global phenomenon since being introduced in Japan in 2007. Method: This escape room was created as part of a learning activity in a mental health course. Puzzles were based on the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are required by nurses. Results: All of the students highly agreed (100%, N = 22) that the puzzles required teamwork, cooperation, critical thinking, and concentration. Conclusion: Escape rooms can reinforce essential learner competencies and serve as an effective method to engage students in active learning. J Nurs Educ . 2020;59(5):278–282.