Escape the Generational Gap: A Cardiovascular Escape Room for Nursing Education

Background: Generation Z college students often prefer individualized, immersive learning experiences. Faculty designed an educational escape room to engage nursing students and improve knowledge in cardiovascular critical care. Method: This study evaluated the educational innovation's impact on changes in knowledge and perceptions of the educational innovation with a pre- and postknowledge assessment and a validated perception survey. Students discussed their experiences and reflections in a focus group. Results: Pre- and postknowledge assessment scores showed statistically significant improvements in knowledge (p < .05). Student perceptions were statistically significantly higher than the mean value for the evaluation scale (p < .001). Analysis of focus group transcriptions revealed four themes: Logistics of the Learning Activity, Cognitive Learning, Team Learning, and Professional Practice Skills. Conclusion: The cardiovascular escape room increased student knowledge and was positively received by students. The educational innovation encouraged student engagement in learning, content application, peer communication, and nursing practice skills.