Game based learning in the form of an escape room has been associated with positive learning outcomes and assisted nursing students in decision making critical thinking and clinical judgment skills.

Step-by-step instructions for designing an undergraduate nursing educational escape room with clues in a linear manner based on an evolving complex clinical case are provided. The activity requires students to demonstrate application of the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model and encourages interprofessional practice.

Students reported the escape room was highly beneficial. Specific comments indicated the escape room required critical thinking/clinical judgment, collaboration/teamwork, prioritization, communication/SBAR, assessment skills, evaluation of nutritional needs, pathophysiology knowledge, pharmacology knowledge, and laboratory analysis.

Nurse educators can utilize the steps provided to create their own complex escape room incorporating the clinical judgment model.

Escape rooms can be a fun and challenging way to encourage nursing students’ clinical judgment skills in a complex nursing scenario.