Authors

  1. Bouska, Laura M. DNP, RN

Article Content

An active learning game for nursing students is a spin on the childhood game Hot Potato called Hot Potato Nursing Style. This game can be used across courses in a curriculum and implemented after a topic is introduced or as a study tool before an examination. For this game, students use an item that can easily be passed around in a circle such as a ball. The game can be played in small or large groups depending on the student and/or instructor preference. Topics selected for the game may include nursing concepts (oxygenation), exemplars (asthma), medications (albuterol), or skills (nebulizer). One topic is called out, and a timer is set for 1 minute or another designated time. Once the timer starts, the game begins, and the first student with the ball states a fact about the topic. Once verbalized, the student tosses the ball to the student to the right who adds a piece of information about the same topic. Again, the ball is tossed to the student to the right who thinks of something new to share that has not yet been said. The game continues, and the ball is passed around until time is up. The student with the ball at the buzzer is eliminated. The game restarts with another topic and so on until 1 student remains who is declared the Hot Potato Nursing Style champion. This is a fun and engaging activity while achieving the learning outcomes and retention of nursing knowledge.