Using Concept Maps In Nursing Education

Concept MapsUsing concept maps in the classroom or clinical setting is a great way to see how the student is making connections.  A concept map show relationships between the major issues in the care of a patient.

As the nurse considers the whole patient, we suggest placing the patient in the center of the concept map.  Using a small scenario gives the student information upon which to expand on topics related to the patient.

How to identify problems by using a nursing process

Using the nursing process is a tool that helps the student include all aspects nurses consider when caring for the patient.  The assessment data can be provided in the scenario or can be discovered and added by the student.  As the data is organized, problems can be identified.

Developing patient outcomes arrive after evaluating the patient information.  Nursing interventions along with rationales for providing the care helps the students identify nursing care is based on evidence-based practice.

The process of evaluation is continual and the concept map can be used to determine if the student is making connections between each part of the nursing process.

Review the concept map with the student during the clinical day allows immediate feedback and provides a window into the thinking of the student.  It’s a great time to correct misconceptions and encourage the student to continue to think about how the elements of patient care are connected.

Medications and laboratory values are added to the nursing process pieces in the concept map and connections are made that are not made on a traditional nursing care plan.