Dr. Laura Vogelsang
University of Lethbridge
Morgan Magnuson (BN, MPH)
University of Lethbridge
Shannon Vandenberg (BSN, MScN)
University of Lethbridge
Exploring the use of Icebreakers in Nursing Education: Helpful or Harmful?
Icebreakers can come in many forms but often share the common goal of promoting interaction between a group of people. Despite the overwhelming positive regard for using icebreakers in nursing education, they may have unintended consequences. This can include highlighting inequities between students or having a microaggressive undertone. As nurse educators, we have observed icebreakers that have prompted students to disclose socio-economic status, academic performance, religious affiliation, physical disabilities, and mental illness. This research project will explore how undergraduate nursing students experience icebreakers within the classroom setting.