Taneesa Williamson An immersive, gamified learning experience that puts nurses’ critical thinking and collaboration skills to the ultimate test.
What do surgical lights, a patient on the table, and a race against the clock have in common? They’re all part of a high-stakes simulation (minus the risk) designed to train and empower the next generation of peri-operative nurses.
In a bold move to modernise clinical education, the University of South Australia (UniSA) has partnered with Calvary Adelaide Hospital to create a peri-operative nursing escape room.
Why an escape room?
While the patient simulation might be fictional, the clinical scenarios are anything but. Set in a hyper-realistic surgical suite, nurses are challenged to manage sudden complications, navigate perioperative emergencies, and work fluidly with surgical teams. The goal? Deliver excellent patient outcomes and unlock the door to escape.
Behind this innovative initiative is UniSA lecturer and escape room creator Dr Michelle Freeling, who says the interactive format is redefining how perioperative nurses are educated.
“Perioperative nursing is a specialty that requires split-second decisions and seamless teamwork,” says Dr Freeling. “With the field evolving rapidly due to technological and procedural advances, we needed a training format that was just as dynamic. The escape room allows nurses to apply and sharpen their skills in a realistic environment, without any clinical risk.”
The simulation isn’t just a clever teaching tool – it’s also part of a broader commitment to up-skilling peri-operative nurses through Calvary’s new scholarship program. Twelve scholarships have been awarded to support nurses completing UniSA’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Perioperative Nursing), with plans to expand the initiative in future cohorts.
Calvary Adelaide Hospital General Manager Tanya Brooks says the program reflects a clear focus on both education and excellence.
“High-quality, safe healthcare begins with a well-supported team,” says Tanya. “This unique collaboration with UniSA doesn’t just improve technical skills, it nurtures leadership, boosts confidence, and enhances person-centred care.”
At a time when healthcare professionals are being asked to adapt more than ever, education models like this one offer more than clinical knowledge. They build resilience, foster teamwork, and make learning engaging. For nurses navigating the intensity of the surgical environment, this kind of hands-on training is not only beneficial; it’s essential.
As the inaugural scholarship recipients begin their studies, their journey marks more than just personal development; it represents a shift in how perioperative nursing is taught, supported, and celebrated.
With Calvary and UniSA continuing to invest in modern education models. With the upcoming launch of Adelaide University in 2026, uniting the University of South Australia and University of Adelaide, the future of nursing education is not only bright, but brilliantly interactive.
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