🎙️ The Game of Loss: A Gentle Way to Teach Empathy in NursingIn this episode of Learning Lab RN, I talk with Julie Robertson, an OB instructor and bereavement counselor, who shares how she teaches empathy through an activity called The Game of Loss. This 45-minute interactive experience is designed to help nursing students practice perspective-taking by imagining life with a chronic illness, not through statistics or lecture slides, but through the small, personal losses that patients experience every day. Built from her experience in perinatal bereavement, Julie's activity is thoughtful, protective, and deeply impactful, without being overwhelming. If you're looking for a practical and compassionate way to bring empathy to the surface in your classroom, this episode is a must-listen.🔑 Key TakeawaysEmpathy Can Be Modeled and TaughtJulie shares how her role as a bereavement nurse helps her model empathy for students. Her activity uses perspective-taking and personal reflection, showing that empathy isn’t just intuitive, it’s a skill that can be practiced and strengthened.The Game of Loss Centers on Small, Relatable SacrificesStudents start by listing four personal comforts (a favorite food, activity, short-term goal, and dollar amount), then are guided to slowly “lose” them through the lens of chronic illness.Pair-Based Conversations Reinforce Emotional IntelligenceAfter the loss exercise, students use the NURSE communication framework in role-play to process and reflect. The structure supports vulnerability without pushing students too far, making space for emotional growth in a safe, supported way.Resources Mentioned:Ready to use this in your own classroom? Get the template and student prompts here: 👉 learninglabrn.comSubscribe to the show: learninglabrn.comJoin the newsletter and explore active learning tools: breakoutrn.comFull transcript: HerePlease offer your feedback about the show by emailing me!If you listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, please take a moment to rate or review the show. This goes a long way toward helping me reach other educators! 😊

Ver todos los episodios