Real-World Scenarios. Hands-On Thinking.

Zero Overwhelm.

A low-tech, high-engagement case study kit for nurse educators.

Do you want to implement more active learning but feel like ….

⏱️ There’s never enough time to build better lessons. It’s like a race you’re always losing.

🥱 Your students are zoning out, and you feel like it’s your fault. But you don’t know how to fix it.

🖥️ You’re tired of Googling ‘fun classroom ideas’ at 11 PM the night before class.

🤦‍♀️ When you try something new, you’re scared it’ll flop and make you look incompetent.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Most nurse educators want to engage their students, but between grading, meetings, and clinicals, who has time to reinvent an entire lesson?

That’s why I created the Tabletop Case Study Kit—a ready-to-use, low-tech teaching tool that makes it easy to get students thinking, talking, and applying what they’ve learned.

No midnight Googling. No elaborate prep. No fear of flopping.

How does it work?

  1. Create a group and give them the kit

All of the instructions, from set-up to wrap-up, are included with images. Students just scan a QR code on the welcome card and get to work!

2. The case study unfolds and students apply concepts

The case study is presented through an online story that incorporates the tactile puzzles in the kit. Students discover information and apply clinical judgment to move the case study forward.

3. Lead an amazing debriefing session

A debriefing template is provided. You can use the pre-designed slide deck or the provided template link to create your own and add additional topics to the debriefing.

4. Reset the kit for the next group

A simple reset guide is included with the kit so you can quickly reset the case study between groups.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, students will:

  • Determine important assessment findings in type 2 diabetes

  • Review the pathophysiology related to type 2 diabetes

  • Categorize medications associated with type 2 diabetes

  • Manage insulin dosing in type 2 diabetic patients based on a sliding scale and carbohydrate counts

  • Utilize a hypoglycemic protocol for the management of low blood sugar

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Get students talking, thinking and learning.

Engaging, practical, and classroom-ready.

Active learning doesn’t have to be complicated.

👏 A zero-prep, hands-on activity that gets students thinking critically and applying knowledge—no extra work required.

💡 Built-in clinical reasoning practice focused on type 2 diabetes, including insulin dosing, carb counting, meds, and managing hypoglycemia.

🧰 Portable and easy to reset, so you can run it with multiple groups in class or clinical without extra hassle.

✅ All materials included, from props to patient info to digital puzzles—no hunting for extras.

🎯 A step-by-step debriefing guide helps you reinforce learning and connect it back to real-world care.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I don’t want you to be surprised by the content, so check out the video HERE to see a complete walk-through of the kit and puzzles and decide if it is a fit for your content.

  • The kit is most appropriate for students in an adult theory course. While these topics are introduced in fundamentals, the kit asks students to apply their knowledge to a clinical situation, which may be beyond the level of some fundamentals students. Please watch the video HERE to see if the topics are appropriate for your students.

  • If you are not satisfied with the kit for any reason or if once you receive it, you feel it is too easy/hard for your level of students, you can return it to me within 30 days.

  • This activity will take approximately 30-40 minutes for a group of students to complete. With a strong debriefing session at the end, it could take 60+ minutes.

  • The kit combines real, hands-on materials with an online experience. Students start by scanning a QR code, which walks them through setup and introduces the storyline. The online guide tells them which physical items to use and when and includes a few puzzles to solve digitally. Each group will need a phone or tablet to complete the activity.

  • This scenario guides students through the steps of clinical judgment using a type 2 diabetes case. They’ll:

    • Recognize and prioritize concerning assessment findings

    • Analyze a MAR to identify potential medication issues

    • Apply pathophysiology and pharmacology to interpret the patient’s condition

    • Make safe medication decisions using carb counting and an insulin sliding scale

    • Respond to a hypoglycemic episode with appropriate, timely interventions

    Each step is designed to help students practice noticing, interpreting, and responding - the core components of clinical judgment.