Discoveries in Education Spotlight: Misty Garrett
Discoveries in Education Spotlight: Misty Garrett
Discoveries in Education Spotlight: Misty Garrett
Ed.D. in Nursing Education Candidate
Current Role: Stroke Coordinator, MSN, RN
Affiliation: Inspira / Rowan University
Meet Misty Garrett, a doctoral student in Nursing Education at Rowan University and Stroke Coordinator at Inspira. Misty is transforming how nurses learn critical, life-saving skills by designing interactive “escape rooms” that bring stroke care training to life.
Innovating with Escape Rooms
Misty incorporates the use of escape rooms to strengthen nursing knowledge and boost confidence when caring for patients experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Each room immerses nurses in a different stage of stroke care:
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Code CVA Room – simulates the urgency of a patient showing sudden stroke symptoms, requiring quick decision-making and teamwork.
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Admission Room – focuses on routine tasks and diagnostic assessments.
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Discharge Room – emphasizes documentation, patient education, and preparation for home care.
“These rooms encourage critical thinking skills, collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, and prioritization of care and tasks,” Misty explains.
What Drives Her
Misty’s passion comes from her commitment to community care. “We care for our friends, neighbors, and family members as well as others in the community, and they deserve nothing but our best. By improving the knowledge and confidence of our nursing staff, we improve the outcome of our patients and community.”
Her journey in nursing education began with inspiration from dedicated instructors during her ADN program. Over time, she discovered her love for teaching and mentoring new nurses, leading her to pursue advanced degrees and, ultimately, her Ed.D.
Impact on Nurses & Patients
The escape rooms have led to up to a 35% increase in nursing knowledge and confidence in acute stroke care. Misty sees the impact ripple outward: “First, we see it with the staff, then the patient outcomes, then patient surveys, and then the community.”
Feedback from staff highlights gratitude and increased confidence, while patients report feeling they were in “good hands” and would recommend the hospital to others.
Overcoming Challenges
Developing the escape rooms wasn’t easy. Misty and her team had to get creative, using matching games for time-sensitive tasks, signage to guide decision-making, and even live actors to simulate stroke symptoms. These methods allowed nurses to practice essential assessments, such as the NIH Stroke Scale and dysphagia screenings, in realistic, memorable ways.
Advice for Educators
Her message to fellow educators is clear: “Really focus on how to get the information across in a fun and interactive way…utilize methods that work for your processes and really think outside the box.” Listening to staff concerns and frustrations was also key to designing scenarios that addressed real challenges.
At the Rowan University College of Education, we believe discoveries in education take many forms — from bold innovations to everyday acts of impact. This year, we’re spotlighting alumni, faculty, and students who are actively reimagining education, engaging communities, and transforming lives.
Whether you're leading research, launching a side project, mentoring others, improving classroom practices, or advocating for change, we’d love to hear your story. Read other Discoveries.
