When we get into patient assessment, I want them to understand the importance of observation. I will take a piece of white paper and make a pin-dot mark with a pencil. I show them the paper and ask them if they can find the 'injury'. Of course no one can see it. I tell them that this is similar to doing an initial assessment and sometimes things are not obvious. I explain that it is like doing a word search puzzle. (They get a bunch of those to reinforce the concept) Then I pass the paper around, and they are to circle what they think is the 'injury'. They always circle imperfections in the paper. I tell them that this is like a patient. Sometimes they will have old injuries, or abnormalities that will tunnel them into thinking they have found the problem.
I will also take them outside and pick an interesting tree. They are to describe it as many ways as possible. This also teaches them the importance of seeing all the details.

from Anne Puzder; Georgia