Concept Maps are a way of organizing and displaying information that emphasizes the connections between various categories of information. With Concept Maps, students literally see how the patient care that they are giving is very much connected to the client's problems. For the instructor, concept maps provide a quick way to evaluate the student's understanding of the client's assessment, problems and interventions.

• Instructors can create a care plan handout by printing and copying the Concept Map-Blank Care Plan for students to use without computers. The handouts can be used create a finished care plan when students have filled in the appropriate information.
• Another option is to have students collect their information on paper and then create care plans in computer labor or at computers at home. Students can fill in a blank form or a specific Concept Map form (located in the Assessment, Nursing Process and Charting topic). The completed care plan can then be printed.
• Student care plans can be collected and graded or students can be organized into groups to discuss and evaluate each other’s care plans. 
• Students should save their completed care plans. They make great study guides for finals or NCLEX.