The objective structured clinical examination is a unique evaluative tool that is very effective to assess the performance of nurses in a clinical setting.
It validates competency, contingent on objective testing through direct evaluation by observation. Distinct from usual clinical exam, the OSCE could evaluate areas most critical to performance of nurses such as communication skills and ability to handle unusual; and mayhem clinical scenarios and patient response.
In contrast to, MCQ or NCLEX – RN that is computer baser test, OSCE is a behavioral assessment, set to the standard of entry level nurses in Australia. Thus ,This test literally assess each candidate’s level of competence, knowledge and skills in clinical setting. Apart from that, it will assess a candidate’s ability to manage and meet the client’s special needs in a holistic manner with limited time and support.
UK & Australia are the countries who use OSCE as a tool to assess the clinical knowledge if internationally qualified nurses. As compared to UK ,Australian OSCE posses a high evaluation criterion.
NICE Academy, the pioneer nursing training institute in Trivandrum, designed a course for OSCE, especially for Australia to crack the test with an extra ordinary performance.
What exactly the Australian OSCE is?
The Australian OSCE is a practical assessment test for internationally qualified registered nurses seeking accreditation as registered nurse in Australia. Australian Health practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the authorized regulatory body to conduct OSCE examination. They administer a standardized manner for all applicants who appear for OSCE.Sequence of the test are as follows;
- OSCE RN test consist of 10 stations with 10 minutes allocated for each station.
- 2 minutes for reading the scenario and 8 minutes for the demonstration of task given to the candidate.
- When the station’s timer runs out, candidates must go on to the next station, even if you have not accomplished all the necessary segments for that stations.
- The OSCE RN can be completed within 3 to 3.5 hours and results are published within 8 weeks from the exam day. Once cleared with OSCE, a qualified candidate can proceed to apply for Australian Nursing Registration with AHPRA and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
NOTE – The test is conducted with the assistance of performers who act as simulated patients, and certain station may contain mannequins.
What will be the cost to attend Australian OSCE?
This exam Costs$ 4000 and is delivered at the University of Adelaide in Adelaide, Australia.
What will be assessed in Australian OSCE ?
- Competence in a specific area of nursing practise.
- A comprehensive approach to patient care management skill set.
- The ability to think clearly and provide treatment that is individualized to each patient.
- Ability to conduct a clinical evaluation and formulate a treatment strategy based on the results is a crucial aspect.
- The ability to always guarantee patient safety.
- Effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
- Apart from assessing the clinical skills, OSCE will also take into consideration the candidate’s ability to manage the care of a patient in a holistic manner. It is therefore important that the care you provide within each station is individualized for that patient, and is designed to each patient’s special needs.
What skills are assessed?
Each applicant will be examined on a variety of practical competencies, which may include, but are not confined to:
- Vital signs.
- Therapeutic patient communication or consent.
- Drug dosage calculation
- Risk management in the clinical environment.
- Subcutaneous or Intramuscular injection.
- Infection control practices.
- Non-Touch Technique.
- Non touch technique is the skill of not touching any critical part(s) or site(s) of an invasive clinical procedure
- In-hospital resuscitation without defibrillation.
- Medication administration Intravenous therapy administration or management.
- Physiological observations.
- Wound care.
- Hand hygiene.
- Patient identification and informed consent.
- Communication skills.
Skill Testing
The OSCE comprises different stations, each lasting 10 minutes. Four stations will be scenario based and relate to four stages of the nursing and midwifery care process:
- Assessment- (holistic patient-centred)
- Planning
- Implementation
- Evaluation
Typical skills which may be tested either on their own or within a nursing scenario include:
- Administration of Inhaled Medication
- Aseptic Non-touch Technique
- Catheter Specimen of Urine
- Fluid Balance chart
- In-hospital resuscitation (without defibrillation)
- Intramuscular injection
- Mid-stream Urine and Urinalysis
- Peak Expiration Flow Rate
- Removal of Urinary Catheter
- Subcutaneous injection
- Calculating drug dosages
- Hand hygiene
- Medication administration
- Physiological observations
- Safe disposal of sharps
- Wound care
- Fine bore nasogastric tube insertion
- Visual infusion phlebitis (VIP) assessment and intravenous cannula flush
- Pressure ulcer assessment
- Evidence Based Practice
- Professional behaviour
Communication Skills
Effective communication with clients is essential to ensure the right diagnosis and treatment plans for them. During the test, an assessor will observe the interaction between the simulated client and OSCE candidate and assess the candidate’s verbal, non-verbal, and written communication techniques. This will include your ability to provide explanations to the patient about their care in an appropriate manner, as well as your ability to include the patient or family in their care where appropriate.
The RN OSCE Examiner may also look at your approach to the patient throughout the examination, and will assess your communication skills such as:
- Clearly explaining care, diagnosis, investigations and/or treatments.
- Involving the patient in decision-making.
- communicating with relatives and other health care professionals.
- Seeking and obtaining informed consent.
- Active listening, dealing appropriately with an anxious person or anxious relatives.
- providing clear instructions on discharge.
- Demonstrating compassion and care during communication and Clear documentation.
At the RN OSCE, the patients involved in each case will be acting as patients (simulated patients) in many of the stations. In some stations you may be required to interact with a manikin. Where a manikin is used as the patient, it is essential that you demonstrate a level of empathy and interaction; to the same level as you would with a real patient.
Our Highlights
- Experienced & dedicated trainers
- Simulation lab with international standards
- Enhanced learning experience
- Assured skill enhancement
- Evidence based practice
- Real time feedback
