Pieces of Advice From a Nurse Teacher in Australia
Are you planning to have a thriving nursing career in Australia? If you are quite serious about this career move, then you probably already know all about the Objective Structural Clinical Examination or OSCE. As a prerequisite for being eligible to work as a registered nurse in Australia, you need to take and pass the OSCE – a practical exam that will test the clinical and professional skills of RN aspirants.
Needless to say that a lot of candidates are stressing over how to pass this. Written exams or NCLEX is one thing, taking the OSCE gives another level of pressure as skills are assessed in real time and more than knowledge, confidence is also very critical – something that does not come naturally especially without sufficient training.
What does it take to pass the OSCE? We have consolidated a quick guide from all our professional trainers at Nurse Assist International, who are also seasoned registered nurses in Australia. Here are 5 steps on how to pass the OSCE:
1. Understand the importance of preparing for OSCE
The first important thing you need to understand is to be able to understand how important passing the OSCE is. Not only to become eligible, but also the underlying rationale on why this test is being conducted in the first place. Once you understand how critical this is, you will have better appreciation and put more value in being able to pass not for the sake of passing, but for the sake of being able to excel once you start work as a registered nurse in Australia.
2. Study the assessment criteria and process of OSCE extensively
Aside from the AHPRA self-check, you will also need to thoroughly study the process and criteria for successfully passing OSCE. Knowing the criteria will also give you a guide on which areas to prioritise and understand better. Having better and in-depth knowledge on these areas will give you that confidence boost while undergoing training, and eventually when you take the actual test.
3. Utilise and maximise the resources provided by your review centre
At NAI, aside from providing the carefully crafted modules, there are also other facilities where students can properly practise their skills. Some of these facilities are an online portal and a state of the art lab, which the students can use for practice after the face-to-face sessions. Aside from studying, the best teacher is always practical experience. Students are encouraged to utilise these facilities extensively to help them understand their roles better as registered nurses and caregivers.
4. Take feedback seriously
Additionally, NAI also provide unlimited support and guidance to students. No two students receive the same, out-of-the-box feedback and improvement plan as instructors base their feedback and improvement plan on their assessment of each student and their learning pace. This also helps the students effectively communicate in the future, which is also important once they officially go into practise.
5. Simulation or Mock OSCE gives you the better advantage
The Mock OSCE is a specialised exam for students to help them become more familiar with the whole examination process. Having this prior to taking the exam provides students the knowledge as well as the confidence to successfully pass the test. NAI provides an effective OSCE simulation, such that they have a high success rate of OSCE passers after taking their OSCE Preparation course.
Taking the OSCE exam and passing seems like a daunting task but with proper guidance, it will not seem so difficult. What is important is that candidates need to also be able to discern and pick the right training centre to help them with their journey towards successfully becoming a registered nurse in Australia.