Outcome Based Assessment approach is a type of evaluative method set by the Nursing and Midwifery board of Australia (NMBA) in March 2020 to asses a learner’s knowledge, skills and attributes in contributing to the care of Australian nationals. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) undertakes functions to regulate the practice of nursing and midwifery in Australia, and one of its key roles is to protect the public. The NMBA does this by developing registration standards, professional codes, guidelines, and standards for practice which together establish the requirements for the professional and safe practice of nurses and midwives in Australia. One Such strategy was to move to an outcomes-based assessment pathway for internationally qualified nurses and midwives. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA’s), together with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) took an extensive research in 2014 that explores the factors and goals of the OBA as a permanent and consistent approach in assessing internationally qualified nurses who has the relevant but not substantially equal to that of the Australian approved qualification.
The OBA took effect in March 2020 and will replace the need for a bridging program. The process will assess knowledge skills and competence expected of a graduate level Australian nurse and will include:
· assessment of the cognitive component ie multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination also know as NCLEX-RN
· behavioural test (Objective Structured Clinical Examination – OSCE)
· Orientation program
Outcome Bases Assessment (OBA) is a two-step process of assessment for internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs). The first stage will test the nurse’s knowledge through NCLEX RN examination. The second stage is an assessment of a nurse’s behavioural aspect through the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The OBA Training and Education provided by Nurse Assist International prepares you for OBA comprising of a multiple-choice question (MCQ) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).This is an intensive 11 week program designed for (IQNs) in preparation for the Outcome Based Assessment. The training will equip qualified nurses with strong nursing knowledge and clinical skills to succeed in the OBA.