Taking the OSCE
Knowledge. Skill. Reasoning. Aspiring nurses need to have these components as they will take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination in the upcoming days.
Acing a test requires time and effort. With much preparation and proper condition, nothing could go wrong as you take any test. Studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between preparation and performance (Norton and Park, 1996; Johnson, 2020).
In a month to come, nurses await the common type of test that will evaluate their clinical skill(s) performance and competence (knowledge, skills, and attitudes), including communication, clinical examination, medical procedures/prescription, clinical decision-making, clinical thinking/reasoning, exercise prescription, joint mobilization/manipulation techniques, and interpretation.
A posing challenge for this year’s takers is the restriction resulting from the pandemic. Thus, limiting takers’ chances to do face-to-face training.
This, however, is nothing but a minute obstacle to those who firmly believe that they can ace their first and last OSCE. If you believe that and couple that belief with work and determination, you will definitely achieve it. If you believe you can pass the OSCE on your first try and prepare unceasingly for it, you will definitely ace it.
Tips on How To Pass OSCE on Your First and Last TRY!
- Early preparation
There are many ways to do early preparation for the OSCE. Watching OSCE videos is one of them. Access to these videos is convenient because of the internet.
It might be quite beneficial to watch recorded instances of excellent OSCE performances to have a better understanding of what you should do to impress the examiners. You can see candidates taking the OSCE in a variety of mock stations and instances on YouTube.
In order to give you an idea of how the OSCE may proceed with an examiner present, some films show examiners actively marking the OSCE. Other videos show students being tested on their ability to do basic life support, show how an OSCE exam is marked, and show how examiners evaluate it.
On YouTube, there are a ton of videos of OSCEs. For a variety of videos, try typing “OSCE exam” or “Mock OSCE” into the search bar.
Watching Mock OSCEs can help you to mentally prepare yourself for your exam while also removing some of the fear of the unknown in regard to what happens during an OSCE. You can also learn techniques that other students have used in the past to help them perform to a high standard.
Verbalise the station procedures (out loud), step by step to help you memorise them. Be aware, if you can’t verbalise a specific part of the procedure, write it down, practice, and verbalise again. Practice makes perfect!
Another early preparation you can do is intense reading.
Nothing beats a prepared individual who knows the book and puts it to practice. When asked what advice passers would provide to upcoming takers, they unanimously agreed that they should start preparing early (Albite, 2019). In fact, in response to the question of when specifically to begin studying, this participant said: “The preparation should not only start the minute you decide to take the exam.” While you’re still in school and enrolled in the program, ideally. You have to be ready.
- Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
In essence, an OSCE is a performance. An OSCE scenario can be practiced at home with friends, family, or other students playing the roles of patient actors, much like an actor in a play who practices a scene repeatedly until the words come out without thinking. The name of the “patients” you’ll be required to engage with in your OSCE—they’re called “actors,” and you’re an actor too—gives away the answer.
The best-prepared and most persuasive students can anticipate performing well in their OSCEs, and practicing different stations at home should be an essential part of your preparation.
To truly imitate the atmosphere, you can even ask someone to act as the pretend examiner. Alternatively, you can take part in an online mock OSCE with patient actors and actual examiners. Students can take part in a Mock OSCE test on this website that is as accurate as possible, with mock examiners grading the OSCEs using a system that is employed by medical schools all around the world.
- Maximize reading time at each station
There is a period of reading time before you enter each station in your OSCE. The next scenario is given to you, the candidate, during reading time, which lasts for about two to three minutes. It provides you time to plan your strategy for handling the situation in light of the details you have learned about the patient you will be meeting.
Take a moment to breathe deeply. Let go of any conscience about listening to other channels. The only thing that matters is the upcoming station.
Focus on the station in front of you, pay attention to the information provided to you prior to the station, scan the brief for anything that stands out, and prepare your actions in your brain for when the station starts. In terms of situational awareness, this is crucial. Being aware of your surroundings in advance will help you rapidly comprehend what’s happening and guide you in making wise judgments.
Remember what is called the ABC of situational awareness (Cohen, 2013) :
Awareness of the environment
“Awareness of the environment includes the patients’ airway, breathing, and circulation; tubes and lines; respiratory equipment; and a safety survey. Without touching the patient, the nurse completes this assessment for each patient by considering each of these sections on the tool.”
Belief in your gut feelings
“Belief in your gut feelings. Nurses frequently share experiences with patients who made them feel uncomfortable. Intuitively, something didn’t seem right but they couldn’t articulate why. The 60-second situational awareness exercise encourages nurses to develop intuitive thinking. When your gut tells you something isn’t right, check it out.”
Changing what’s wrong
“Because the patient is the immediate priority, evaluating the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation should be done first. Reattach the disconnected oxygen tubing to avoid a drop in oxygen saturation. If the call light is out of place, move it so the patient can reach it. Clear a pathway to the bathroom to prevent a patient fall. Request assistance when you’re not sure about an unknown smell or a disconnected tube or drain.”
It’s typical advice to attempt to plan your opening remarks and how you’ll greet the patient actor before the station even starts. Some students use the reading period to mentally repeat the patient’s name, age, and the issue they are presenting with. Consider how you will organize your response and what information is essential to convey to the patient actor in this scenario based on what you have learned in your training. Your patient actor will be trained to pay attention to how you portray yourself, your tone of voice, and the phrases you use.
Reading time is a chance for you to gather your thoughts, relax, get ready for the next situation, and concentrate on what you’re going to accomplish next. As this is a new exam, it’s also an opportunity to set aside what transpired in the prior station.
Although two minutes may not seem like much time to prepare, anything you choose to concentrate on can have a very positive effect on how well you perform in the OSCE.
Pass the Test on Your First Try!
You’ll have a better chance of passing your evaluation if you can demonstrate to the examiners during an OSCE that you’re already a persuasive professional who evaluates circumstances objectively.
Imagine that you have already earned your degree and are working as a certified professional. You’ve undoubtedly visualized it hundreds of times throughout your academic career. You now have the opportunity to perform it in front of those who will eventually determine whether you are prepared to advance.
Lastly, enrolling in a nursing review center that is verified and has proven results will ensure you the best outcome for your OSCE. AuRNPathway might be the best one for you. Enroll with us now to get the best in your OSCE preparation. Prepare now and prepare with us!
References:
Albite, R. (2019). A Case Study of Topnotchers’ Preparations and Contributory Attributes in Passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Southeastern Philippines Journal of Research and Development, 24(2), 45-68.
Norton, Scott M.; Park, Hae-Seong. 1996. Relationships between Test Preparation and Academic Performance on a Statewide High School Exit Examination.
Johnson, Nancy. 2020. CPA Exam: Correlative Study of Preparation Activities and Exam Results.
Preparing for an OSCE – 5 tips to help you face your fears. 2021.
Cohen, Nancy L. MSN, RN, CGRN, CNE. Using the ABCs of situational awareness for patient safety. Nursing 43(4):p 64-65, April 2013. | DOI: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000428332.23978.82
