Passed your NCLEX RN exam and planning your OSCE exam soon?
This blog will give you vital and concise information about the last exam of OBA ie OSCE.
OSCE is the practical examination for internationally qualified registered nurses seeking registration in Australia. The OSCE exam consists of 10 stations (or clinical scenarios) that have been developed to test candidates against the NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice. The OSCE is set at the entry-to-practice level that is expected of a Registered Nurse in Australia.
Table of Contents
What does OSCE assess?
- Ability to perform a specific clinical skill
- Ability to manage the care of the patient in a holistic manner
- Ability to plan and perform individualized care
- Ability to perform clinical assessment and develop a plan of care based on findings.
- Ability to ensure patient safety under all circumstances
- Ability to communicate appropriately
How much is the fee for OSCE and where it is conducted?
OSCE fee is $4000 AUD and it is conducted at Adelaide Health Simulation Lab, South Australia.
How frequently are the OSCE exams conducted?
OSCE exams are currently conducted on the alternate month on 2 consecutive days including 6 exam sessions (3 sessions per day) and host a maximum of 60 candidates.
What to expect for the OSCE exam?
- OSCE exam consists of 10 stations which are run strictly to time i.e. only two (2) minutes of reading time, and eight (8) minutes of performance time is allowed for each station.
- When the allocated time for the station is up, you MUST move to the next station even if you may not have completed everything required for that station.
- The exam is conducted with the help of actors as simulated patients and some stations may have manikins.
What skills are assessed?
Each candidate will be tested on a series of practical skills, these may include but are not limited to:
- Physiological observations
- Vital signs
- Calculating drug dosages
- Subcutaneous/ Intramuscular injection
- Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)
- In-hospital resuscitation (without defibrillation)
- Medication Administration
- Wound care
- Hand hygiene
- Therapeutic patient communication/consent
- Infection control practices
- Patient identification and informed consent
- Intravenous therapy administration/management
- Risk management in the clinical environment
- Communication skills
How do I book for OSCE Exam?
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN Examination, you will be asked to submit a payment for the OSCE examination on your AHPRA online dashboard. Once payment has been confirmed by AHPRA, the IQNM exams team will contact the candidate to book them into the next available RN OSCE session.
Can I change my exam date?
If you need to change your examination date or time, you will need to contact the IQNM exams team at IQNMexams@ahpra.gov.au at least three (3) full business days (72 hours) before your scheduled exam date and time.
If you miss your exam appointment, your exam fee will be forfeited, and no refund is applicable
When Will I Get My Results of OSCE Exam?
The OSCE results will be released within 8 weeks of the examination date.
What Happens If I Pass OSCE?
Candidates who pass the OSCE exam may now apply to AHPRA for registration with the NMBA. To know more about the documents that you need to submit for your registration, click here.
What Happens If I Fail OSCE?
Candidates who fail the RN-OSCE can retake the OSCE. If you choose to retake the OSCE you need to follow the steps as identified in the result communication, you receive to pay and register for another exam attempt.
How do I prepare for the OSCE examination?
AHPRA has listed some very good resources to start your preparation. Please go through the AHPRA OSCE handbook in detail before booking your exam. You can also consider doing coaching to prepare yourself.
Conclusion
To conclude, the OSCE exam is a structured exam to see whether you are the right fit to start your nursing career in Australia as per the NMBA standards of practice. This exam assesses both your clinical and behavioural skills. Make sure to go through the OSCE handbook and familiarise yourself with the exam pattern before taking the exam.
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