Passed your NCLEX RN exam and planning your OSCE exam soon?
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.
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.
The RN OSCE assesses a candidate’s patient care management and specific clinical skill performance abilities. In addition, the candidates are tested on both their practical skills and communication skills.
Some of the assessed practical skills include:
- Drug dosage calculation
- Safe sharps disposal
- Medication administration
- Wound care
- Infection control practices
- Patient identification
- In-hospital resuscitation
Communicating effectively with patients is crucial to ensure the right diagnosis and formulate correct treatment plans. As such, it is imperative to test the communication skills of each aspiring nursing candidate. By observing the interaction between the candidate and the simulated patient, the OSCE examiner assesses the candidates’ verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills such as:
- Clear explanation of care, diagnosis, investigations and/or treatments
- Encourage patient involvement in decision-making
- Communication with relatives and other health care professionals
- Obtain informed consent
- Active listening
- Providing clear discharge instructions
- Clear documentation
The OSCE results are published within 8 weeks from the examination date. Upon reviving the successful test results, the candidates are able to apply for the Australian Nursing Registration with AHPRA and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
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.
ON EXAMINATION DAY
Where is the exam held?
Adelaide Health Simulation is located within the University of Adelaide. AHS have two (2) separate locations where the exams may be hosted, your confirmation email will provide you with specific details on where the exam is located and which building/address location you will need to present to. Each exam centre location may have slightly different registration locations however, the processes will remain the same.
Tips for completing the OSCE
Before the OSCE
Familiarise yourself with the location of the OSCE, including travel times and parking information; Familiarise yourself with the expectations for the day; Ensure you get a good sleep the night before the OSCE; Ensure you review each section of this information module so that you understand the requirements for the day, particularly in regard to what to bring and what to wear; Review the information provided about the format of the OSCE and how to conduct yourself during the OSCE;
Resources:
Review the Registered nurse standards for practice; Review the Professional standards – Code of conduct for nurses and Code of ethics for nurses; Review the reference list and recommended readings; Review the list of examples of potential skills to be examined and utilise appropriate references to review skills as deemed necessary.
On the day of the Exam:
Ensure you adhere to the appropriate dress requirements; Ensure you bring photo identification with you; Ensure you arrive on time; Ensure you allow enough time for travelling should there be any unanticipated delays in traffic or other modes of transport and to park; Ensure you have eaten prior to arriving for your session; Ensure you have notified the AHPRA Invigilator of any special considerations you may require during the OSCE (e.g. access to medications or food whilst in the OSCE area);
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