Objective Structured Clinical Examination for Registered Nurses (OSCE for RN’s)

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a widely used assessment method in various healthcare fields, including medicine, nursing, and allied health professions. It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s clinical skills, communication abilities, and professionalism in a standardized and objective manner. The OSCE typically consists of a series of stations, each assessing a specific aspect of the candidate’s clinical competency. These stations can involve interactions with standardized patients or simulated scenarios with mannequins or medical equipment. Within each station, candidates are given a predetermined timeframe to complete assigned tasks or demonstrate specific skills.

During the OSCE, candidates may encounter a range of scenarios, such as taking a patient’s history, performing a physical examination, making diagnoses, demonstrating procedural skills, or effectively communicating with patients and their families. The purpose of the OSCE is to ensure that healthcare professionals possess the necessary clinical and communication skills to provide safe and high-quality patient care. As a result, the OSCE is often used as a component of licensing exams, certification assessments, or as part of the educational curriculum in healthcare training programs. Its comprehensive and standardized approach makes it an invaluable tool in assessing the readiness of future healthcare practitioners.

Here’s why you must consider IHNA Australia for your OSCE preparation:

Expert Faculty: We have experienced and qualified faculty members who provide specialised training and guidance for OSCE preparation. Experienced instructors significantly impact your learning experience and skill development.

OSCE-Specific Programs: We offer targeted OSCE preparation programs and courses designed to enhance your clinical skills, communication abilities, and overall performance in the examination.

Mock OSCEs: Practice is crucial for success in the OSCE. At IHNA we offer opportunities for students to participate in mock OSCEs, providing a simulated exam environment at our labs and valuable feedback on your performance.

Comprehensive Study Material: We provide comprehensive study materials and resources tailored to OSCE preparation, helping you focus on key areas and develop a deeper understanding of the assessment process.

Individualized Support: We offer personalised support to address your specific strengths and weaknesses. This individualised attention can be beneficial for maximising your preparation efforts.

Reputation and Accreditation: IHNA’s reputation and accreditation is an essential factor to consider when choosing an educational institution.

Flexibility: IHNA’s program offerings and scheduling flexibility align with your needs, allowing you to balance your OSCE preparation with other commitments.

Networking Opportunities: Studying at IHNA provides opportunities to interact with other healthcare professionals and students, fostering networking and collaboration.

Lab Access: Students get access to IHNA Labs from 7a.m. to 5p.m Monday- Friday to practise.

• 1. What is the OSCE exam?

  The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is an assessment method used in various healthcare fields to evaluate candidates’ clinical skills, communication, and professionalism. It typically involves a series of timed stations, where candidates interact with standardized patients or participate in simulated scenarios.

• 2. Where is the OSCE Examination held?

  The RN OSCE Examination is held in Adelaide at the state-of-the-art Adelaide Health Simulation Centre. Candidates must make their own way to Adelaide for the test.

• 3. What is the purpose of the OSCE exam?

  The primary purpose of the OSCE is to ensure that healthcare professionals possess the necessary clinical competence and communication skills to provide safe and effective patient care.

• 4. How Do I register for OSCE Exam?

  To be eligible for the OSCE exam, you must first pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Your OBA dashboard (AHPRA website) will let you know if you are eligible after you have received your results from AHPRA and offer you to submit a payment for the OSCE.

  Before you are able to book the OSCE date, candidates must pay the price for each examination sitting. The exam team will provide the candidate an email with two available dates for scheduling within five days of confirmation of payment.

• 5. How long is the OSCE preparation course at IHNA?

  The course is offered on campus for four weeks; face-to-face sessions will take place Monday to Friday. Our labs will be available for students to practice or ‘touch-up’ their skills in preparation until their OSCE test dates – this service is provided free of charge to all IHNA OSCE students.

• 6. How many students can practice in the Simulation lab at one time?

  IHNA’s nursing simulation labs are meticulously developed to correspond to the NMBA’s registration standard requirements for nurses prior to the implementation of Outcomes-Based Assessment when IHNA was offering a bridging program for nurses called EPIQ-RN. All nursing labs in all three locations are identical and can accommodate between 30 and 50 students. However, the OSCE for RN’s program has been designed to give the maximum help possible to overseas registered nurses preparing to sit for the RN OSCE examination, and cohort numbers have been limited to 10-15 students each intake at each site. This is to ensure that students receive as much support as possible in order to pass the OSCE on their first attempt.

• 7. What are the class times for the OSCE for RNs course?

  The course is offered four days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Everyday, students can practice or ‘touch-up’ their abilities in preparation for their OSCE examination. Lab access for students from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m..

• 8. What Nursing Skills are taught during the OSCE Preparation course?

  You will receive expert guidance and supervision at IHNA. Students will be provided with labs and practice equipment. This thorough curriculum is meant to prepare students not only for OSCE success but also for safe nursing practice in Australia.

• 9. What will the fee be if the student wants to practice for more than two weeks?

  Students may continue to practice after the two-weeks till the time the student is successful in getting a positive result. Our lecturers are also pleased to provide you with some complimentary sessions before your exam to boost your confidence and do some last-minute preparation.

• 10. Where is the exam centre located?

  Adelaide Health Simulation (AHS) is located within the University of Adelaide in South Australia. AHS have two separate locations where the examination may be hosted. At this stage, there are no other examination centres in Australia.

• 12. How long till I get my results?

  Results are released within 6 weeks of the examination date. Candidates will receive an email communication which will include a formal notification of results and the next steps to be undertaken.

• 13. What does the examiner look for during the RN OSCE examination?

  Each RN OSCE station evaluates a candidate’s ability to perform a specific clinical skill, as well as their ability to manage a patient’s care holistically. It is critical, then, that the treatment offered inside each station takes into account the patient’s unique circumstances and is adapted to their specific needs.

• 14. What skills will I learn in the OSCE for RN’s course?
  • Physiological observations
  • Vital signs
  • Calculating drug dosages
  • Subcutaneous/intramuscular injection
  • Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)
  • Resuscitation in the hospital
  • Sharps disposal
  • Medication administration
  • Wound care
  • Hand hygiene
  • Therapeutic patient communication/consent
  • Infection control practices
  • Patient identification
  • Intravenous therapy administration/management
• 15. Is the course taught using simulated patients?

  Candidates will get hands-on training with a manikin and humans. Because manikins are used as the patient in the exam centre, it is critical for candidates to display the same amount of empathy and engagement as they would with a genuine patient. They will be educated to treat these manikins as patients, as the exam centre will have both manikins and simulated patients.

You must hold current registration as a Registered Nurse in your home country.

You’ll be prepared for the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) in Australia if you complete the OSCE for RNs course. You will gain a thorough grasp of the OSCE exam at the Adelaide Health Simulation Centre through this program.

Students will be able to formulate working diagnoses, analyse data and images, request and interpret investigations, and enhance their communication skills at the end of the course.

Many aspects of the OSCE for RN’s course will teach overseas nurses, notably in terms of objective, uniformity, and flexibility of clinical situations that may be tested, which indicates superiority over conventional clinical evaluation. It may be used to evaluate students at various levels of training in a short amount of time, across a wide range of abilities and problems. In order to prepare for the exam, this course will remove any preconceptions and allow all nurses to go through the same scope and requirements.

The Nursing Registration process comprises of 7 steps:

• Step 1 – Self Check

  If you are an internationally qualified nurse or midwife (IQNM) who wishes to register in Australia, you will need to complete the Self-check before applying for registration. This is an online check where you will need to enter your qualification information into the Self-check. Based on your qualification you will be assigned to one of three streams for registration.

  The three streams are:

  Stream A – IQNMs who hold a qualification considered to be substantially equivalent, or based on similar competencies, to an approved qualification

  Stream B – IQNMs who hold a qualification that is relevant to the profession, but is not substantially equivalent, nor based on similar competencies to an approved qualification

  Stream C – IQNMs who hold a qualification that is not substantially equivalent or relevant to an approved qualification

  *There is no fee to use the Self-check.

  IQNMs that do not hold a relevant qualification (under section 53 of the National Law) or do not meet the required assessment criteria will need to upgrade their qualification in Australia before being eligible to apply for registration. Click here to know more.

• Step 2 – IQNM Assessment Process

  Those who successfully complete the self-check must proceed in the IQNM assessment process.

  For IQNM assessment process students will need to pay a non-refundable assessment fee of $410 AUD.

  This fee contributes towards AHPRA’s costs in checking IQNM documentation provided, and for the IQNM to undertake their orientation.

• Step 3 – Orientation : Part A

  90 mins of video orientation and quiz based on that video.

• Step 4 – Portfolio Stage

  At this stage you will have to upload all the attested documents as required.

• Step 5 – NCLEX-RN (Multiple Choice Questions)

  Multiple choice questions examination, the NCLEX for RN’s (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is an online test taken through Pearson VUE test centres in most countries.

  For registered nurses, the NCLEX-RN registration fee is $200 USD (Approx. AUD 288), plus an additional international scheduling fee of $150 USD (Approx. AUD 216) ($350 USD in total) (Approx. AUD 504).

• Step 6 – OSCE

  A clinical examination to assess whether candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competence of a graduate-level nurse or midwife from an Australian NMBA-approved program of study.

  The OSCE will simulate a clinical environment and “patient” scenarios which Registered Nurses are likely to encounter when they assess, plan, implement and evaluate care. Nurses are expected to utilise a contemporary evidence base and effectively demonstrate the safe practical application of nursing skills.

  The fee for sitting the OSCE is $4,000 AUD. The OSCE fee replaces previous bridging program fees from private providers. This fee pays for AHPRA’s costs in running and maintaining the OSCE. AHPRA and the NMBA are funded only by fees, which must cover all costs of assessing IQNMs for registration in Australia.

• Step 7 – Orientation : Part B

  IHNA’s faculty includes highly skilled, well experienced Australian Registered Nurses who help students understand the foundation of nursing in Australia and nurture them to strive for the best. Since 2019, IHNA has trained over 1700 IQNMs to get registered in Australia through the bridging program. With immense knowledge and experience, IHNA has formulated this course to help nurses overcome OBA – MCQ examination.

  The online learning platform used by IHNA is interactive and innovative, through which students receive immense support, flexibility and quality virtual learning experience. With IHNA’s Online learning platform students can experience learning that is centred around them, their work and other life commitments. Studying online with IHNA means, care and support that students will receive at their fingertips, 7-days a week.

  Through the program, nurses will learn about the Australian Healthcare system, the diversity of Australian culture and more importantly the standards of nursing practice required by Australian employers. NCAP for NCLEX – RN will build on the foundation of your professional knowledge and skills in nursing.

For more Information

Download a PDF copy of this Fact sheet: Transition to a new assessment model for internationally qualified nurses and midwives

Visit the Internationally qualified nurses and midwives section of the NMBA website

Visit the Registration standards section of the NMBA website

To create an effective OSCE preparation program, follow these general steps:

• Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with the OSCE format used in your institution or country. Understand the number of stations, duration per station, and the specific skills being assessed.

• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in clinical skills. This self-assessment will help you prioritize your study efforts.

• Review Clinical Skills: Brush up on core clinical skills such as history taking, physical examination, communication, and procedural skills. Practice these skills regularly with peers or mentors.

• Practice with Mock OSCEs: Participate in mock OSCEs organized by your institution or with study partners. These practice sessions can simulate the actual exam environment and provide valuable feedback.

• Study Guidelines and Protocols: Review clinical guidelines, treatment protocols, and best practices in your field. Ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest evidence-based information.

• Communication Skills: Focus on your communication skills, as they play a vital role in patient interactions and are often assessed in the OSCE. Practice empathetic listening, breaking bad news, and providing clear explanations to patients.

• Time Management: Work on managing your time efficiently during each station. Practice answering questions and completing tasks within the allocated time.

• Work on Stress Management: OSCEs can be stressful, and anxiety may hinder your performance. Develop stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, to stay focused during the exam.

• Feedback and Self-Evaluation: After each practice OSCE, seek feedback from your peers, mentors, or facilitators. Reflect on your performance, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments accordingly.

• Review Past Scenarios: If you have access to past OSCE scenarios, review them to get an idea of the types of cases that might be encountered during the exam.

• Study Groups: Join or form study groups with other students preparing for the OSCE. Collaborating with peers can enhance your learning experience.

• Sleep and Nutrition: Prioritize getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy diet. Proper rest and nutrition can positively impact your cognitive function and overall well-being.

• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of any updates or changes in the OSCE format or content. Stay connected with your institution or faculty for the latest information.

1. Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
2. Enrolment Fee:After completing your application, you will be taken to the payment gateway, where you can make your payment immediately.
3. Confirmation of Admission: Once you’ve paid the enrolment fee, we’ll give you a confirmation of admission along with the orientation package so you can get ready for classes.