How to Pass Your OSCE A Guide to Success in Nursing and Midwifery

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was developed for all undergraduate nursing programmes, with the aim of emphasising the need for nursing students to be competent in clinical skills, to assess clinical reasoning skills and as a means of standardizing the assessment process.

This practical, easy to read and interactive study guide helps nursing and midwifery students at all levels to maximise their chances of success with OSCEs. It features case studies, quick quizzes, recap and recall summaries and an OSCE preparation plan; all of which help to prepare the student for the examination. Hints and tips on what to expect during the examination and pointers on what the examiner will be looking for, together with a comprehensive chapter on personal learning will help to guide the student through the process and maximise their chances of success!

"Very readable with useful tips and information for students" Cath Hill, Keele University

"I found the book extremely relevant from the students' perspective, reader friendly and well structured. Quizzes and activities excellent." - Liz Day, Senior Lecturer, Nursing and Health Care Practice, University of Derby
"A useful and easily digested text on this important assessment strategy", Ms. Karen Lumsden, Faculty of Nursing and Applied Clinical Studies, Canterbury Christchurch University

"Useful for students as they prepare... Easy to read and understand."
Kirsty Wedgbury, Faculty of Health and Community Care, Birmingham City University

Chapter One: Introduction

Welcome
Meet the authors
Organisation of the book
Glossary

Chapter Two: What is an OSCE?

So what is an OSCE?
Activity 2.1
The OSCE acronym
Objective (O)
Structured (S)
Activity 2.2
Clinical (C)
Activity 2.3
Examination (E)
Knowing, Showing, Doing
Now what?
Types of OSCES
Why do OSCEs differ?
Recap and Recall
Quick Quiz

Chapter Three: EssentialPrinciples underpinning OSCES

Essential principles underpinning performance and behaviour
Activity 3.1
Infection control
Activity 3.2
Safe Practice
Accurate documentation and record keeping
Activity 3.3
Effective communication
Activity 3.4
Maintenance of dignity and respect
Putting it into practice
Activity 3.5
Recap and Recall
Quick Quiz

Chapter Four: Personallearning and preparation for the OSCEBeing an effectivelearner
Activity 4.1
Why and how do we learn?
Activity 4.2
Being strategic
Activity 4.3
Looking for cues
Activity 4.4
Activity 4.5
Cognitive aspects of learning
Activity 4.6
Affective aspects of learning
Activity 4.7
What is the examiner looking for?
Activity 4.8
Activity 4.9
Study hints and tips for the OSCE
Recap and Recall
Quick Quiz

Chapter Five: Preparing forthe OSCE

What you know at this stage
Essential elements of an OSCE
Timing
Demonstrating skill and knowledge
Your professional attitude and behaviour
Knowledge, Motor skills, Attitude, Structure (KMAS)
Example 1: Hand hygiene
Activity 5.1
Example 2: Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI)
Activity 5.2
Example 3: Assessment of the eye
Activity 5.3
What is the examiner expecting from you at the OSCE?
How to achieve a pass grade
Why KMAS is important
Activity 5.4
Activity 5.5
How do you feel about doing an OSCE?
Activity 5.6
Preparation is key to success!
How to prepare for the day of the OSCE
Countdown to the OSCE day
Recap and Recall
Quick Quiz

Chapter Six: The OSCEExperience

Whats it like to take an OSCE?
The student perspective
Activity 6.1
Your OSCE preparation
Activity 6.2
Ten top tips from students
The examiners perspective
Activity 6.3
Ten top tips from examiners
Avoiding common pitfalls
What does it feel like to be unsuccessful in an OSCE?
Moving on from the OSCE experience
Activity 6.4
What happened if you are unsuccessful?
Activity 6.5
Some final comments: the OSCE rewards
Recap and Recall
Quick Quiz

References
Recommended reading
Answers to Activities and Quick Quizzes