OSCE Stations

grayscale photography of human hands
grayscale photography of human hands
girl in blue jacket holding red and silver ring
girl in blue jacket holding red and silver ring

What to Study and Where to Find Resources

These are the OSCE stations

  1. Mental Health Assessment

  • Common Issues: Memory loss, confusion, agitation, aggression.

  • Nursing Assessments: Mental State Examination or Confusion Assessment.

  • Resources: Online tutorials and guides. Educational videos on YouTube.


  1. Physiological Assessment Initial Assessment: ABCDE Approach.

  • Vital Signs: Temperature, pulse, respiration, BP, oxygen saturation, Early Warning Score (EWS).

  • Escalation: Monitor and document, follow protocols for abnormal findings.

  • Resources: Online courses and videos on the ABCDE approach and vital signs.


  1. Specific Physiological Assessments

  • Common Assessments: General assessment for monitoring purposes.

  • Forms: Daily charting forms.

  • Resources: Hospital guidelines and standard operating procedures.

  • Training videos on specific physiological assessments.

4. Professional Responsibility

Cultural Safety: Respect diversity and provide sensitive care.

Clinical Reasoning: Critical thinking, evidence-based practice.

Task Delegation: Assess task complexity and staff competency.

Safety: Risk assessments, infection control.

Leadership: Lead by example, mentor, manage conflicts.

Responsibilities: Follow nursing ethics and understand legal implications.

Resources: Professional responsibility sections in nursing textbooks and by NZNC.


5. Emergency Management

CPR: Basic Life Support (BLS) protocols.

Anaphylaxis: Recognize and administer epinephrine.

Hypoglycaemia: Recognize and administer glucose.

Falls: Assess and manage injuries.

Other Emergencies: Manage acute situations (stroke, MI, seizures).

Resources: BLS certification courses. Emergency nursing textbooks. Simulation training labs.

a doctor checking a patient's blood with a stethoscope
a doctor checking a patient's blood with a stethoscope

6. Clinical Skills Routine Nursing Care:

Wound care, catheterization, and preventive care for patient hygiene.

Resources: Clinical skills textbooks. Practical workshops and simulation labs.


7. Medication Administration

Inhaled: Proper technique for inhalers and nebulizers.

Oral: Administer correctly and monitor side effects.

Subcutaneous: Technique for injections.

IM/IV: Preparation and administration of IM and IV meds.

Resources: Online videos and courses on medication administration.

8. Communication and Teamwork

Interpersonal: Active listening, empathy.

Interprofessional: Effective team communication, SBAR.

Managing Distress: Emotional support, crisis intervention.

Education: Teach patients about conditions and self-care.

Resources: Teamwork and SBAR communication videos.

woman in blue and white polo shirt standing on yellow flower field during daytime
woman in blue and white polo shirt standing on yellow flower field during daytime

9. Planning Nursing Care

Care Plans: Comprehensive assessment, SMART goals.

Daily Plans: Routine assessment, documentation.

Resources: Care planning textbooks. Online resources on creating SMART goals.


10. Managing the Deteriorating Patient

Escalation: Recognize signs, follow protocols, communicate effectively.

Resources: Critical care nursing textbooks. Online courses on managing deteriorating patients.

By focusing on these areas and utilizing the suggested resources, you can effectively prepare for the OSCE and enhance your nursing practice skills.