Objective structured clinical exam: how clinical nurse educators can support internationally educated nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Professional Regulation
• International Nurse Migration

Background:

• Internationally educated nurses (IENs) face challenges in meeting registration requirements, such as the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
• Successful transition requires comprehensive clinical and pastoral support for IENs and their families.
• Understanding the emotional and life-changing aspects of international relocation is vital for supporting IENs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of an OSCE preparation teaching program for IENs.
• To identify and discuss challenges encountered by both teachers and participants in the program.
• To demonstrate the impact of dedicated resources, including a specialized facility and program lead, on IENs' success.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a structured OSCE preparation teaching program.
• Inclusion of clinical and pastoral support measures.
• Utilizing a dedicated practice facility and a designated program lead.

Main Results:

• The developed program, with dedicated resources, led to excellent results for IENs.
• Challenges faced by teachers and participants were identified and addressed.
• The importance of adequate preparation time and resources was highlighted.

Conclusions:

• A well-structured OSCE preparation program with dedicated facilities and support is essential for IENs' successful registration.
• Addressing both clinical and pastoral needs enhances the IENs' transition and performance.
• Learning from the IEN experience informs the development of more effective support strategies.