OSCE Preparation Notes
Introduction to OSCE Preparation
The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a practical assessment designed to evaluate clinical skills and competence.
Preparation is crucial to ensure success in the OSCE.
Initial Steps in the OSCE Room
Receiving Documentation: Upon entering the OSCE room, you will receive:
Medication chart
IV fluid charts
Cannula check chart
Approaching the Patient:
Introduce Yourself: State your name and role.
Patient Identification: Confirm the patient's identity.
Allergy Check: Inquire about any known allergies.
Consent: Obtain consent for procedures.
Building Rapport
Importance of establishing a good rapport with the patient.
Verify patient identification against charts, involving your assessor in the verification process.
Role of the Buddy Nurse
The buddy nurse is an essential support during the assessment.
Responsibilities:
Check for medication preparation and administration.
Prompting is not allowed; you must ask for checks as needed.
Medication Validation: Ensure that all orders and guidelines are current and valid.
Validating Medication Orders
Medication Chart Checks: Ensure all necessary details are present:
Date
Time
Drug name
Prescriber details
Indications for use
Route of administration
Dosage (in mg)
Medication Preparation
Ensure that you cross-reference the medication with the chart and prepare accordingly:
Bring medications, including any necessary reconstitution.
Avoid multiple trips to the patient's bedside to maintain patient contact.
Administering Oral Medications
Use appropriate dispensing techniques:
Do not touch medications with hands, use a lid or medicine cup instead.
Maintain sterility of droppers for ear and eye medications:
Pull back the ear for drops.
Pull down the lower eyelid for eye drops.
Drawing Up Medications
Drawing Up Techniques:
Use sterile procedures to draw up medications.
Do not recap needles post-use as it poses a risk of contamination.
If required, consider using a blunt drawing needle for better medication extraction.
IV Bolus Medication Administration
Cannula Patency Check: Prior to administering, perform a pre-flush with saline to ensure cannula is functional.
Administering IV Medications:
Maintain sterility at all times:
Swab the ampoule top before use.
Follow guidelines for medication administration rate and post-flush.
IV Fluids and Infusions
Review the order and ensure understanding of the infusion rate and calculation:
Check details against the medication chart.
Program the infusion pump after priming the line.
Maintain hygiene protocol to avoid contamination during the process.
Handling Errors and Contaminations
If an error occurs or contamination happens:
Inform your buddy nurse immediately.
Acknowledge mistakes and reflect on how to address these effectively.
Key Safety Protocols
Three Medication Checks: Confirm:
Patient Identity
Medication orders
Administration details
Seven Rights of Administration: Ensure compliance with medication administration guidelines:
Right patient, right drug, right time, right dose, right route, right documentation, right to refuse.
Preparation for OSCE
Preparation Checklist:
Self-identification for both you and the patient.
Ensure equipment is complete and ready to use.
Be aware of and use available resources (injectable guidelines, etc.).
Do Not List:
Do not forget important checks (patient ID, allergen verification, etc).
Do not recap needles; change gloves as necessary.
Do not ignore reflection on errors made during OSCE.
Review of Medications
Be familiar with the 16 potential medications for the OSCE assessment.
Understand indications, mechanisms of action, and nursing interventions for each.
Final Remarks on Practice and Questions
Engage in practice sessions offered before the OSCE.
Utilize discussion forums for clarifications and inquiries regarding the assessments.
Remember, preparation is key to success in the OSCE.
Conclusion
Reflect on learnings and stay updated on protocols and procedures leading to your OSCE.