Table 1 Description of the four OSCE^a stations for assessing the competence of novice nursing practitioners

A

Care of patients with fevers

Evaluate performance of history taking and symptom assessment

1. History taking: medical history, drug history, travel history, and symptoms

2. Explain the procedure for fever management and its purpose.

3. Answer questions and provide emotional support.

4. Education, including home care

B

Medication administration

Evaluate performance of medication administration and patient education

1. Perform 5 ‘Rights’: right drug, right route, right time, right dose, and right patient.

2. Know medication-associated risks.

3. Know the effects: primarily intended effect, and related effects of the pharmacological properties.

4. Communicate clearly.

5. Monitor adverse effects.

6. Report errors and adverse events.

C

Care of patients with abdominal pain

Evaluate performance of history taking, physical examination and team work

1. Perform comprehensive assessment of abdominal pain, including location, characteristics, onset, duration, frequency, quality, intensity, severity, precipitating, and relief factors.

2. Communicate with the interdisciplinary team.

D

Care of patients with IV^b lines

Observe administration of IV medication and monitoring of the line to ensure that it is working without complications

1. TOUCH: check if there is a temperature change (heat or warmth), redness, or leakage at the IV site.

2. LOOK: confirm that the IV site is dry and visible at all time.

3. COMPARE: check if there is swelling in the limb with the IV line, comparing with the opposite limb without the IV line.

4. Educate: provide information about IV care to patients and caregivers.