Being a registered nurse in New Zealand requires you to clear OSCE. Many nurses, even if they are smart, might make some mistakes that may lead to failure in the exam. So, let’s take a look at some common errors and how to avoid them so that you can crack your OSCE New Zealand for sure.

1. Not knowing the New Zealand OSCE format

OSCE is not any regular theory examination, it is rather a practical one. That said, it means meagre learning from study materials or videos will help only to an extent. It is important to practice and learn for OSCE  with simulated real-time scenarios in each station. Each station checks different skills like patient safety, procedures, communication skill, etc. Some stations might ask you to speak to a patient, while others may ask you to demonstrate a skill like taking blood pressure.

To avoid this: 

• Learn the latest OSCE station structure. 
• Understand how many stations you will face, what they are, and how much time you get at each station. 
• If possible, take part in OSCE training in New Zealand or online from India with a review center that gives proper mock exams.

2. Skipping Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is not a practice limited to hospital’s real-time situations. Even during your New Zealand OSCE practice, you need to practice hand hygiene. If you forget to sanitize or wash your hands before and after a patient interaction, it shows poor infection control, which is a significant New Zealand nursing standard.

To avoid this: 

• Make hand hygiene your habit. 
• Practice WHO’s recommended five moments of hand hygiene every time you practice at an OSCE station. 
• Even in mock OSCEs, never skip this step because the more you work on it, the more you will remember about it.

3. Speaking Too Fast or Too Soft

Communication is an integral part of OSCE. Speaking too fast could tell you are nervous and speaking too soft will make your examiner difficult to listen. Both of these can contribute to poor impressions and may impact your marks. 

To avoid this: 

• Practice communication skills with your friends or try recording voice. 
• Speak clearly, slowly and with confidence. 
• Remember that in real-life communication can save lives.

4. Skipping the basic steps

During an exam we might remember important information but sometimes we might forget what is basic! Professional nursing behaviour must start from the beginning, from small but beginning steps. If not, this can cost you your marks.

To avoid this:

• Knock and ask to enter
• Greet and introduce yourself
• Check patient details
• Ask for consent
• Explain what you will do

5. Poor time managing skills

Consider you know what the stations are and how to perform in each scenario and the next step is to practically perform your task. Maybe you will find yourself not fitting into the time schedule set by the examination. Even if you complete 9/10 stations but did not complete the last one, it leads to failure! Hence, proper time management is crucial.

To avoid this:

• Use timers while you start your practice
• Divide your time for each part
• Leave a bit time for documentation

6. Focusing only on technical side

Of course your technical skills are very important for OSCE but that is not sufficient if you are just silent, cold, and ignore the patient's feelings. Be aware that OSCE checks your attitude, communication skills, safety, empathy, and professionalism. 

To avoid this:

• Be kind and respectful
• Practice empathy
• Treat actors or mannequins like real patients

7. Forgetting to document

Some students might successfully complete the scenario but forget to chart the findings. Hence, it must be noted that proper documentation too carries dedicated marks.

To avoid this:

• Practice documenting each time you practice
• Double-check your writings
• Write clearly and neatly

8. Neglecting feedback

You might not get feedback during your OSCE however, your NZ OSCE training providers will give you feedback and suggestions that you can work on. It is wise to work on those to improve your scores for the real exam.

To avoid this:

• Get trained from a professional
• Note down the feedback you receive
• Work on it and improvise
• Ask your trainer if you still have doubts

9. Not practicing under pressure

Practice often seems like an interactive session where you can test your skills, get feedback from your trainer and correct your mistakes. But when it comes to the real exam, the changes could be panicking! 

To avoid this:

• Practice with time limit
• Think like you are taking the real exam
• Do some meditation or breathing activities everyday to control your stress
• Practice until you feel confident. 

Our New Zealand OSCE training institutes provide unlimited practice sessions too. 

10. Failing to write a quick station plan

This could be one of the most underestimated points. After receiving the station prompt, nervous candidates start straight into tasks without pausing. Without a brief mental or written plan, it is easy to miss key components such as introducing yourself, sign‑posting your steps, performing safety checks, or summarizing at the end. While these seem small individually, cumulatively they can cost you significant marks.

To avoid this:

• Take 30 seconds to jot a mini‑plan
• Practice this habit

Nurses who pass OSCE are not always the smartest — they are the most prepared and consistent. Avoiding small mistakes can make a big difference. Practice each station, improve your communication, manage time, and stay calm.

Your nursing journey to New Zealand is within reach. Keep going. There are many OSCE trainers in India who can help you get through your exam with ease and confidence. Practicing from a professional can make a huge difference.