A major update in New Zealand for Internationally Qualified Nurses was made by the New Zealand nursing council registration . The changes are for the competence assessment and the working experience. The changes include:

CAP to OSCE
2500 Hours to 1800 Hours

How many of you have heard about the above major changes of the Nursing Council of New Zealand? From 2024, to work as a nurse in New Zealand, international nurses are needed to go through both theoretical and clinical examinations.

This change brings a fresh perspective to the evaluation process for internationally qualified nurses, signaling a more comprehensive and standardized approach.

A Dive Deep

CAP to OSCE : According to the new system of New Zealand nursing recruitment, international nurses need to attend an online theoretical exam to evaluate their nursing knowledge. This exam can be taken at a certified exam center in your home country or elsewhere.

In addition, there is a two-day orientation and preparation course that is followed by a clinical examination known as an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). Clinical and professional skills are evaluated during the three-hour OSCE. The OSCE, as well as the orientation and preparation components, will be carried out in person in New Zealand at a center that has been accredited.

2500 Hours to 1800 Hours : With the new change, Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN) need only 1800 hours of work experience. You need to pass the theoretical and clinical exams instead of proving 2500 working hours for nurses in New Zealand.

Why the Change?

The transition from CAP to OSCE is aimed at aligning the assessment process with international standards while ensuring a fair and consistent evaluation of New Zealand job vacancy for nurses. OSCE is recognized globally as a robust method for assessing practical skills, clinical reasoning, and communication abilities.

The differences between CAP and OSCE are shown in the following table:

Differences	CAP	OSCE
Purpose	Evaluate nursing competencies and skills for international nurses seeking licensure	Assess clinical and practical skills in a controlled, simulated clinical environment
Format	Typically involves written and practical exams tailored to nursing competencies	Consists of a series of stations with different nursing tasks or scenarios
Setting	Often administered by nursing regulatory bodies or licensing boards	Commonly used in nursing licensure exams and employment assessments for nurses
Skills Assessed	Nursing knowledge, clinical skills, patient care, communication	Clinical and practical nursing skills,communication,professionalism
Scenario	May include boh time limited practical and written components	Strict time limits for each nursing station, requiring quick decision making
Scoring	Objective evaluation of nursing competencies and skills	Objective, standardized scoring based on performance at each nursing station

How to Crack OSCE: Strategies for Success

Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the OSCE format. Knowing what to expect at each station will help you approach the examination with confidence.
Practice Well: Engage in hands-on practice with OSCE-style scenarios. This can be done through mock exams, role-playing, or participating in OSCE preparation courses.
Focus on Time Management: OSCE is a timed examination. Develop effective time management skills to ensure you can complete each station within the allocated time.
Enhance Clinical Knowledge: Strengthen your theoretical knowledge as OSCE scenarios often require the application of clinical theory to practical situations. Be prepared to showcase your understanding in diverse clinical contexts.
Refine Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in nursing practice. Practice clear and concise communication, both with simulated patients and the examiners.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: OSCE is designed to test how well you perform under pressure. Develop strategies to stay calm and focused during the examination.

The shift from CAP to OSCE marks a positive evolution in the New Zealand nursing recruitment processes. It brings an enhanced and more holistic evaluation that aligns with international standards.

As aspirants prepare for this change, embracing a proactive approach to OSCE preparation will undoubtedly pave the way for success in their nursing careers in New Zealand. The OSCE is not just a new requirement; it’s an opportunity for nurses to showcase their practical skills and contribute to the high standards of healthcare in the country.

For further details regarding the process, feel free to contact Career Grids, one of the top New Zealand nursing recruitment agencies for New Zealand processing.