14th Cohort Nursing Students and Their Challenging OSCE Examination -

On April 10, 2025, 14th cohort students from the Faculty of Nursing at Trưng Vương University had their first experience with the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This is one of the key activities for assessing practical skills, helping students better prepare for real-world healthcare environments.

The students were challenged with four fundamental and essential technical nursing stations.

Four Skill Stations That Challenged the Students

The exam was designed with four specialized technical stations, each requiring students to demonstrate accurate practical skills within a limited time:

Station 1: Gastric Lavage Technique
At this station, students had to properly carry out the procedure for inserting a nasogastric tube: preparing the patient, measuring the tube, verifying correct placement in the stomach, and performing gastric lavage safely. This technique required meticulousness and the ability to handle unexpected situations during the procedure.

Station 2: Deep Intramuscular Injection Technique
Students were required to perform safe intramuscular injections, including the full “three checks, five rights” protocol, identifying the correct injection site, angle, and dosage. Supervisors particularly evaluated students’ ability to safely identify the gluteal injection site to avoid nerve or blood vessel injury.

Station 3: Wound Dressing and Cleaning Technique
This station required students to demonstrate aseptic technique while changing dressings, cleaning wounds, and evaluating wound condition. Students had to show proficiency in using medical instruments correctly and applying effective infection prevention measures.

Station 4: Intravenous Fluid Infusion Technique
As the final station, students had to properly prepare the patient, tools, and sterile environment, then safely set up the IV infusion system. Evaluators assessed every step—from checking the medication and preparing tools to inserting the needle, adjusting the flow rate, instructing the patient, and documenting the procedure.

Ms. Tưởng Thị Bích Thạch, MSc., Vice Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, stated:
“The OSCE exam is a practical activity that helps students reinforce their hands-on skills and gain more confidence before graduation. We highly appreciate the students’ serious attitude and thorough preparation this year.”

Ms. Ninh Thị Minh Thoa, Nursing Faculty Lecturer, commented:
“Most students followed the correct aseptic protocols and injection techniques. However, some were still hesitant in patient communication and handling sudden situations.”

Student Experiences

YangChy, a student from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (14th cohort Nursing class), shared:
“I was very nervous before the exam but also excited to demonstrate my skills. The exam helped me recognize my strengths and weaknesses to continue improving before graduation.”

Lò Hà Vân Anh, another student from the 14th cohort Nursing class, said:
“The gastric lavage station was the biggest challenge for me. However, thanks to the dedicated guidance from my instructors, I was able to complete the task well.”

The OSCE concluded successfully, leaving behind valuable lessons for both students and instructors. It also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to improving the quality of nursing education to meet the growing healthcare needs of society.