Perspectives and experiences of newly registered nurses surrounding the objective structured clinical examination in an obstetrics and gynecology hospital: A qualitative study in Shanghai, China

• Published in: Nurse education today 2023-05, Vol.124, p.105754-105754, Article 105754
• Main Authors: Zhang, Runa, Wu, Xiaoyun, Zhong, Minhui, Yu, Chan, Yu, Jia, Jiang, Jinxia, Duan, Xia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: China; Clinical competence; Evaluation; Female; Gynecology - education; Humans; Newly registered nurses; Nurses; OSCE; Physical Examination; Pregnancy; Qualitative Research; Qualitative study
• ISSN: 0260-6917; 1532-2793
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2023.105754

Newly registered nurses in China are required to attend two years of standardized training programs after graduation, and an evaluation of the training program's effectiveness is critical. The objective structured clinical examination is a relatively new and objective approach to exploring the effectiveness of training programs and is increasingly being encouraged and used in clinics. However, the perspectives and experiences of newly registered nurses in obstetrics and gynecology regarding the objective structured clinical examination are unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate newly registered nurses' perspectives and experiences of the objective structured clinical examination in an obstetrics and gynecology hospital. This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach. Twenty-four newly registered nurses taking the objective structured clinical examination in a third-level obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Shanghai, China. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted between July and August 2021. The Colaizzi seven-step framework was applied for data analysis. Three main themes and six sub-themes emerged: 1) high satisfaction with the objective structured clinical examination; 2) gaining experience and growing as nurses; and 3) high pressure. The objective clinical structured examination can be used to assess the competence of newly registered nurses after training in an obstetrics and gynecology hospital. The examination not only enables an objective and comprehensive evaluation of others and self-evaluation but also leads to positive psychological experiences in newly registered nurses. However, interventions are needed to relieve examination pressure and to provide effective support for participants. The objective clinical structured examination can be incorporated into the training assessment system; this study provides a basis for improving training programs and the training of newly registered nurses. •The OSCE effectively assesses the competence of newly registered nurses in China.•It also provides newly registered nurses with a positive psychological experience.•However, interventions to relieve exam pressures and provide support for nurses are required.