OET Nursing Speaking: Role Plays, Samples & Practice
Prepare for the OET nursing speaking test with two timed role plays, 3-minute prep, and patient-friendly communication aligned to the official assessment criteria. This page focuses on OET nursing speaking practice and role-play scenarios so you can speak with confidence on test day.
Popular role-play scenarios
2
3 min each
20 min
9
OET Nursing Speaking Test Format
The Occupational English Test (OET) speaking test for nurses is built around two role plays. You will use a role card to guide the interaction, gather information, explain care, and finish with clear next steps.
Prep (3 minutes)
Read the role card, identify tasks, and plan a clear structure.
Role Play 1 (5 minutes)
Gather information, explain clearly, and finish with next steps.
Role Play 2 (5 minutes)
Handle a new scenario with empathy, clarity, and safety-netting.
Patient-friendly wrap-up
Summarize, check understanding, and confirm what happens next.
Skills you are scored on
Assessment criterion
Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation that support listener understanding
Assessment criterion
Smooth, appropriately paced delivery without excessive hesitation
Assessment criterion
Language, tone, and professionalism suitable for the patient or carer
Assessment criterion
Accurate, flexible grammar and vocabulary for clinical communication
Assessment criterion
Rapport, empathy, and active listening throughout the interaction
Assessment criterion
Elicit and acknowledge patient concerns, values, and expectations
Assessment criterion
Clear signposting, sequencing, and summarizing to guide the interaction
Assessment criterion
Collect relevant information using appropriate questioning strategies
Assessment criterion
Explain findings, options, and instructions in patient-friendly language
Role-play scenarios you will practice
OET nursing speaking practice focuses on patient care conversations. Train the scenarios that appear most often so you can handle them confidently on test day.
Pain assessment, dressing changes, warning signs
Side effects, timing, and reassurance
Teach-back, activity restrictions, follow-up visits
Lifestyle counseling and shared decision-making
A simple daily plan for OET nursing speaking practice
The fastest way to improve is consistent, timed practice. Use this routine to build confidence with every role play.
Warm-up in plain English
Summarize the role card tasks in simple, patient-friendly language.
Structure the role play
Open warmly, gather information, explain, then close with next steps.
Build rapport
Use empathy statements and check understanding throughout.
Safety-netting
Explain warning signs and when to seek urgent care.
Key topics to cover
History taking and assessment
presenting complaint, background history, risk factors
Explaining findings
plain language explanations, checking understanding, next steps
Treatment and care planning
options and consent, instructions, safety netting
Relationship building and the patient's perspective
empathy, concerns, shared decision-making
Wound care and monitoring
wound care review, post-operative instructions, medication administration checks
Patient education and discharge
wound care review, post-operative instructions, medication administration checks
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Using too much medical jargon without paraphrasing
- Not allowing the patient to express concerns fully
- Speaking too quickly for patient comprehension
- Forgetting to check understanding or summarize next steps
- Missing empathy statements when delivering sensitive information
OET Nursing Speaking FAQs
How is the OET nursing speaking test structured?
OET nursing speaking has two role plays. Each has 3 minutes of preparation and about 5 minutes of interaction, making the speaking test around 20 minutes total.
What is an OET nursing speaking role play?
A role play is a nurse-patient scenario based on a role card. You complete clinical communication tasks such as history taking, explaining care, and confirming next steps.
Do you provide OET nursing speaking practice and samples?
Yes. This page focuses on OET nursing speaking practice with role-play style prompts and guidance aligned to the official assessment criteria.
What score do I need for OET nursing speaking?
Many regulators require a Grade B (350+) in Speaking. Always check the exact requirement for your country or employer.
Is the OET speaking test nursing-specific?
Yes. Nursing role plays focus on patient education, care planning, wound care, and safe discharge communication.
How do I improve quickly for the OET nursing speaking test?
Practice structured role plays, use plain language, show empathy, and always summarize and safety-net. Repetition with timed practice improves fluency and confidence.