ABSTRACT: Assessing clinical competence in medical professionals typically involves both work-based assessment and simulated clinical examinations. Student veterinary nurses are assessed through the Nursing Progress Log during placement, then by means of practical examinations – objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). Time-constrained scenario-based practical examinations (TSPEs) are adapted from traditional OSCEs, including assessment of similar practical skills, but by means of a single patient scenario. This article introduces the theory behind using TSPEs and covers practical considerations for course teams considering adopting this assessment style.

Author(s)

Emily J. Hall MA VetMB PGCAP MRSB MRCVS FHEA

Emily qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2007 and has worked in small animal first opinion practice ever since. Emily now course leads the BSc (top-up) in Veterinary Nursing Science and teaches veterinary nursing students on both the FdSc and BSc courses at Nottingham Trent University. Emily continues to work in small animal first opinion practice at weekends.

Email: Emily.hall@ntu.ac.uk

Alison Simpson RVN TAQA FHEA

Alison qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1994, working in small animal practice before moving into veterinary nursing education. Alison has also worked for the National Blood Service and examined for the RCVS. She joined Nottingham Trent University in 2008 as Veterinary Nursing Centre Manager, responsible for overseeing practical skills teaching and assessment.

Heather Imrie BVetMed PhD PGHE MRCVS FHEA

Heather qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 1989. Having spent some time in mixed practice she undertook a PhD at the University of Nottingham and then spent time working as a post-doctoral research assistant with an interest in immunology. She became a lecturer at Nottingham Trent University in 2013, working as a lecturer as part of the Veterinary Nursing team.

Nicola Ruedisueli RVN PGCHE FHEA CertVNRT PGDip Veterinary Education.

Nikki began her veterinary nursing career at Liverpool University Small Animal Hospital. She worked in both private and referral practice, then moved to Mars UK providing nutritional technical advice to veterinary professionals. Nikki moved to Nottingham Trent University in 2007 establishing and course leading the FdSc in Veterinary Nursing. She still works in a small animal hospital at weekends.

Keywords: OSCEs; TSPEs; practical examination

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 34 (06) • June 2019 pp154-158

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