Nursing - Speaking - Role-Play Card 1

🩺 Stages in the Progression of the OET Nursing Role-Play

1. Introduction

Greet the patient warmly and establish rapport.

Confirm the patient’s identity (e.g., “Mr./Ms. Smith, right?”).

Introduce yourself and your role.

Explain the purpose of the conversation.

> “Your doctor has asked me to show you how to give yourself insulin injections today.”





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2. Opening the Discussion / Establishing Reason for Visit

Confirm why the patient has come.

Clarify their understanding of the situation.

> “Can you tell me what you already know about insulin injections?”



Check their feelings or concerns.

> “How do you feel about starting insulin?”





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3. Exploring Concerns and Emotions

Encourage the patient to express anxiety, fear, or hesitation.

> “You mentioned you feel anxious — could you tell me more about that?”



Acknowledge and empathize.

> “It’s completely understandable to feel nervous about this.”





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4. Providing Information and Reassurance

Give clear, simple explanations about:

Why insulin is necessary now.

How it works and why it’s effective.

That it’s safe and manageable with practice.


Reassure and normalize their feelings.

> “Most people find it easier once they’ve done it a few times.”





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5. Explaining and Demonstrating Procedure

Describe or demonstrate the injection process step-by-step:

Washing hands, preparing the injection, inserting at the right angle, timing, etc.

Explain safe needle disposal and insulin storage.


Encourage patient participation or demonstration.



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6. Checking Understanding and Readiness

Ask if everything is clear.

> “Does that make sense so far?”



Encourage the patient to express understanding or remaining concerns.

Assess willingness to self-inject under supervision.

> “Would you like to try giving yourself the first injection while I observe?”





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7. Conclusion

Summarize the key points covered.

Reinforce reassurance and next steps.

> “You’ve done really well today. With practice, this will soon become routine.”



Offer follow-up support and close politely.

> “If you ever have questions, please contact the clinic anytime.”





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✅ Final Structure (7 Stages):

1. Introduction


2. Opening the Discussion


3. Exploring Concerns and Emotions


4. Providing Information and Reassurance


5. Explaining and Demonstrating Procedure


6. Checking Understanding and Readiness


7. Conclusion

💉 OET Nursing Role-Play Script

Setting: Medical Clinic
Patient: 60-year-old with type 2 diabetes, anxious about starting insulin
Nurse (You): Candidate


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1. Introduction

Nurse:
Good morning, Mr. Smith. My name is Nurse Rebecca, and I’ll be looking after you today.
Before we begin, could you please confirm your full name and date of birth?

Patient:
Yes, I’m John Smith, born on the 12th of April, 1965.

Nurse:
Thank you, Mr. Smith. The doctor mentioned that you’re here so I can show you how to give yourself insulin injections. Is that right?

Patient:
Yes, that’s what I was told.

Nurse:
Great. Before we start, I’d like to understand how you’re feeling about this. Is that okay?


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2. Opening the Discussion

Nurse:
You’ve been managing your diabetes with tablets and diet so far — how has that been going for you?

Patient:
It’s been fine, actually. I’ve managed well until now, so I’m not sure why I need injections.

Nurse:
I completely understand. Many people feel uncertain when their treatment changes. Would you like me to explain why insulin is being added at this stage?

Patient:
Yes, please.

Nurse:
Recently, your blood sugar levels have been a bit high even with the tablets. So, your doctor has prescribed insulin to help bring them back to a safer range.


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3. Exploring Concerns and Emotions

Nurse:
I understand that starting injections can sound a bit worrying. How do you feel about it?

Patient:
Honestly, I’m a bit anxious. I don’t like the idea of injecting myself. I don’t think I’ll be able to do it.

Nurse:
That’s a very common concern, Mr. Smith. Many people feel the same at first. It takes time, but I’ll make sure you feel confident and comfortable before you start doing it on your own. Does that sound okay?

Patient:
Yes, that helps.


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4. Providing Information and Reassurance

Nurse:
Let me explain a little about insulin. It’s a natural hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells. Tablets sometimes stop being effective over time, but insulin works faster and more efficiently because it goes directly into your bloodstream.

Patient:
I see. So, it’s stronger than the tablets?

Nurse:
Exactly. And it helps protect your organs from long-term damage. With a bit of practice, you’ll find it’s quite manageable.
Would you like me to go through how it’s done?

Patient:
Yes, please.


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5. Explaining and Demonstrating Procedure

Nurse:
Alright. First, you’ll need to wash and dry your hands. Then prepare your injection pen.
You’ll pinch a bit of skin on your abdomen or thigh and insert the needle at about a 45 to 90-degree angle. Keep it in place for around 5 to 10 seconds before removing it.

Patient:
That doesn’t sound too bad.

Nurse:
Not at all. And you’ll need to rotate injection sites each time — this prevents lumps and helps your body absorb insulin evenly.
Used needles must go in a sharps container, and unopened insulin should be stored in the refrigerator — away from direct sunlight or heat.

Patient:
Okay, that’s clear.


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6. Checking Understanding and Readiness

Nurse:
You’ve followed that really well, Mr. Smith. Do you have any questions so far?

Patient:
No, I think I understand. It’s much clearer now.

Nurse:
That’s excellent. Would you feel comfortable giving it a try now, with me here to guide you?

Patient:
Yes, I think I’m ready. I actually feel much better about it.

Nurse:
That’s wonderful to hear. Let’s go step by step together.


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7. Conclusion

Nurse:
You did really well today, Mr. Smith. The first time is always the hardest, but with practice, it becomes second nature.
Just remember to check the insulin, use clean equipment, and store it safely.

Patient:
Thank you, nurse. I feel confident now.

Nurse:
You’re most welcome. If you have any questions or face any difficulty, please contact the clinic anytime. Take care, Mr. Smith.


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✅ Summary of the 7 Stages

Stage Focus Key Purpose

1 Introduction Build rapport, confirm identity, introduce purpose
2 Opening the discussion Establish reason for visit, check understanding
3 Exploring emotions Elicit fears, show empathy
4 Providing reassurance Explain importance and benefits of insulin
5 Demonstrating process Explain step-by-step procedure clearly
6 Checking understanding Assess readiness, clarify doubts
7 Conclusion Summarize, encourage, close professionally