Paving the way for global nurses
By Greg Chapman
CQUniversity Nursing Lecturer Dr Chanchal Kurup is determined that internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) can help bolster Australia’s nursing workforce.
Dr Kurup is the Head of Course for the Preparation Program for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA’s) Registered Nurse Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which is designed to help overseas-trained nurses prepare for the practical OSCE examination required by the NMBA for registration in Australia.
“This course was developed in response to a high failure rate in the OSCE among internationally qualified nurses,” Dr Kurup said.
“Many candidates were entering the examination without a clear understanding of its specific requirements. By providing structured, targeted training, we aim to bridge this gap, enhance exam preparedness, and ensure that candidates are well-equipped to meet Australian clinical standards.”
She said the program is crucial in supporting IQNs in transitioning to the Australian healthcare system.
“It equips them with the necessary clinical competencies to meet NMBA standards while reinforcing their confidence and professional readiness. By integrating recruitment strategies with best practices and targeted training programs, we are redefining how healthcare systems recognise, validate, and fully utilise specialised nursing expertise.
Dr Kurup has also been instrumental in new research to support the course and recently received her doctorate on improving international nurse recruitment.
“In my role at CQU and as a researcher in my field of expertise, I am setting new standards in recruitment by implementing evidence-based practices that ensure IQNs are assessed fairly and effectively,” she said.
She has advocated for the use of structured hiring checklists to standardise the recruitment process, ensuring that all relevant skills are properly evaluated.
“Additionally, I support the use of professional translation services where needed, preventing language barriers from leading to the oversight of valuable qualifications,” she said.
“To mitigate institutional bias, I promote anonymous CVs and credential-based shortlisting, ensuring that hiring decisions are made based on skills and competencies rather than unconscious biases.
“These strategies not only improve fairness in recruitment but also assist nurse managers in making more effective and informed hiring decisions.”
The Preparation Program for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA’s) Registered Nurse Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is structured to be completed over approximately three months, with an estimated commitment of 160 hours.
This hyperflexible (Be different) learning approach, ensures flexibility while providing comprehensive preparation tailored to the varied backgrounds of our candidates.
Graduates of the OSCE Preparation Program benefit from improved exam performance, increased confidence, and a smoother transition into the Australian healthcare system.
By enhancing their readiness for the NMBA Registered Nurse (RN) OSCE, the course not only improves registration outcomes but also strengthens career prospects and long-term professional development.
