For anyone that doesn't know an OSCE is an Objective Structured Clinical Exam...make sense? No...no it didn't to me the first time I heard it either. Our first OSCE was in our first year. We had to demonstrate how we'd perform an antenatal examination, and give out medication. So it's basically a role play but with added explanation of what we are doing and why. This year our OSCE is an Obstetric Emergency and we don't know yet which one it will be. I've been revising for ages and my head is spinning but the exam is tomorrow. The topic could be one of five - shoulder dystocia, breech, cord prolapse, post partum hemorrhage or malpresentation. During my time in placement I have seen all of these except breech.
So we've spent time learning various different manoeuvres and emergency protocols and mnemonics and asking lots of questions. Oh and of course trying our best to second guess what the topic will be tomorrow. No-one likes exams I am sure and we all have our favourite topic that we are hoping it will be. However we also all have our least favourite topic and I think we are all in agreement as to which one we don't want it to be. We don't want it to be malpresentations because we don't really feel that it is an obstetric emergency. There is very little that we do and as a result it will be all questions and talking and very little doing.
Personally I think I'd like it to be a shoulder dystocia. There is a variety of manoeuvres and there is also a lot to talk about. Alternatively I think I'd be ok with post partum hemorrhage as again I think there is lots to talk about. I would hate to finish too early because I'd run out of things to say. I am sure nerves will add to me forgetting loads though. I don't know whether or not it's a good thing that I am not until the end of the day either. I've got all day for last minute revision but also all day to get more and more nervous. I think I will try and avoid anyone leaving as I don't want to see how they feel it went.
Anyway please send me some nice good luck vibes tomorrow! And fingers crossed I won't have to wait too long for the result!!
