Practical exams can be extremely overwhelming. Not only are you expected to know about the topic but somehow you have to be composed enough to present it to the examiners. It’s no wonder that some will fail this type of exam on first attempt and sometimes in failing we learn a little bit more about ourselves and about the experience. This is done through reflection and it is through reflection that we learn, by properly embedding that learning so that we can perform or be better next time.
The nature of health care studies requires there to be a practical element to the degree and whilst the professions are themselves practically based, rarely does so much stress and tension compress into such a small amount of time, than during an exam. Just because you fail, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t any good at the practical skills, you just might not thrive under pressure. Now within any healthcare profession, there is going to be pressure. Pressure from the patients, the MDT, from yourself, so pretending that you will never have to overcome the overwhelm experienced in an exam is futile. This is not to put you off, more to point out that these types of exams are the ideal opportunity to explore and employ coping strategies, where patients or colleagues are not part of the situation or equation. Experiencing an exam, with all its stress and ‘now or never’ pressure is the perfect time to make the mistakes, to not have the answers or know what to say. Rather in the exam than in front of a patient.
My point is, so you failed. You now have a better understanding of the pressure and what to expect. That makes us more resilient and helps us be more prepared, and the exams help to prepare professionals to cope with a plethora of challenges on the front line of health care. A failed exam just offers valuable opportunities to learn more and practice better, an inconvenience – yes, but also a benefit in the long run.
Ultimately there is nothing wrong in failing but it is a problem if you don’t make use of learning opportunity it presents. If you feel you might benefit from talking through, or being shown how you can improve practical exam preparation approach then contact me for a free 30minute introductory chat, with no obligation to pay for any sessions.
Alternatively you could take a look at the OSCE prep tool by clicking HERE.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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