Hey there! If you have landed on this page, chances are you are considering taking the first step toward your dream of becoming an Australian Registered Nurse. If that is the case, why not stick around and read through to the end of this article? You just might find exactly what you need.
“Working full-time and reviewing? I can’t even imagine!” “Wait, I still need to review nursing notes after a 10-hour shift? That’s insane!” “Me? Acing the NCLEX and OSCE while working full-time? That sounds impossible!” “I need a life!”
Sounds familiar? These might be your inner thoughts—or even words you have said out loud—while trying to picture how you’ll juggle a full-time job (or any major commitment) and exam preparation.
Anyone who has started the OBA pathway, processed their application, and booked their exam date knows how critical passing is to move forward. Doing all that while fully committing to other responsibilities is undeniably tough. But while it may seem overwhelming, it is far from impossible.
Many nurses have been in your position and successfully made it through! To help you on your journey, we have gathered valuable advice from those who have faced these hurdles—guiding and inspiring you to keep going.
7 Tips for passing OBA Pathway Exams for a Nurse
1. Assess Your Circumstances
Balancing commitments and exam preparation can feel overwhelming, especially when anxiety starts creeping in. But taking the time to assess your situation helps you gain clarity, establish a realistic timeline, and prepare financially, thus reducing unnecessary stress. By evaluating your commitments early, you can find ways to structure your study time effectively and focus on areas needing improvement. Understanding your strengths and challenges allows you to refine your study efforts, seek out the right resources, and improve your chances of success.
2. Create a Smart, Flexible, and Realistic Study Plan
A solid study plan is essential when juggling multiple priorities. It keeps you focused while allowing flexibility for adjustments along the way. Rather than cramming, a structured plan ensures your study time has a clear place in your daily routine. Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) also helps track your progress while keeping motivation high.
3. Engage in Active Learning
Active learning strategies—like practice questions, case scenarios, teaching others, simulations, and hands-on techniques—help reinforce knowledge, making retention more effective than passive methods like reading or watching lectures. It also boosts critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical judgment while allowing you to identify weak areas early on for better preparation.
4. Maximize Micro-Moments
Do you have small breaks throughout your day? Make them count.
"Micro-moments" are brief 5 to 15-minute windows in your schedule where you can squeeze in focused learning sessions—whether that is flashcard drills, audio reviews during commutes, watching short educational videos, or reviewing a single concept per break. These small, consistent efforts add up, keeping study materials fresh in your mind without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Find an Accountability Partner or Supportive Community
Studying alone can be tough, but having an accountability partner or supportive group makes a big difference! Connecting with others on the same journey offers motivation, encouragement, and collaborative learning opportunities—helping you reinforce knowledge, strengthen skills, and stay on track. Consider joining online study groups, teaming up with a fellow OBA candidate, or participating in group discussions to stay focused and inspired.
Enrolling in review programs or preparation courses can further streamline your study journey. At the College of NETA, we offer a variety of options to help you prepare for both the NCLEX and OSCE. Our courses are designed to keep you aligned with your goals while equipping you with the practical skills and essential knowledge needed for your exams. You will have the opportunity to connect with fellow nurses pursuing the same path and receive direct support from experienced educators. Plus, with our flexible payment schemes, you can focus more on your review and less on financial concerns.
6. Track Your Progress
When juggling commitments, it is easy to lose track of where you are standing. Monitoring your progress helps identify strengths and weaknesses, ensuring a targeted approach to improvement while maintaining momentum. Try using a study planner, tracking weekly mock test scores, or setting weekly mini goals to stay on top of your preparation.
7. Protect Your Energy
Your mental, emotional, and physical well-being matter. Protecting your energy ensures you stay sharp and focused throughout your preparation. Avoid burnout by practicing self-care, prioritizing sleep, setting realistic study goals, and taking breaks when needed. Remember, balance is key to performing at your best.
So—Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?
Pursuing the OBA pathway isn’t easy, but you got this. Many nurses have walked this path and made it—so why not you?
Time is ticking, and that dream of becoming an Australian Registered Nurse will remain just that—a dream—unless you take steps toward making it real.
If you're ready to start or want to learn more about how we can support you, head over to our Courses page and explore the programs that might be the perfect fit for you.
See you around!
