OET Writing Tips for Nurses
Write it clearly, write it safely.
Writing is the section most nurses find hardest in OET. This guide explains what the assessors look for and gives you a clear structure to write a strong referral or discharge letter.
What the task involves
In OET Writing for nursing, you read a set of case notes about a patient and write a letter, usually a referral or discharge letter, to another health professional. You have reading time to study the notes, then time to write a letter of around 180 to 200 words in the body.
What assessors look for
OET assesses your letter against criteria including:
- Purpose: is the reason for writing clear from the start?
- Content: have you included the information the reader needs, and left out what they do not?
- Conciseness and clarity: is the letter easy to read and free of unnecessary detail?
- Genre and style: is the tone professional and appropriate for the reader?
- Organisation and layout: is information grouped logically in paragraphs?
- Language: are grammar, spelling and punctuation accurate?
How to select case notes
The biggest mistake is copying every case note. Ask yourself: what does this reader need to continue care safely? A community nurse needs to know about wound care and mobility at home, not every detail of the hospital stay. Mark each note as essential, useful or irrelevant before you write.
A simple letter structure
- Opening paragraph: name the patient, why you are writing and what you are asking the reader to do.
- Background: brief, relevant history and the reason for admission.
- Current situation: treatment given, current condition and any concerns.
- Requests and plan: what the reader should do, follow-up and education given.
- Closing: a short professional closing line.
Short example opening
“I am writing to refer Mrs Ann Byrne, a 78-year-old woman who is being discharged home today following treatment for a left leg cellulitis. She requires daily wound review and support with mobility.”
Notice how the purpose and request are clear in the first two sentences.
Language tips
- Use full sentences, not note form.
- Change note language into clear prose: “SOB on exertion” becomes “She becomes short of breath on exertion.”
- Use the past tense for history and the present tense for current status.
- Avoid abbreviations the reader might not understand.
- Check articles (a, an, the) and plurals carefully.
Common mistakes
- Writing too much and including irrelevant notes
- Hiding the purpose in the second paragraph
- Using a casual tone
- Making the letter one long paragraph
- Leaving no time to proofread
How to practise
Use official OET practice materials, write under timed conditions, and get feedback from a qualified OET teacher. Compare your letters with model answers and focus on what was selected and why. Read our IELTS vs OET guide to decide which test suits you.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should an OET letter be?
The body is usually around 180 to 200 words. Focus on relevance rather than length.
Can I use bullet points in OET writing?
Generally no. Write in clear paragraphs.
Is OET writing harder than IELTS writing?
Many nurses find OET writing more familiar because it uses clinical scenarios.
Next step: NMBI documents
Prepare everything for your application.
