OET Writing for Nurses: The Ultimate Guide (2025)

If you’re preparing for the OET Writing sub-test for nurses, you’re not alone. Many healthcare professionals find this part of the exam stressful—not because they lack medical knowledge, but because they struggle to write in clear, professional English under exam conditions.

In this 2025 updated guide, we’ll break down exactly what the OET Writing task involves, the scoring criteria, and the most effective OET writing tips for nurses to help you achieve a high score.

What Is the OET Writing Sub-Test for Nurses?

The Occupational English Test (OET) Writing sub-test assesses your ability to communicate in professional healthcare English. As a nurse, you’ll be asked to write a formal letter based on a set of patient case notes.

The three most common OET letter types are:

• Referral letter – when you refer a patient to another professional for further assessment or treatment.
• Discharge letter – when you update the next caregiver after the patient leaves your care.
• Transfer letter – when you hand over responsibility to another ward or healthcare facility.

The 6 OET Writing Assessment Criteria (Explained)

OET examiners grade your writing using six key criteria. Understanding these is essential for your OET exam preparation.

1. Purpose – Is the reason for writing clear in the opening?

   • ✅ State the purpose within the first one or two sentences.

2. Content – Have you included all the relevant information (and excluded irrelevant details)?

   • ✅ Focus on clinical significance for the recipient.

3. Conciseness & Clarity – Is your writing precise and easy to follow?

   • ✅ Avoid long, wordy sentences. Get straight to the point.

4. Genre & Style – Does it sound like a professional medical letter?

   • ✅ Use a formal tone and respectful language throughout.

5. Organization & Layout – Is your letter structured correctly?

   • ✅ Use the standard OET letter format. A winning structure looks like this:
     • Paragraph 1: Introduction. State the patient’s full name and immediately declare the purpose of the letter.
     • Paragraph 2: Summary of Background. Briefly cover the relevant medical history and reason for admission.
     • Paragraph 3: Hospital Stay / Current Condition. Detail the treatment provided and the patient’s current clinical status.
     • Paragraph 4: The ‘Ask’ / Future Plan. Clearly outline the specific tasks you need the recipient to perform.

6. Language – Are your grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation accurate?

   • ✅ Use appropriate medical English and double-check for small errors.

5 High-Impact OET Writing Tips for Nurses (2025)

1. Translate Case Notes into Professional Prose

Your primary task is to transform fragmented case notes into clear, formal sentences. Never copy notes word-for-word.

Case Notes:

• Patient: Mrs. Jeanette Harding, 68 y.o.
• Adm: 3 days ago, chest pain, SOB.
• Dx: Unstable angina.
• Background: Hx of hypertension (10 yrs), Type 2 diabetes (5 yrs). Lives alone.
• Treatment: Angiogram, one stent in RCA. Meds adjusted. BP stable ~130/80.
• Plan: Discharge home tomorrow. Needs community nurse for wound check & med compliance.

Transformed into a Referral Letter Paragraph:

“I am writing to refer Mrs. Jeanette Harding, a 68-year-old patient who is being discharged tomorrow following a successful coronary angioplasty. She was admitted three days ago with unstable angina and subsequently had a stent inserted into her right coronary artery. Her post-procedure recovery has been unremarkable, and her blood pressure is now stable at approximately 130/80 mmHg. Mrs. Harding will require follow-up care for a wound check and ongoing monitoring of her medication adherence. Therefore, I would be grateful if you could arrange a home visit.”

2. Strengthen Your Vocabulary with a Phrase Bank

Using standard, professional phrases shows fluency. Memorize a few key phrases for each section of the letter.

3. Always Maintain a Professional Tone

Address the recipient respectfully (e.g., “Dear Dr. Evans,”) and avoid informal language, slang, or contractions (use “do not” instead of “don’t”).

4. Master the Winning OET Letter Structure

A clear structure is non-negotiable. Logical paragraphing ensures the reader can quickly find the information they need.

5. Simulate Exam Conditions When You Practice

The biggest challenge is time pressure. Stick to the recommended 45-minute breakdown:

• 5 minutes → Plan: Read notes, identify recipient, select relevant info.
• 35 minutes → Write: Draft the letter.
• 5 minutes → Proofread: Check for errors. This final check can make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts on OET Writing Success

Success in the OET Writing for nurses sub-test is about more than just good English. You need to show that you can write clear, concise, and clinically relevant letters that meet professional healthcare standards.

By focusing on the six assessment criteria, using proven structures, and practicing with real case notes, you can approach exam day with confidence.