OET Speaking Role Play Test 5
OET Speaking Role-Play – Nurse (FIFTH ROLE-PLAY)
Setting: Mental Health Clinic
You are speaking to a 30-year-old patient who has been referred for support due to anxiety and sleep difficulties. The patient has never seen a mental health nurse before and is nervous about the appointment.
TASKS:
• Greet the patient and explain your role as a mental health nurse.
• Ask the patient about their symptoms (e.g., sleep, worry, physical symptoms).
• Provide reassurance and normalise the experience of anxiety.
• Explain simple strategies to manage anxiety (routine, relaxation techniques, avoiding caffeine, talking to someone).
• Discuss the option of further support (counselling, follow-up appointment).
• Encourage the patient to speak freely and ask questions.
Interlocutor Role (Practice Partner)
• You are a 30-year-old person who has been struggling with anxiety.
• You’ve never visited a mental health nurse before and feel nervous.
• You have trouble sleeping and feel tense most of the day.
• You’re afraid people will judge you for needing mental health support.
• You ask what will happen next and how long it might take to feel better.
SOLUTION ROLE-PLAY
Nurse Nishe:
Good morning. My name is Nurse Nishe, and I’m a mental health nurse here at the clinic. I know this might be your first visit, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous. I’m here to listen and support you. Would you like to start by telling me how you’ve been feeling?
Patient (Interlocutor):
Yes… I’ve been really anxious lately. I have trouble sleeping, and I feel tense all the time. I’ve never spoken to someone about this before.
Nurse Nishe:
Thank you for sharing that. You’re very brave for taking this first step. It’s not easy to open up, especially when it’s your first time. Can I ask—how long have you been having trouble with sleep and feeling tense?
Patient:
It’s been getting worse over the last few months. I lie in bed worrying, and my heart sometimes races during the day.
Nurse Nishe:
That sounds really distressing. Anxiety can cause both mental and physical symptoms—like difficulty sleeping, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, or even feeling like something bad might happen. These are more common than people think, and many go through something similar at some point.
Patient:
I’m also scared that people will judge me for needing help.
Nurse Nishe:
I understand, and I want to reassure you—there is no shame in asking for support. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. You're not alone, and getting help early can really make a difference.
Patient:
So… is there anything I can do to feel better?
Nurse Nishe:
Yes, there are some simple strategies we can start with. First, keeping a daily routine—like going to bed and waking up at the same time—can help your sleep improve. Try to avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening, as it can keep you alert. Gentle relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, light exercise, or even listening to calming music before bed, can also be helpful. And talking to someone you trust—a friend or family member—can reduce the pressure you’re carrying alone.
Patient:
That sounds helpful. What happens next?
Nurse Nishe:
The next step is to look at what kind of support will work best for you. One option is counselling, where you’ll talk with a trained professional to explore your thoughts and feelings. We can also schedule a follow-up appointment in a week or two to see how you’re doing and make any changes if needed. We’ll move at your pace.
Patient:
How long will it take to feel better?
Nurse Nishe:
That depends on the person—some people start to feel better in a few weeks, while for others, it might take a bit longer. What matters most is that you’re taking action. With time, support, and some practice with the tools we’ll discuss, you can absolutely feel better and more in control.
Patient:
Okay. That’s reassuring. I was so worried before I came in.
Nurse Nishe:
I’m really glad you came. You’ve taken a strong and important first step. This is a safe space, so please feel free to ask me anything, anytime—even if it seems small.
Patient:
Thank you, Nurse Nishe. That means a lot.
Nurse Nishe:
You’re very welcome. Before you go, I’ll give you a short handout with relaxation tips and a simple sleep tracker you can try at home. We’ll also book a follow-up, and if you ever feel overwhelmed, you can call the clinic or talk to someone anytime. You're not alone in this.