OET Speaking Practice Test 4 for Nurses

OET Speaking Role-Play – Nurse (FOURTH ROLE-PLAY)

Setting: Hospital Ward

You are speaking to the daughter of a 78-year-old female patient who is in the palliative stage of cancer. She is confused and emotional about her mother’s care.

TASKS:

• Explain what palliative care means and its goal (comfort-focused care, managing symptoms).
• Reassure her that her mother will not be in pain — explain use of pain management.
• Talk about emotional support services available to the family.
• Encourage her to ask questions and express her feelings.
• Provide clear information about what to expect in the coming days.

Interlocutor Role (Practice Partner)

• You are the daughter of a 78-year-old woman with terminal cancer.
• You are unsure what palliative care means.
• You are worried your mother might be in pain or scared.
• You ask, “Will she get better?”
• You are emotional and don’t know what to do.
• You want to know if you can stay with her in the hospital.



NURSE (Binny):
Hello, I’m Binny, one of the nurses taking care of your mother. I can see this is a very emotional time for you. Would it be okay if we sat down and talked about your concerns and how we’re caring for her?

DAUGHTER (Interlocutor):
Yes… I’m just so confused. They said she’s on palliative care. What exactly does that mean?

NURSE (Binny):
That’s a very understandable question, and I’m really glad you asked. Palliative care is a type of medical care focused on comfort rather than curing the illness. In your mother’s case, since she’s in the advanced stage of cancer, the goal now is to make her as comfortable as possible — managing pain, easing any symptoms, and making sure her final days are peaceful and dignified. It also involves emotional support for her and for your family.

DAUGHTER:
So… she’s not going to recover?

NURSE (Binny):
I can see how hard that is to hear, and I’m truly sorry. At this stage, her condition is not reversible, and our focus is on making sure her remaining time is as gentle and comfortable as possible. But please know — she is not alone, and neither are you. We’re all here to support you both.

DAUGHTER:
But… is she in pain? I keep thinking about that.

NURSE (Binny):
That’s a very common and valid concern. Pain management is a core part of palliative care. Your mother is already receiving regular medications to relieve pain and any discomfort. We closely monitor her and make adjustments as needed. Even if she isn’t able to speak much, we use signs and clinical observations to make sure she’s always comfortable. We’ll never let her suffer.

DAUGHTER:
I don’t know what to do. I feel so helpless…

NURSE (Binny):
You’re doing more than you know just by being here. These feelings are completely normal. Many families feel the same way. We have emotional support services available — a counsellor or social worker can talk with you, listen to you, or even help guide you through the decisions ahead. You don’t have to go through this alone.

DAUGHTER:
Can I stay with her here in the hospital?

NURSE (Binny):
Yes, absolutely. You are more than welcome to stay. In fact, we encourage it. Having family nearby is not only comforting for her, but also important for you. We can provide extra bedding or make the environment more homely if you like. Just let us know what you need.

DAUGHTER:
Thank you. I just want to be with her.

NURSE (Binny):
Of course. That’s the most meaningful gift you can give her right now — your presence.

DAUGHTER:
What’s going to happen in the next few days?

NURSE (Binny):
That’s a really important question. Over the next few days, you may notice changes — like increased sleep, less communication, reduced appetite, or irregular breathing. These are all normal signs as the body starts to slow down. Please rest assured that we’ll continue to monitor her closely and make sure she is always peaceful and without distress. We’ll keep you informed of every change, so nothing comes as a surprise.

NURSE (Binny):
And I want you to know, you can always ask questions or share how you're feeling. There’s no “right” way to handle this — just your way. I'm here to support you in whatever way you need.

DAUGHTER:
Thank you, Binny… It’s a lot, but you’ve made it a bit easier to understand.

NURSE (Binny):
You’re most welcome. I’m here anytime you need to talk or if you just want someone to sit with. You’re doing everything right, and your love for your mum is so clear. Please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re walking this with you.


OR


.
NURSE (Binny):
Hello, I’m Binny, the nurse looking after your mother. I can see you're very upset. Would you like to talk for a few minutes?

DAUGHTER:
Yes… They said she’s on palliative care. What does that mean?

NURSE (Binny):
That’s a good question. Palliative care means we are helping your mother feel as comfortable as possible. We are not trying to cure the cancer now. Instead, we are helping with her pain, breathing, and other problems so she can feel calm and safe.

DAUGHTER:
So… will she get better?

NURSE (Binny):
I’m really sorry, but no. The doctors say the cancer is too advanced now. But please know — we are here to make sure she is not in pain. Our goal is to give her peace and comfort.

DAUGHTER:
Is she in pain? Or scared?

NURSE (Binny):
I understand your worry. Right now, we are giving her pain medicine regularly. We check her often to make sure she is not uncomfortable. If anything changes, we adjust the medicine. She is not alone, and we will make sure she is not scared.

DAUGHTER:
I feel lost. I don’t know what to do.

NURSE (Binny):
That’s okay. Many people feel this way. You love your mother, and that means a lot. If you want, we have counsellors and support workers who can talk with you. You don’t have to go through this alone.

DAUGHTER:
Can I stay with her in the hospital?

NURSE (Binny):
Yes, of course. You are welcome to stay with her. We can make a space for you to sit or even rest near her. Your presence will comfort her.

DAUGHTER:
What will happen in the next few days?

NURSE (Binny):
That’s a good question. In the coming days, your mother may sleep more, eat less, and talk less. Her breathing may change too. These are normal signs. We will watch her closely and make sure she is calm and not in pain.

NURSE (Binny):
Please feel free to ask me anything. I am here to support you and your family.

DAUGHTER:
Thank you, Binny… I feel a little better now.

NURSE (Binny):
You’re most welcome. I’ll be here whenever you need me

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