OET Speaking Role-Play Test 32
OET Speaking Role-Play – Nurse (THIRTY-SECOND ROLE-PLAY)
Setting: Hospital Room
You are speaking to a 29-year-old woman who has just given birth via caesarean section. She is experiencing pain, feeling overwhelmed, and has questions about recovery and caring for the baby.
TASKS:
• Acknowledge and reassure her that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed post-delivery.
• Explain what to expect during caesarean recovery (e.g. abdominal pain, limited mobility, stitches care).
• Advise on pain relief options and encourage her to take prescribed medications.
• Provide tips on safe movements and lifting techniques when holding or feeding the baby.
• Talk about emotional wellbeing (baby blues vs. postnatal depression), and offer support resources.
• Encourage her to ask questions, share her concerns, and accept help from family or hospital staff.
Interlocutor Role (Practice Partner)
• You are a 29-year-old woman who had a caesarean birth.
• You are feeling very tired and in pain.
• You are anxious about caring for your baby while recovering.
• You ask how long recovery will take and when you’ll feel stronger.
• You are worried about postnatal depression and how to know if it’s serious.
Nurse Binny:
Good morning! My name is Nurse Binny, and I’m here to check in on you. I understand you’ve just gone through a caesarean birth — congratulations on your baby! How are you feeling today?
Patient:
Honestly, I’m really tired and in pain. Everything feels overwhelming, especially with the baby.
Nurse Binny:
Thank you for being honest. It's absolutely normal to feel this way. You’ve just had major surgery, and on top of that, you’re caring for a newborn — it’s a lot. You're not alone, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Patient:
How long will it take to recover? I feel so weak, and I don’t know how I’ll manage with the baby.
Nurse Binny:
That’s a very common concern. Recovery from a caesarean typically takes about 6 weeks, but many women start feeling stronger within 2 to 3 weeks. You might feel abdominal pain, and your mobility will be limited for a few days. It’s important to avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby and take movements slowly — especially when getting in and out of bed.
Patient:
I’ve been avoiding the pain medicine because I’m breastfeeding. Is it okay to take them?
Nurse Binny:
Yes, I understand your concern. But rest assured, the pain relief medications we’ve prescribed are safe during breastfeeding. Managing your pain will actually help you move more easily and care for your baby better. So please don’t hesitate to take them regularly as advised.
Patient:
I’m afraid I might drop the baby while trying to hold or feed him. It hurts when I move too much.
Nurse Binny:
You're not alone in feeling that way — many mothers share this fear after a caesarean. To make things easier, try using a pillow to support your baby when feeding, and avoid sudden twisting or bending. Let your partner or our team help you position the baby until you’re more comfortable.
Patient:
Also… I’ve been crying a lot. I’m worried it might be postnatal depression. How do I know?
Nurse Binny:
Thank you for opening up — it’s really important to talk about this. It’s common to experience what we call the "baby blues" in the first week — mood swings, tearfulness, and tiredness. But if these feelings last longer than two weeks, or you feel disconnected from your baby, hopeless, or unable to cope, it might be more serious. Please know that support is available, and you can speak with our mental health nurse or a counsellor. You're not alone.
Patient:
That’s a relief to hear. I just want to do everything right, but I feel so unsure.
Nurse Binny:
You're doing really well already by speaking up. Please remember, it's okay to accept help — from your partner, your family, or from us here in the hospital. Your well-being is just as important as the baby’s. Do you have any other concerns or questions you’d like to ask?
Patient:
Not at the moment, but it helps a lot just hearing this.
Nurse Binny:
I’m really glad to hear that. You're strong, and with rest, support, and time, you’ll start to feel more confident. We’ll keep checking on you regularly, and you’re welcome to call us any time for help.