As a nurse preparing for the OET exam, the OET writing sample for nurses can be the best study strategy one can follow to score high in the OET writing sub-test. But why? Because it is considered the hardest part of the OET exam, as you need to meet six important criteria, mainly purpose, content, clarity, and conciseness, the right style and format, and good organization. To make your OET preparation smoother, in our blog below, you will discover the OET writing samples for referral, transfer, and discharge letters with tips to ace the OET writing sub-test.
Table of Contents
Before we talk about the OET writing sample for nurses, let's first discuss what the OET writing sub-test is. The OET (Occupational English Test) writing sub-test for nurses in the OET exam is a section that is used to assess the nurse’s ability to communicate effectively in the English language within a healthcare setting.
In the OET letter writing for nurses, you will be asked to write a letter within a specific word count (180-200) and time limit (45 minutes) based on the provided cases. The main purpose of this task is to convey important information to other healthcare professionals like a doctor.
Even though there are several types of OET letter writing, the main ones are based on referral letters, transfers, discharge, urgent, and updates.
As we already mentioned above, in the writing section, the OET letter format for nurses is designed to assess how effectively and concisely you can communicate common professional situations to the reader.
To help you prepare for this, you can check out the OET writing practice test for nurses, as it imitates the actual writing task, and it will allow you to not only develop but even refine your ability to convey important patient information clearly and accurately.
Even though there is no live role-play in the OET letter format for nurses, the exam is based on a simulated professional scenario. In the role-playing scenario, you will be given a situation in the case notes which you will have to answer by taking the role of a nurse who is involved in a patient’s care.
In this OET writing subtest, you will be given details like who you are writing to, why, and what the main information is that you need to convey in the letter, by following the same way as you would in a real-life situation as a nurse.
An important aspect of the OET exam is your ability to interpret case notes effectively. In the case note, you will find both relevant and irrelevant information, and you have to:
For example, in the case notes, you might get note-style entries like “BP 160/100 mmHg; hx of HTN; non-compliant with meds” that you will need to rephrase into a complete and formal sentence like: “The patient has a history of hypertension and has not been compliant with her prescribed medication. Her current blood pressure is 160/100 mmHg.”
All this might sound a little complex and overwhelming, however, checking the OET writing sample for nurses and understanding the structure of the OET writing task can help you in a big way.
In the OET writing task, you will be asked to write a formal letter, which is usually either a discharge, transfer, or referral letter. You will have to write this letter in under 180-200 words and follow a general structure which will include:
1. Introduction:
The first part of the OET letter writing for nurses is the introduction, which is generally used to show the purpose of the letter. In the introduction, you are expected to write short sentences that will set the context, like referring to a patient, providing a discharge summary, or requesting further treatment. Just keep in mind that in the introduction, you have to address who you are writing to and why.
2. Main Body:
The next is the main body where you will have to add the details from the case notes. This is the most important part of the OET letter writing for nurses, so make sure that you organize this section logically and, most importantly, in paragraphs. Here, you should add information like:
Since this is such an important part of the whole OET writing test, make sure that you take up a few extra OET letter sample. This will help you learn how to write the body concisely while being thorough and ensuring that all the important points are covered.
3. Closing:
Once you are done with the main body of the letter, you will have to write a closing paragraph where you will need to summarize what the expected actions or the next steps are. In this, you should:
4. Sign-off:
The last part of the OET letter format for nurses is signing off, where you need to end the letter with a suitable phrase followed by your name and designation. You can go with any one of these:
If you are getting a little overwhelmed by the OET syllabus, especially the writing sub-test, then you can easily make things much smoother for yourself with the help of our OET nursing writing samples with answers below. With these, you will be able to understand the types of case notes you will get and what their ideal answers should be.
Below is a referral letter sample OET with case notes that you can refer to for your preparation.
You are a charge nurse in a suburban clinic.
Patient: Mrs. Elaine Morgan
DOB: 22/08/1964 (age 59)
Social background: Divorced, lives alone
Occupation: Accountant
Lifestyle: Sedentary, occasional walking
Smoking: Non-smoker
Alcohol: Drinks socially, moderate intake
Family history: Father had ulcerative colitis, mother has osteoporosis
Medical background:
Recent Consultations:
01.05.25
29.05.25
Assessment: Possible inflammatory bowel disease (likely Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
Plan: Urgent referral to gastroenterologist for further assessment and colonoscopy
Writing Task:
Using the above information, write a referral letter to Dr. Laura Jones, Gastroenterologist, Royal Oak Hospital, 123 Oak Street, London, SW1A 1AA, UK.
Sample Response for Referral Letter
Dr Laura Jones
Gastroenterologist
Royal Oak Hospital 123 Oak Street London SW1A 1AA UK
29.05.2025
Dear Dr Jones,
Re: Mrs Elaine Morgan
DOB: 22.08.1964
I am writing to urgently refer Mrs Morgan, who presents with symptoms suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease.
Mrs Morgan has experienced worsening abdominal pain and bloating over the past four months, accompanied by alternating constipation and diarrhoea. Despite initial dietary advice, her symptoms have not improved. She now reports unintentional weight loss of 3 kg, intermittent low-grade fever, occasional rectal bleeding, and night sweats.
On examination, her abdomen is tender with hyperactive bowel sounds. Stool tests returned positive for occult blood and elevated calprotectin, and her CRP level is 30 mg/L, indicating active inflammation.
Mrs Morgan has a family history of ulcerative colitis (her father) and was previously diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome in 2018. She has mild depression treated with sertraline.
Given these findings and the clinical picture, I am concerned about a possible diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, and I would appreciate your urgent assessment and consideration of a colonoscopy.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely, Charge Nurse
Below is an OET writing sample for nurses for a discharge letter, which you will write to another healthcare provider to summarize a patient's hospital stay.
Sample Case Notes for Discharge Letter
Assume today’s date is 15 March 2025.
You are the Charge Nurse in the medical ward at Lakeside Hospital, 27 River Road, Brookville.
PATIENT DETAILS:
Name: Mrs Angela Collins
Age: 68 years
Marital status: Widow (husband passed away 1 year ago)
Residence: Sunnyvale Assisted Living, Brookville
Next of kin: Daughter, Emma Collins (40 years), teacher, lives locally
Admission date: 10 March 2025
Discharge date: 17 March 2025
Diagnosis: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Past medical history:
Social background:
Retired librarian, lives alone in an assisted living facility. Reports feelings of loneliness since her husband died. Moderate smoker for 40 years, quit 2 years ago.
Admission details:
Presented with worsening shortness of breath, productive cough, wheezing, and fatigue. On admission, oxygen saturation 8was 8% on room air.
Medical progress:
Nursing management:
Discharge plan:
Writing Task:
Using the information above, write a discharge letter to Ms Linda Harris, Community Nurse at Sunnyvale Assisted Living, 88 Maple Avenue, Brookville. The letter will accompany Mrs Collins upon her discharge tomorrow.
In your letter:
The letter should be approximately 180–200 words
Sample Response for Discharge Letter
Ms Linda
Harris Community Nurse
Sunnyvale Assisted Living 88 Maple Avenue, Brookville
15 March 2025
Dear Ms Harris,
Re: Mrs Angela Collins
DOB: 12.04.1956
I am writing to inform you about the discharge of Mrs Collins from Lakeside Hospital following treatment for an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Mrs Collins was admitted on 10 March 2025 with worsening shortness of breath, productive cough, wheezing, and fatigue. On admission, her oxygen saturation was 88% on room air. She was treated with nebulised bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Her condition improved, and oxygen saturation increased to 93% on room air.
During her hospital stay, Mrs Collins was able to mobilise short distances using her walking stick, although she experienced some breathlessness on exertion. A dietitian reviewed her nutrition and recommended a high-protein diet to support recovery. She reports mild chest discomfort and a dry cough, which are being managed with paracetamol as needed.
On discharge, Mrs Collins will continue her prescribed inhalers and other medications. She should maintain adequate oral fluid intake and balanced nutrition. It is important to support her mobility and assist with activities of daily living as required. Follow-up appointments with her general practitioner and respiratory clinic have been arranged for two weeks’ time.
Please monitor her respiratory status and general well-being, and do not hesitate to contact me for further information.
Yours sincerely, Charge Nurse
Below are the OET letter sample case notes for a transfer letter, along with a sample answer that you can refer to during your OET exam preparation.
Sample Case Notes for Transfer Letter
Assume that today’s date is 12 September 2025.
You are a nurse at the Riverbank Community Health Centre. A patient you have been caring for is relocating to another city to live with his son.
PATIENT DETAILS:
Name: Mr Harold James
DOB: 25 April 1945
Current medication:
Treatment record:
July 2023
Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in May 2022. Initially managed with diet and exercise; fasting blood glucose 8.5 mmol/L. Advised to reduce sugar and fat intake, limit alcohol, and increase physical activity. The patient lives at home with their wife, who prepares meals.
November 2023
The patient’s wife passed away. Patient became withdrawn and depressed. Blood glucose levels increased to 10 mmol/L. Non-compliance with diet noted. Medication adherence is irregular.
March 2024
Started Metformin 500mg twice daily. The patient is cooking for themselves, and struggling to maintain a healthy diet. Misses medication doses frequently and reports forgetfulness. Education was provided about medication importance and the use of reminders.
August 2024
Hospitalised for transient ischemic attack (TIA). Treated with aspirin and atorvastatin initiated. Lisinopril was started for blood pressure control.
September 2024 – Present
The patient attends the community clinic twice weekly. Mobility decreased due to diabetic neuropathy. Still non-compliant with diet; consumes high sugar and salt foods. The patient plans to move to live with their son in Eastville where the son will assist with meals and medication.
Writing Task:
Using the information given, write a letter to the Community Health Nurse at Eastville Community Health Centre, 102 River Road, Eastville, requesting ongoing care and monitoring of Mr Harold James.
In your letter:
Sample Response for Transfer Letter
Community Health Nurse
Eastville Community Health Centre 102 River Road Eastville
12 September 2025
Dear Community Health Nurse,
Re: Mr Harold James
DOB: 25.04.1945
I am writing to inform you of the discharge of Mr James from Riverbank Community Health Centre as he relocates to Eastville to live with his son.
Mr James was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in May 2022 and initially managed with diet and exercise. However, following his wife’s passing in November 2023, he became withdrawn and his blood glucose levels increased due to poor diet and irregular medication adherence. Metformin 500 mg twice daily was commenced in March 2024. Despite education on medication and dietary management, Mr James has struggled with compliance, often missing doses and consuming high-sugar and salt foods.
In August 2024, he was hospitalised with a transient ischemic attack and started on aspirin, atorvastatin, and lisinopril for blood pressure control. His mobility is limited by diabetic neuropathy, and he requires assistance with medication and meal planning.
Mr James’ son will be assisting with his care and medication management. I recommend ongoing monitoring of his blood glucose, blood pressure, and adherence to medication and diet, as well as support for his mobility and emotional well-being.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Yours sincerely, Charge Nurse
Along with the OET writing sample for nurses, there are also some great tips that you can follow to improve your OET writing score. These tips include:
These OET writing samples for nurses will give you a better understanding of what you can expect from the OET exam format, content, and assessment criteria. By analysing these OET writing sub-test samples for nurses, you can gain confidence and learn how to meet the assessment requirements for achieving high scores.
In addition to our OET nursing writing samples with answers above, you can also get help from our experts at Gradding.com, who will provide personalised guidance in OET registration and identify your weaknesses to build your confidence in clinical communication skills.
1. What is the Format for OET Writing for Nurses?
The format for the OET writing for nurses includes writing a referral, transfer, or discharge letter based on the provided case notes. You will have to complete this in 45 minutes, where 5 minutes is for reading the case notes and 40 minutes are for writing.
2. How to Get 350 In OET Writing?
To get 350 in OET writing, make sure to focus on task fulfilment, clarity, and organization, and make sure to use correct grammar, formal tone, and relevant clinical details. Additionally, practice writing the letter using case notes and following the five-minute planning strategy.
3. How do I Improve My OET Writing?
You can improve your OET writing by practising writing referral, discharge, and transfer letters regularly. You can also study high-score samples, build medical vocabulary, and get feedback from experienced tutors.
4. What are The 6 OET Writing Criteria?
There are 6 OET writing criteria that the sub-test is assessed on. These are Purpose, Content, Conciseness and Clarity, Genre and Style, Organization and Layout, and Language.
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