How Graduating BSW Students Manage Uncertainty in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination

ABSTRACT

Professional uncertainty is a feature of generalist social work practice, particularly for students completing their social work education or those new to the profession. This study saw graduating Bachelor of Social Work students (N = 34) engage in a 15-minute interview with a Standardized Client (SC) in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination on a case vignette with the mother of a transgender person. Following the interview, participants responded to structured reflection questions. Responses revealed that almost half (n = 16) the sample disclosed feelings of uncertainty and lack of knowledge regarding the clinical issue. Thematic analysis of the responses revealed the following themes: 1. Manifestations of Uncertainty; 2. Strategies to Manage Uncertainty; and 3. Navigating Uncertainty in Future Practice. This paper offers suggestions for social work educators to address students’ feelings of uncertainty and lack of knowledge in generalist social work practice.

KEYWORDS:

• BSW students
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
• uncertainty
• competence

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).