If you're preparing for the OET writing sub-test, chances are you're making at least one of these mistakes in your referral letters. Here are 5 phrases that trip up even experienced nurses — and the exact fixes examiners want to see.

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❌ Mistake 1: "The patient was pretty sick"

✅ Fix: "The patient was acutely unwell on presentation"

❌ Mistake 2: "We gave him some antibiotics"

✅ Fix: "He was commenced on IV ceftriaxone 1g daily"

(Always include: drug name, dose, frequency)

❌ Mistake 3: "Please take care of this patient"

✅ Fix: "I would be grateful if you could review Mr. Patel within one week of discharge to monitor his wound healing"

(Specify WHAT, WHEN, and WHY)

❌ Mistake 4: "Hx: SOB x 3/7"

✅ Fix: "He presented with a three-day history of progressive shortness of breath"

(Transform case notes — never copy them)

❌ Mistake 5: "I am writing this letter to you today to let you know about a patient who..."

✅ Fix: "I am writing to inform you of Mrs. Santos's recent admission and to request your ongoing management following her discharge."

(One sentence. Purpose + patient + request.)

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These 5 fixes alone can dramatically improve your OET writing score. Inside Mic Check OET, we break down every single phrase category — opening lines, clinical assessments, medication reporting, discharge summaries, and closing requests — using comedy-based memory techniques that make the language impossible to forget.

🎤 The full course has 6 chapters, 18 lessons, phrase banks, practice scenarios, and a final assessment with certificate.

If you're serious about passing OET, this is the most efficient way to master referral letter language.