OET Nursing referral letter: structure, what to include, and a free checker
A strong OET Nursing referral letter states its purpose in the first paragraph, gives only the background the receiving professional needs, describes the patient's current condition and care, and ends with specific requests. Keep the body to about 180–200 words, write in full formal sentences (no note form), and use letter layout with a 'Re:' line.
A paragraph plan that works
| Paragraph | Job | Typical content |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Purpose | Who the patient is, why you are writing, and what you need the reader to do |
| Background | Context the reader needs | Relevant history, social situation (lives alone? stairs? carer?) |
| Current condition | What has happened | Admission, treatment, progress, current status |
| Care needs / requests | What happens next | Medications to monitor, wound care, follow-up, specific requests |
Close with a short, polite sign-off. The address block, date, "Re:" line, salutation and sign-off don't count towards the 180–200 word body.
Choosing the case notes
The case notes always contain more than the reader needs. Before you write, ask of each note: does this reader need it to care for this patient? Hobbies, former jobs and resolved childhood illnesses rarely pass that test; social circumstances that affect discharge, current medications and anything requiring follow-up usually do. Selecting relevant case notes goes into more detail.
Five mistakes that cap a letter at C+
- A vague opening. "I am writing to tell you about Mrs X" names the patient but not the purpose. Say what you need: "I am writing to refer Mrs X for wound care and a falls-risk assessment at home."
- Copying the notes in order. The case notes are chronological; your letter should be organised by what the reader needs.
- Note form and abbreviations. "Pt", "SOB", "BD" and missing articles belong in the notes, not the letter.
- Irrelevant detail. Every unnecessary detail costs Conciseness & Clarity and pushes the useful information out of view.
- Requests buried at the end. Preview them in the opening so the reader knows the purpose straight away.
Check yours
Write a referral against the clock in practice cases, or paste one you've already written. medEmu marks it on all six criteria and shows which case notes you missed. Check a letter free.