Failing the NMC OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) can feel demotivating, especially after months of hard work and preparation. The NMC OSCE is often regarded as the most significant assessment of a healthcare student’s competence, requiring a combination of knowledge, clinical skills, and effective communication. So, when a candidate “fails”, it is natural to feel disheartened, confused, and maybe even disappointed.
But before you let the disappointment settle in too deeply, take a moment to look closely at the NMC feedback you received. More often, feedback is the key to insight, not just a list of errors, but a detailed map showing you exactly where and how to improve.
This blog will guide you on how to decode the NMC feedback and turn it into an action plan for success.
1. Don’t Just Read the Feedback—Break It Down
The feedback from the NMC OSCE is the key. It’s structured around specific marking criteria used in each station:
Start by breaking your NMC feedback into categories:
- Clinical Skills or other station
- Communication and Compassion
- Critical Thinking / Decision-Making
- Documentation or Handover
These are clues, not criticisms. Each point gives you an idea to prepare for the resit, and you can understand where you need to focus your preparation.
2. Match Feedback with Learning Objectives
Every NMC OSCE station is built on learning outcomes that reflect UK nursing standards. Your next task is to match the NMC’s feedback to the marking criteria.
For example:
- If your feedback says “Did not escalate NEWS score”, the relevant objective is: Recognises the patient’s signs of patient deterioration. Now, understand the escalation requirement of the patient.
3. Get Real Practice—Not Just Reading
Reading marking criteria is helpful, but the NMC OSCE is about performance, not just knowledge. Use your feedback to focus your practice sessions. Here’s how:
a. Submit your practice verbalisation
· Ask for feedback on your verbalisation.
b. Use structured marking criteria
· Ensure you don’t skip vital steps.
c. Simulate the Real Conditions
· Wear a uniform, time yourself, and speak aloud.
4. Work on Communication and Compassion
The NMC places huge emphasis on professional values, empathy, and communication. If your feedback notes issues like:
- “Did not acknowledge patient’s concern.”
- “Do explain the procedure and gain consent.”
Then focus on:
- Active listening skills: show you have heard and understood the patient’s consent and acknowledge it.
- Using accessible language: Explain the procedure and gain consent before starting the procedure
5. “Time Management Issues” – You Ran Out of Time
The NMC OSCE is as much about pacing as it is about performance. If you didn’t finish your station within the time, the feedback will reflect it.
How to fix it:
- Practice with a timer—seriously, every single time.
- Learn what’s essential vs. nice to have in each station.
6. Understand the NMC Code of Conduct
The OSCE doesn’t just assess technical skills—it assesses how well you adapt to the UK’s values of care. This includes:
- Did I protect the patient’s dignity?
- Did I act in the patient’s best interest?
- Did I document and report responsibly?
7. Ask for Help and Reflect Deeply
You don’t have to do this alone. Ask for help from a mentor. More importantly, don’t just focus on passing—focus on understanding and preparing to deliver safe practice.
Try to identify:
- What happened?
- What were you thinking?
- What went well?
- What can you do differently next time?
Self-awareness is often the key to improvement.
Yes, failing the NMC OSCE is disappointing. But it is also one more chance. Your feedback is not meant to scare you, but it is to help you. Use it not as a failure of what went wrong, but as a clear roadmap for how to prepare for the resit.
Every nurse who passes the NMC OSCE has prepared diligently and persevered through it. Utilise one more chance to Learn, adapt, practice, and achieve it.
NMC OSCE For nurses Everything You Need to Know in 2025 Click Here
For Any NMC OSCE Related Queries and Training Chat with Us!
Leave feedback about this