Preparing for the NMC OSCE requires more than learning the clinical procedure. Candidates must also understand how much time is available to complete each station. Even a well-prepared candidate can struggle if they continue practising according to an older timing structure.
From 26 October 2026 onwards, candidates should be aware of changes to the allocated time for two Adult Nursing clinical skills stations;
- Anti-embolism stockings: increased from 8 minutes to 10 minutes
- Pre-operative check: increased from 10 minutes to 12 minutes
The timings for the other clinical nursing stations remain unchanged.
These changes are important for candidates because timing affects how you plan your station, communicate with the patient, perform safety checks, complete the clinical task and finish appropriately.
Clinical Nursing Station Timing Changes at a Glance
The comparison of the two supplied timing tables shows the following:
| Clinical Nursing Station | Previous Timing | Updated Timing | Change |
| Administration of Inhaled Medication (AIM) | 12 mins | 12 mins | No change |
| Administration of Suppository | 10 mins | 10 mins | No change |
| Anti-embolism stockings | 8 mins | 10 mins | +2 mins |
| Blood Glucose Monitoring | 8 mins | 8 mins | No change |
| Bowel Assessment | 8 mins | 8 mins | No change |
| Catheter Specimen of Urine (CSU) | 8 mins | 8 mins | No change |
| Fine-bore NG Tube | 12 mins | 12 mins | No change |
| Fluid Balance | 14 mins | 14 mins | No change |
| Intramuscular Injection (IM) | 12 mins | 12 mins | No change |
| IV Flush & VIP Score | 12 mins | 12 mins | No change |
| MSU and Urinalysis | 12 mins | 12 mins | No change |
| Nutritional Assessment | 8 mins | 8 mins | No change |
| Oral Care Plan | 8 mins | 8 mins | No change |
| Oxygen Therapy | 10 mins | 10 mins | No change |
| Pain Assessment | 6 mins | 6 mins | No change |
| Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) | 8 mins | 8 mins | No change |
| Pre-operative check | 10 mins | 12 mins | +2 mins |
| Pressure Area Assessment | 8 mins | 8 mins | No change |
| Removal of Urinary Catheter (ROC or RUC) | 8 mins | 8 mins | No change |
| Subcutaneous Injection | 12 mins | 12 mins | No change |
| Wound Assessment & ANTT | 21 mins | 21 mins | No change |
Why Timing Matters in the NMC OSCE
Time management is an important part of OSCE preparation.
Candidates are assessed on their ability to perform clinical activities safely and professionally within the allocated station time. This means your preparation should include both:
Clinical knowledge + time management
Knowing every step of a procedure is not enough if you cannot complete the station within the available time.
Should Candidates Change Their Practice Because of the Timing Update?
Yes, but the change should be in time management and practice planning, not in the clinical standard you follow.
For the two stations affected:
Anti-embolism stockings
Previous practice timing: 8 minutes
Updated timing: 10 minutes
Candidates should now practise completing the station comfortably within the updated allocated time while still covering all relevant marking criteria.
Pre-operative check
Previous practice timing: 10 minutes
Updated timing: 12 minutes
Candidates should practise using the additional time to complete the assessment systematically without unnecessary rushing.
Do Not Ignore the Marking Criteria
A timing change does not mean the marking criteria can be shortened.
Your preparation should continue to focus on:
1. Know the marking criteria
Read and understand each criterion.
Do not simply memorise the order of actions. Understand why you are performing each step.
2. Practise verbalisation
Verbalisation is particularly useful during OSCE preparation because it allows you to practise what you would say while performing the station.
3. Practise with a timer
Do not practise only by reading the procedure.
Use a stopwatch or timer and simulate the actual examination environment.
For example:
Anti-embolism stockings → practise within 10 minutes
Pre-operative check → practise within 12 minutes
The objective is to finish the station without having to rush the final steps.
Final Thoughts
NMC OSCE preparation is not only about knowing clinical procedures. Candidates also need to understand the structure of their stations and practise performing them within the allocated time.
At Mentor Merlin, staying up to date with OSCE-related changes and practising according to the latest available information can help candidates prepare more confidently. Make sure you review the applicable station guidance and practise each station according to its current marking criteria and allocated time.
Stay tuned with Mentor Merlin for further NMC OSCE updates, preparation guidance and practice resources.
Read our recent blog – “NMC OSCE Preparation: Understanding the Exam Structure” – to ensure your journey stays on track.
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