NMC OSCE Clinical Skills Station: Core Expectations from Examiners in 2025

If you are preparing for the NMC OSCE Exam, understanding what examiners look for at the NMC OSCE Clinical Skills Station is essential for passing the NMC OSCE Exam. The NMC OSCE Clinical Skills Station assesses your communication, professionalism, and adherence to safe practice standards as outlined in the Marking criteria.

Here, we will discuss how you can meet the expectations of the assessor during the OSCE Clinical Skills Station.

 1. Strict Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)

Examiners Look For:

• Accurately follow the 7 steps of hand hygiene technique
• Use of gloves, apron, and PPE when required
• Safe disposal of clinical waste and sharps
•  Tip: Perform the 7 steps of hand hygiene immediately when entering the station and in between the procedures wherever required as per NMC Guidelines. Use PPE while performing the station (where required). Adhere to the policy for waste disposal.

2. Following the Procedure Step-by-Step (Using NMC guidelines)

Examiners Look For:

• Systematic approach to the procedure
• Adhere to marking criteria
• Use of correct equipment (checking integrity)
• If the Prescription is included, validate the prescription with the prescriber details.
• Tip: Always check equipment integrity out loud so the examiner hears your safety check. Validate each detail of the prescription before proceeding. Follow each point of the procedure as per the marking criteria.

 3. Effective Communication with the Patient

Examiners Look For:

• Clear explanations using simple language
• Consent seeking (“Is it okay if I do this now?”)
• Maintaining patient dignity and privacy
• Active listening and responding empathetically
• Tip: Address the patient’s name, explain the procedure, gain consent, and reassure them throughout the procedure — even if it’s a mannequin.

4. Safe Manual Handling and Patient Positioning

Examiners Look For:

• Maintain Patient dignity throughout the procedure
• Supporting the patient during movement or giving a position
• Tip: Don’t rush repositioning — take time and give an appropriate position. Expose minimally and maintain the dignity of the patient.

5. Accurate and Complete Documentation

Examiners Look For:

• Accurate documentation (e.g., fluid volumes, vital signs)
• Timed, dated, and signed records
•  Tip: Always double-check your values before recording. Double-check documentation again before submission.

6. Escalation of Concerns and Patient Safety

Examiners Look For:

• Recognizing abnormal findings
• Knowing when and how to escalate (e.g., NEWS2 scores, pain, etc.)
• Safe disposal of clinical waste and PPE
•  Tip: If required, escalate or refer the patient as per the condition. That shows critical thinking. Adhere to the policy for waste disposal.

7. Station-Specific Key Actions

In the NMC OSCE, each clinical skill station has specific marking criteria that examiners use to assess during the NMC OSCE Exam. While expectations vary by skill, here are a few skills-specific expectations:

• Catheter removal: Check balloon inflation, safe disposal, post-care monitoring
• Wound care: Aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) is used to maintain sterility throughout the procedure.
• Intramuscular injection: Correct site, safe dose as per prescription, appropriate sharps disposal.
• Tip: Read the station scenario carefully — Ensure to follow each step as per the marking criteria accurately.

The NMC OSCE Exam is not just about performing clinical skills. It is about doing each step safely, respectfully, and professionally, always keeping the patient at the centre of care. It assesses not only your technical competence but also your ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and make the patient feel at ease.

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