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Your OSCE test

Preparing for your OSCE at CTC

The OSCE is designed to assess your ability to competently apply your professional nursing, midwifery or nursing associate skills and knowledge in the UK. It is set at the level expected of nurses and midwives as they enter the profession (at the point of registration). This means you must show that you are capable of applying knowledge to care at the level expected of a newly registered nurse or midwife.

The OSCE will simulate a clinical environment and scenarios which registered nurses and midwives are likely to encounter. Candidates are expected to utilise a contemporary evidence base and effectively demonstrate safe practical application of nursing and midwifery skills. The OSCE tests your ability to apply knowledge to care rather than how well you can remember and recite facts.

You can find specific information on your field of practice below.

If you would like to sit the EU Nursing examination, please email us at EUAptitudeTest@northampton.ac.uk for further advice.

OSCE Nursing

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OSCE Midwifery

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OSCE Nursing Associate

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    • Ensure you are familiar with all the stations/skills/equipment listed in the NMC documents & the relevant documentation; these are listed on each of the specific pages for your field of practice:
    • Practice, practice, practice – use the mock OSCE, mark yourself against the marking matrix and see if there are any gaps in your knowledge/skills.
    • Apply the principles of your underlying knowledge. The OSCE tests your ability to apply knowledge to care rather than how well you can remember and recite facts. All the test scenarios and any questions relate to current best practice, and you should answer them in relation to published evidence and not according to local arrangements.
    • Tell us of any mitigating circumstances/reasonable adjustments you may require no later than 3 weeks before the date of your OSCE so we can support you in your OSCE journey.
    • Once in the OSCE station, don’t read ahead. Listen carefully to the instructions your Assessor gives you.
    • Ask questions if you are unsure. If we can give you an answer, we will be happy to.
    • Breathe! Consider what will help you to stay calm during your OSCE.
    • Approach each new station with focus. Don’t overthink your performance in previous stations.
    • Please arrive 30 mins prior to your exam start time and ensure you have all your documents and uniform etc ready.
  • Where will the OSCE be held?

    Your OSCE will be set in a single room simulating the patient’s clinical environment on the third floor at UON Innovation Centre (see our ‘Welcome to the CTC’ video for details).

    Please note – we are at the Innovation Centre, which is a 30 minutes walk from the main Waterside campus. See How to find CTC for further guidance on location and travel suggestions.

    What about my Assessor?

    You will be allocated an Assessor who will oversee your OSCE. They are there to support you as well as to mark your performance. Do ask questions if you are unsure.

    How long will the OSCE take?

    OSCE candidates are in the Test Centre for approximately three and a half hours.

    What about feedback?

    Your Assessor will not be able to give you feedback on the day. You will receive your result within 5 days after your test day, but they often arrive even sooner.

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