NMC Announces Key Updates to OSCE Exam and Materials

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has recently announced several updates to the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and its supporting materials on its website.  According to the NMC’s website, these updates to the preparation materials are intended to improve clarity and address changes in clinical practice. The new guidelines will be in effect from Monday, 9 September 2024. Here’s what you need to know:

• Extended Timings for Key Stations
  – Based on feedback from candidates and test delivery partners, the NMC has extended the time allowed for two specific stations:
  – Fluid Balance: The time has been increased from 12 to 14 minutes.
  – MSU and Urinalysis: Candidates will now have 12 minutes, up from 8 minutes.
• Introduction of New PEWS Charts
  The OSCE will now include updated PEWS (Paediatric Early Warning Score) charts. This update follows the introduction of a new national chart in clinical settings, ensuring that the exam reflects current best practices in paediatric care.
• Updates to ANTT Procedures
  Changes have also been made to the marking criteria for various specialisations, including Adult, Children’s, Mental Health, and Nursing Associates. Specifically, there are updates to the Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) procedures:
  – The use of gloves and aprons is now limited to situations where they are clinically relevant.
  – The requirement for the “Clean hand – dirty hand approach” in the ANTT station has been removed.
  – These updates are intended to mirror recent changes in clinical practice.

Important Dates and Preparation Tips
Candidates taking the OSCE on or after 9 September 2024 should prepare using the updated materials. Those with exams scheduled before this date should continue to use the existing resources.

It is also worth noting that, in an effort to actively discourage rote learning, candidates who are resitting their exam may be given a different scenario to assess a skill they previously failed.

These updates underscore the NMC’s dedication to ensuring that the OSCE remains an effective tool for assessing the competencies of nursing professionals. Be sure to incorporate these changes into your preparation to ensure you’re ready for the updated exam.