NMC to review Nursing and Midwifery practice learning

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is currently reviewing aspects of practice learning for nursing and midwifery students across the UK. While proposals for changes are being explored, there are no immediate updates to the NMC OSCE exam at this time. However, future changes could be on the horizon as the review progresses, so it remains important for candidates to stay informed.

As part of this process, the NMC has recommended five key areas for further examination, which the Council discussed on 29 January. These include reviewing how practice learning supports students with additional needs, strengthening support for students and their assessors, developing measures to track the quality of practice learning, and evaluating aspects of nursing and midwifery curricula. The overall aim is to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver safe, high quality care.

According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council website, this review follows extensive research, including an independent report by the Nuffield Trust in collaboration with the Florence Nightingale Foundation. The NMC has also gathered insights from simulated practice learning evaluations and quality assurance work within nursing and midwifery education. By working closely with key stakeholders, advisory groups, and education providers, the Council aims to shape policies that support both students and professionals.

For now, the structure of the OSCE exam remains unchanged, but the ongoing review could influence future training and assessment requirements. Overseas nurses planning to take the OSCE in the UK should keep an eye on further updates from the NMC to ensure they remain fully prepared for any potential adjustments in the future.