As of May 2026 Clinical skills are completed in two linked skill pairings, with up to 21 minutes per pairing, plus 4 minutes between pairings.

Skills that may be tested include:

• Intramuscular Injection (IM) – 12 minutes
• Subcutaneous Injection (SC) – 12 minutes
• Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) & Wound Assessment – 21 minutes
• Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) – 8 minutes
• Removal of Urinary Catheter (RUC) – 8 minutes
• Catheter Stream Urine (CSU) – 8 minutes
• Administration of Suppository – 10 minutes
• Administration of Inhaled Medication (AIM) – 12 minutes
• Midstream Sample of Urine (MSU) & Urinalysis – 12 minutes
• Fine-Bore Nasogastric Tube Insertion – 12 minutes
• Intravenous (IV) Flush & Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) Assessment – 12 minutes
• Fluid Balance – 14 minutes
• Pressure Area Assessment – 8 minutes
• Nutritional Assessment – 8 minutes
• Oral Care Plan – 8 minutes
• Bowel Assessment – 8 minutes
• Oxygen Therapy – 10 minutes
• Pain Assessment – 6 minutes
• Anti-Embolism Stockings – 8 minutes
• Pre-Operative Check – 10 minutes

Notes that you may also be assessed on hand hygiene, patient identification, communication, consent, documentation, infection prevention and control, safe disposal of equipment, and escalation of concerns throughout each station.

How to Approach Skills Stations in the NMC OSCE

The skills stations in the NMC OSCE can feel intimidating at first, especially if you’re unsure exactly what the examiner is looking for. The good news is that they’re very structured. Once you understand the format and practise the steps, they become much easier to manage.

1. Read the station brief carefully

Before you touch any equipment, take a moment to read the candidate instructions.

Look for:

• what skill you are being asked to perform
• the patient’s name and details
• any allergies
• why the procedure is needed
• anything you need to explain or document afterwards

Use the reading time well. It helps settle your nerves and gives you a plan before you begin.

2. Introduce yourself and confirm identity

Even in a skills station, professional communication matters.

Start by:

• washing or sanitising your hands
• introducing yourself clearly: name and role
• confirming the patient’s full name and date of birth
• checking for allergies

Say this out loud. The examiner needs to hear your thinking.

Example:

“Hello, my name is Helen, I’m the nurse looking after you today. Can I confirm your full name and date of birth please? Do you have any allergies?”

3. Explain the procedure

Always explain what you are going to do before starting.

Include:

• what the procedure is
• why it is needed
• what the patient might feel
• how long it will take
• reassurance that they can ask questions or stop you at any time

This demonstrates patient-centred communication and consent.

4. Gain consent

Never skip consent.

A simple verbal confirmation is usually enough.

Example:

“I’ve explained the procedure. Are you happy for me to continue?”

5. Prepare your equipment safely

Gather everything before starting.

Check:

• equipment is correct for the skill
• packaging is intact
• expiry dates where appropriate
• sharps bin nearby if needed
• PPE available

Try not to rush. Examiners are looking for safe, organised practice.

6. Verbalise what you are doing

This is one of the biggest tips for OSCE success.

If you are checking something but the examiner cannot see it, say it aloud.

Examples:

• “I’m checking the expiry date.”
• “I’m maintaining aseptic technique.”
• “I’m checking the medication against the prescription chart.”
• “I’m ensuring the patient is comfortable and preserving dignity.”

If you think it—say it.

7. Use a systematic approach

Follow the skill in order.

Avoid jumping ahead.

For most skills:

Preparation → Patient ID → Consent → Procedure → Disposal → Documentation → Reassessment

Staying structured helps prevent missing steps.

8. Maintain infection prevention throughout

Infection prevention is assessed in nearly every station.

Remember:

• hand hygiene before and after
• PPE if required
• ANTT / aseptic technique where relevant
• safe waste disposal
• safe sharps disposal
• clean working field

These marks are often easy to gain if remembered.

9. Finish safely

Before ending, don’t forget to:

• make the patient comfortable
• ensure call bell is within reach
• ask if they need anything else
• dispose of equipment correctly
• remove PPE safely
• wash hands again

10. Document and report anything important

Many candidates lose marks by finishing the practical skill but forgetting what comes next.

Think:

• what would I document?
• what observations need recording?
• does anything need escalating?
• does the nurse in charge or doctor need to know?

You may need to verbalise:

“I would now document the procedure in the patient notes, record my findings, and escalate any concerns according to local policy.”