What is a Nursing OSCE?

The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a widely used assessment in medical education. It’s used in all disciplines from undergraduate doctors and dentists to pharmacists and nurses. It is designed to test clinical knowledge in a structured and standardised manner and is often considered the gold standard in assessing practical skills.

A nursing OSCE tests clinical knowledge and communication skills, which are vital parts of training to become a nurse. It’s a practical exam whereby a candidate will be presented with several scenarios for which they’ll have to demonstrate their competency in front of examiners. Passing the exam is required to become qualified to practice.

As well as the high-stakes nursing OSCEs, the format also lends itself to formative training and testing. They are an ideal format for nursing students to practice key tasks such as checking vital signs, managing wound care or administering injections before progressing to real patients.

Are OSCEs hard?

The answer to this question, will be individual to each person and depends on several factors. For example, how well prepared they are, how well they know the subject matter and how comfortable they are performing in front of an examiner. While it’s normal to find exams stressful, for many, the added pressure of the practical elements of an OSCE makes it seem harder and more feared.

As with any exam, preparation is key. The more prepared a student is the less daunting the exam will seem.

What to expect during a nursing OSCE

During a nursing OSCE exam candidates are assessed across a variety of stations that they visit in rotation. Each station focuses on different aspects of nursing practice.

According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council[1] a nursing OSCE consists of 10 stations. Four stations are linked to a scenario and will test assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation (APIE Criteria) – each area of criterion having a station.

There are four stations that test skills and two stations that assess a candidate’s values, behaviours and evidence-based practice.

The scenarios presented in each station are designed to represent real-world clinical practice and will cover topics and skills required in nursing. They will change and vary from exam to exam. Candidates must demonstrate their competency to pass.

Examiners will be present at each station and mark candidates against pre-defined criteria. They do this either on paper mark sheets or a tablet device if exam software is used to help deliver the OSCE.

How to pass the nursing osce exam

Success in an OSCE, relies on good preparation, revising all topic areas and extensive practice. For the best chance of success, candidates should ensure they are confident and proficient in the core nursing skills. To further prepare, candidates can practice using mock OSCEs and reviewing previously tested scenarios.

Ensuring familiarity with the marking criteria will also be beneficial. Further tips and advice can be found here: How to pass your OSCES

Taking time to fully prepare ensures candidates enter the exam confident and knowing what to expect.

What happens if you fail the nursing OSCE?

While it is understandably disappointing to fail an OSCE, all is not lost. Most institutions offer students the opportunity to re-sit the exam at a later date. Detailed feedback is typically provided, highlighting areas of weakness or identifying knowledge gaps. This feedback is invaluable and can be used to identify specific topics that require further study and improvement.

Furthermore, having the time to reflect on the OSCE experience can enable candidates to develop a plan to address areas of weaknesses such as time management, clinical skills, or communication abilities. It should be seen as an opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge to ensure a stronger performance in future attempts.

A vital component of nursing education.

Nursing is a highly skilled and demanding profession, where the ability to perform clinical tasks safely and competently is critical to patient care. The nursing OSCE plays a vital role in preparing future nurses for these professional demands. Assessing both clinical competencies and communication skills through structured, real-world scenarios. A solid understanding of its structure and thorough preparation are key factors to success.

By embracing the OSCE, nursing candidates not only demonstrate their readiness for professional practice but also develop the skills necessary to meet the challenges they face in the field.

[1] OSCE: Test of clinical competence for nurses and midwives