In order to receive their NMC PIN and validate their Tier visa, all international nurses must pass the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) practical assessment made up of six separate stations using simulated patients in a clinical setting examination

It is a challenging exam and it is essential that nurses are given the best chance of success for this test, and therefore it is our recommendation that nurses receive at least three to five full days of focused OSCE supported practice prior to sitting this test to adequately prepare them for the test environment. We also advise that this training is conducted as close as possible to the exam date so the information is fresh.

In terms of who provides this OSCE support, it is up to the recruiting organisation. A convenient and cost-effective solution chosen by many employers who know a number of their nurses will need to sit this exam is to ask an existing member of staff to attend a one-day OSCE “Train the Trainer” course which will provide them with the knowledge and insights about the OSCE exam that they can then provide to their new overseas nurses.

However, it is not always feasible to deliver this support in-house as it requires there to be trainer capacity available on a regular basis. In this case, enrolling candidates on an OSCE preparation course can be an effective way to prepare them and get them up to standard.

It is important to note that no OSCE Candidate Preparation Course is officially endorsed by the NMC. Many candidates find them helpful but the NMC takes no responsibility for the content or quality of these courses.

 

Ultimately it is up to the employer to decide how much they want to invest in OSCE preparation as the cost and duration of the course varies substantially. Our recommendation would be the more support you can provide to your Nurse – both in terms of support provided externally, and that offered internally – the better.

The OSCE is not an easy test to pass and isn’t just based on common sense. It is a technical exam and Nurses require the right knowledge, techniques, and ability to achieve the right end result. It should not be assumed that just because they are a qualified nurse in their home country they will be able to pass it.

The choice is a personal one, but we would encourage you to reach out to the providers above and talk to them about their services so you can get a good sense of what each is delivering and be fully informed about your decision.

My Healthcare Recruit supports UK healthcare employers in the public, private, and care sector to find international nurses who are a great fit for their organization, by using market-leading video interviewing tools to connect them to our database of qualified candidates. Our innovative approach makes international candidates easier to find and more cost-effective to source than ever before. Find out more at www.myhealthcarerecruit.com