Top Tips for UK NMC OSCE for Nurses

Top 10 tips for all stations

1. Nothing below the elbow. This includes watches. Wash your hands at the beginning with soap and water, and at the end, if you have time, of every station. There are usually 2 marks for doing this (which can make a difference in a station that’s not gone well).

2. Introduce yourself to the patient, clarify their identity and what they wish to be called.

3. Identify the allergy status before you start any procedure.

4. Ask the patient re pain, comfort, if they require the toilet and privacy before you start any procedure.

5. Be polite. Thank your patient (they are often real patients giving up their own free time, thank your examiner too.) and give them the call bell.

6. Be gentle. Remember the patient may have been examined 10 or 20 times before you. It doesn’t look good to your examiner if the patient appears in pain.

7. Look smart. Although there are no points for this it gives the examiner a sense that you are taking the exam seriously. Tie your hair back

8. If you’re unsure of what is being asked of you ask your examiner for clarification. You won’t lose marks for this but will do if you go on to perform the incorrect skill.

9. If you remember something that you should have done earlier then go back and do this. Again you will not lose marks for having the order wrong but will do if you completely forget an important part.

10. If the examiner has left out equipment for you then use it. E.g. if a station has gloves and aprons use them.

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