What is the OSCE Exam?

The OSCE is a practical exam that tests your nursing skills. OSCE stands for Objective Structured Clinical Examination. Think of it as showing real nursing tasks to prove you can work safely in the UK. The 2025 version has 10 stations where you will show different skills.

What Will You Do in Each Station?

Here’s what the 2025 OSCE looks like:

APIE Stations (4 stations total):

• Assessment station: Check a patient’s vital signs and ask about their health (15 minutes)
• Planning station: Make a care plan based on what the patient needs (8 minutes)
• Implementation station: Do a nursing task like giving medicine or cleaning a wound (15 minutes)
• Evaluation station: Write notes about how the care went (8 minutes)

Clinical Skills (4 stations):

• Show practical skills like putting in an IV or taking blood pressure (10 minutes each)

Written Stations (2 stations):

• Professional Values: Answer questions about ethics and patient care (10 minutes)
• Evidence-Based Practice: Show you know how to use medical guidelines (10 minutes)

Good news: They removed some harder topics like asthma care and nasopharyngeal suctioning from the 2025 exam.

How to Get Ready: Your 3-Week Study Plan

Week 1: Learn the Basics

• Practice washing hands properly
• Learn how to check patient ID
• Practice basic skills like taking temperature and blood pressure
• Study NMC documentation rules

Week 2: Practice Real Scenarios

• Do APIE practice questions
• Practice the written stations
• Learn SBAR handover method (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)

Week 3: Put It All Together

• Do full practice exams with a timer
• Practice each skill until you feel confident
• Ask friends or colleagues to watch you practice

Mistakes That Make Students Fail

The Big 5 Mistakes:

1. Forgetting to wash hands: Always do this before and after touching a patient
2. Not checking who the patient is: Always check their wristband and ask their name
3. Medicine errors: Always check for allergies, do your math carefully, write clear notes, and sign the medicine record
4. Poor writing: Your notes must be clear and easy to read
5. Speaking too quietly: Practice speaking clearly so examiners can hear you

Simple Tips That Work

• Get checklists for each type of station and practice with them
• Time yourself when you practice
• Do at least one full mock exam before the real thing
• Remember that safety comes first, always
• Be kind and professional with every patient

What Examiners Want to See

The OSCE checks three main things:

• Can you keep patients safe?
• Do you communicate well?
• Do you follow the NMC Code?

If you show these three things in every station, you are on the right track.

Final Thoughts

The OSCE might feel scary, but thousands of nurses pass it every year. The key is good preparation and lots of practice. Take your time, follow the rules, and treat every practice session like the real exam.

Remember, this exam is checking that you can give safe, caring nursing. If you focus on being a good nurse rather than just passing a test, you will do well.

Need extra help with your OSCE prep? Book a free chat with the Fortuwest team and get the support you need to succeed.

Fortuwest International is a trusted OSCE training institute in the UK, helping nurses successfully pass exams like OSCE, OET, CBT, and NCLEX with expert coaching and hands-on support. We also offer guidance for overseas education, career placement, and healthcare licensing exams across the globe. Looking to build a successful healthcare career or study abroad with the right support? Get in touch with Fortuwest today.