NMC OSCE Preparation: Skills Stations

This course prepares internationally educated nurses for the skills, professional values and evidence-based practice stations of the NMC OSCE. It walks step by step through common skills such as in-hospital resuscitation, injections, aseptic non-touch technique and fluid balance, with worked examples of what to say and do, and shows how to approach the two written stations.

What you will learn

• Describe how the skills, professional values and evidence-based practice stations fit into the ten-station NMC OSCE.
• Apply a consistent safe framework to any skills station: preparation, identification, consent, infection prevention, procedure, aftercare and documentation.
• Perform in-hospital adult basic life support to UK Resuscitation Council guidelines as tested in the OSCE.
• Carry out common clinical skills such as intramuscular and subcutaneous injections and aseptic non-touch technique safely, explaining each step to the patient.
• Write clear, structured responses to the professional values and evidence-based practice stations.

Course content

1. The skills stations in context (2 min)
2. A safe framework for every skills station (2 min)
3. In-hospital resuscitation step by step (3 min)
4. Injections and aseptic non-touch technique (3 min)
5. Other common skills: fluid balance, glucose and peak flow (2 min)
6. Professional values and evidence-based practice stations (3 min)
7. Case study and preparing for the day (2 min)
8. Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
9. Guided reflection (15 min)

Standards and guidance covered

• NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018)
• NMC: Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses (2018), Annexe A and Annexe B
• NMC: Test of Competence 2021 OSCE marking criteria, equipment lists and supporting documents for your field
• Resuscitation Council UK: Resuscitation Guidelines (2025)
• NHS England: National infection prevention and control manual
• Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Royal College of Nursing: Professional guidance on the administration of medicines in healthcare settings (2019)

Certificate

Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.

Related guides

International nurses

NMC OSCE Skills Stations: What to Expect and How to Prepare

What to expect in the NMC OSCE skills stations: which skills are tested, a safe framework for every station, CPR, injections, ANTT and written stations.

10 min read

Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.