2025 UK Nursing OSCE Updates - Key Changes, Removed Stations & Essential Tips for Success

Key Content Changes in the 2025 Nursing OSCE

1. Reduction in APIE Scenarios

• The number of Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation (APIE) scenarios has been reduced from 12 to 10.

• Removed scenarios: Asthma and Anxiety & Depression are no longer examinable under APIE stations.

• Focus your revision on the remaining 10 scenarios, including conditions like Alzheimer’s, Chronic Heart Failure, Pneumonia, and more 13.

2. Removal of Several Stations

• Professional Values and Behaviours: Stations on concealment of bed status, confidentiality, false representation, and professional confrontation have been removed.

• Evidence-Based Practice: Autism Spectrum Disorder and the use of cranberry juice for urinary tract infections are no longer tested.

• Clinical Skills: Nasopharyngeal suctioning station has been removed 15.

3. Modifications to Skill Stations

• In the Subcutaneous Injection station, candidates no longer need to verbalize the administration time (previously expected to be 10–30 seconds), simplifying the process to better reflect real-world practice 15.

• Timing adjustments include increased station times for Fluid Balance (from 12 to 14 minutes) and MSU Urinalysis (from 8 to 12 minutes) to allow sufficient time for completion 89.

4. Introduction of Insulin Pens

• From January 2025, insulin pens will be used in the adult nursing OSCE instead of syringes, reflecting current clinical practice. Preparation materials now include insulin pens in the equipment list 9.

What This Means for You as a Candidate

• Update Your Study Plan: Remove the eliminated scenarios and stations from your preparation to focus on the current exam blueprint.

• Practice with Updated Materials: Use the latest NMC preparation resources and training courses that reflect these changes to ensure your practice is relevant.

• Understand Marking Criteria: Be aware of the updated marking criteria, especially for skill stations like subcutaneous injections5.

• Avoid Rote Learning: The NMC has introduced measures to discourage rote memorization by changing scenarios and medication charts for resits, so focus on understanding concepts and clinical reasoning 89.

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official NMC updates and trusted training providers for any further changes, especially as the NMC is reviewing practice learning which may influence future exams 7.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Master the Core 10 APIE Scenarios: Deeply understand assessment and care planning for the retained conditions.

• Simulate Real Clinical Practice: Practice verbalizing your clinical reasoning and actions as you would in a real setting, especially for skill stations.

• Use Reflective Practice: Incorporate reflective questions to enhance critical thinking and professional values, even if some stations have been removed 6.

• Time Management: Practice stations within the updated time limits to build confidence and efficiency.

• Prepare for Flexibility: Be ready to adapt to different scenarios or medication charts, particularly if you need to resit any stations.

  By aligning your preparation with these latest updates, you’ll be better equipped to demonstrate safe, effective, and up-to-date nursing practice in your OSCE. Good luck with your exam preparation!

Sources

• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) official OSCE updates and preparation materials 1 5 9 10

• Mentor Merlin OSCE update blogs detailing scenario removals and exam structure changes 2 3 4

• Health Skills Training Ltd insights on timing and marking criteria changes 8

• NMC review of nursing and midwifery practice learning 7

• https://www.safesurecare.co.uk/blog/important-updates-to-the-nursing-osce-%E2%80%93-effective-april-2025/

• https://blog.mentormerlin.com/nmc-osce-update/

• https://blog.mentormerlin.com/nmc-osce-update-may-2025/

• https://blog.mentormerlin.com/2021-nmc-osce-updates-key-changes/

• https://blog.mentormerlin.com/updated-osce-marking-criteria-2025/

• https://zu.edu.jo/UploadFile/Library/E_Books/Files/LibraryFile_151614_52.pdf

• https://mynurseslife.com/nmc-to-review-nursing-and-midwifery-practice-learning/

• https://www.healthskillstraining.com/news/%E2%99%A6%EF%B8%8F%E2%99%A6%EF%B8%8F%F0%9F%9F%A2important-changes-to-nmc-osce-%E2%99%A6%EF%B8%8F%E2%99%A6%EF%B8%8F%F0%9F%9F%A2/

• https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/toc/na-toc/preparation-materials/

• https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/toc/na-toc/osce/