NMC OSCE Professional Values and Evidence-Based Practice 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the 6Cs of nursing, introduced by the Chief Nursing Officer for England?
- Care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, commitment (Correct answer)
- Clinical, competent, careful, courteous, clean, certified
- Cure, contain, control, comply, check, complete
- Caring, capable, calm, cautious, consistent, conscientious
Correct answer: Care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, commitment
The 6Cs were introduced by Jane Cummings (Chief Nursing Officer) in 2012 as part of the Compassion in Practice strategy. They define the values and behaviours expected of all nursing staff: Care (core business), Compassion (intelligent kindness), Competence (skills and knowledge), Communication (central to relationships), Courage (to do the right thing), and Commitment (to improving care).
Question 2: A nurse witnesses a colleague speaking disrespectfully to a vulnerable elderly patient. According to NMC safeguarding requirements, what action must the nurse take?
- Challenge the behaviour immediately if safe to do so, report to the nurse in charge, and document the incident; if it constitutes abuse, follow the local safeguarding adults policy (Correct answer)
- Ignore it as it is not their patient
- Discuss it with the colleague at the end of the shift
- Wait for a formal supervision session to raise the concern
Correct answer: Challenge the behaviour immediately if safe to do so, report to the nurse in charge, and document the incident; if it constitutes abuse, follow the local safeguarding adults policy
The NMC Code requires nurses to act as advocates for vulnerable people and to challenge poor practice immediately. Disrespectful treatment of a vulnerable patient could constitute psychological abuse under the Care Act 2014. The nurse must intervene to protect the patient, report to the nurse in charge, document the incident, and follow the local safeguarding policy. Failure to act is itself a breach of the NMC Code.
Question 3: What is the significance of the Equality Act 2010 for nursing practice in the UK?
- It protects patients and staff from discrimination based on nine protected characteristics and requires reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access to healthcare (Correct answer)
- It only applies to employment and has no relevance to patient care
- It applies only to race and gender discrimination
- It was replaced by the NMC Code and is no longer relevant
Correct answer: It protects patients and staff from discrimination based on nine protected characteristics and requires reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access to healthcare
The Equality Act 2010 protects against discrimination based on nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, and sexual orientation. In nursing, this means providing equitable care to all patients, making reasonable adjustments for disabled patients, and challenging discriminatory practices.
Question 4: A nurse wants to implement a new evidence-based catheter care protocol on their ward. What framework can guide the implementation of evidence into practice?
- The PARIHS framework (Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services) — considers evidence, context, and facilitation (Correct answer)
- Simply tell staff to follow the new protocol from Monday
- Wait for national NICE guidance before making any changes
- Only implement changes suggested by medical staff
Correct answer: The PARIHS framework (Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services) — considers evidence, context, and facilitation
The PARIHS framework considers three key elements for successful implementation: Evidence (research, clinical experience, patient preferences), Context (culture, leadership, evaluation), and Facilitation (type, characteristics of the facilitator). Other frameworks include the Iowa Model and the Knowledge-to-Action cycle. Successful implementation requires engagement, education, audit, and ongoing evaluation.
Question 5: What is the purpose of clinical supervision in nursing, and how does it differ from managerial supervision?
- Clinical supervision is a reflective practice support process focused on professional development and clinical effectiveness, whereas managerial supervision addresses performance management and operational issues (Correct answer)
- They are the same thing with different names
- Clinical supervision is only for student nurses
- Clinical supervision is a disciplinary process for underperforming nurses
Correct answer: Clinical supervision is a reflective practice support process focused on professional development and clinical effectiveness, whereas managerial supervision addresses performance management and operational issues
Clinical supervision is a supportive process enabling practitioners to reflect on practice, develop clinical skills, and manage emotional demands of care. It is not performance management. It provides a safe space to explore challenging situations, ethical dilemmas, and professional development. The NMC recognises its value in supporting safe, effective practice and maintaining wellbeing.
Question 6: A nurse is caring for a patient whose religious beliefs mean they refuse a blood transfusion despite it being clinically indicated. What ethical principles are in tension and how should the nurse respond?
- Autonomy (patient's right to refuse) versus beneficence (duty to act in the patient's best interests); the nurse must respect the competent patient's informed refusal while ensuring alternatives are explored (Correct answer)
- The nurse should override the refusal as saving life takes priority
- The nurse should discharge the patient for non-compliance
- Religious beliefs are irrelevant in a clinical setting
Correct answer: Autonomy (patient's right to refuse) versus beneficence (duty to act in the patient's best interests); the nurse must respect the competent patient's informed refusal while ensuring alternatives are explored
This scenario illustrates the tension between autonomy (the patient's right to self-determination) and beneficence (the healthcare team's duty to act in the patient's best interests). A competent adult has the legal right to refuse any treatment, even if the refusal may result in death. The nurse must ensure the refusal is informed and voluntary, document it, explore alternatives, and continue to provide compassionate care. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 reinforces this right.
NMC OSCE Professional Values and Evidence-Based Practice 2
What are the 6Cs of nursing, introduced by the Chief Nursing Officer for England?