NMC OSCE Professional Values and Evidence-Based Practice — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The NMC Code (2018) is structured around four key themes. What are they?
- Prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, promote professionalism and trust (Correct answer)
- Care, compassion, competence, communication
- Assess, plan, implement, evaluate
- Diagnose, treat, monitor, discharge
Correct answer: Prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, promote professionalism and trust
The NMC Code (2018) 'The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates' is structured around four themes: prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, and promote professionalism and trust. All registered nurses must uphold these standards, and failure to do so may result in fitness to practise proceedings.
Question 2: A nurse is asked to perform a clinical skill they have not been trained to do. According to NMC standards, what is the appropriate response?
- Decline to perform the skill and explain that it is outside their scope of competence, then arrange to receive appropriate training (Correct answer)
- Attempt the skill as refusal could be seen as insubordination
- Ask a healthcare assistant to perform it instead
- Perform the skill but document that they were not trained
Correct answer: Decline to perform the skill and explain that it is outside their scope of competence, then arrange to receive appropriate training
The NMC Code states that nurses must only act within the limits of their competence. Performing a skill without adequate training risks patient harm and professional misconduct. The nurse should explain their position, escalate if needed, and seek training. The NMC emphasises that recognising limitations is a sign of professional strength, not weakness.
Question 3: What is clinical governance and why is it relevant to nursing practice?
- A framework through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality and safety of care, encompassing clinical audit, risk management, education, and patient feedback (Correct answer)
- A government committee that oversees NHS spending
- The process of obtaining clinical placements for student nurses
- The administrative management of hospital buildings
Correct answer: A framework through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality and safety of care, encompassing clinical audit, risk management, education, and patient feedback
Clinical governance is the framework through which NHS organisations ensure and improve the quality of patient care. Its seven pillars include: clinical audit, risk management, education and training, patient and public involvement, using information, staffing and staff management, and clinical effectiveness. Every nurse contributes to clinical governance through evidence-based practice, incident reporting, and continuous professional development.
Question 4: A nurse has completed a research study that shows a new wound dressing significantly reduces healing time. What level of evidence does a single randomised controlled trial (RCT) provide in the evidence hierarchy?
- Level II — below systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs (Level I) but above cohort studies and case-control studies (Correct answer)
- Level I — the highest level of evidence
- Level IV — expert opinion
- Level V — case reports
Correct answer: Level II — below systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs (Level I) but above cohort studies and case-control studies
In the evidence hierarchy, Level I is systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs (the strongest evidence). A single RCT is Level II. Level III includes cohort and case-control studies, Level IV case series and reports, and Level V expert opinion and consensus. Nursing practice should be based on the best available evidence, ideally Level I or II.
Question 5: What is revalidation and what must NMC registrants complete to maintain their registration?
- A process every 3 years requiring 450 practice hours, 35 hours CPD, 5 pieces of practice-related feedback, 5 written reflective accounts, a reflective discussion, and a health and character declaration (Correct answer)
- An annual exam on clinical knowledge
- A monthly online assessment
- A single portfolio submission when first registering
Correct answer: A process every 3 years requiring 450 practice hours, 35 hours CPD, 5 pieces of practice-related feedback, 5 written reflective accounts, a reflective discussion, and a health and character declaration
NMC revalidation occurs every three years and requires: 450 hours of registered practice, 35 hours of continuing professional development (20 participatory), 5 pieces of practice-related feedback, 5 written reflective accounts, a reflective discussion with another NMC registrant (the confirmer), a health and character declaration, professional indemnity arrangement, and confirmation from a confirmer.
Question 6: A newly registered overseas nurse is practising in the UK. What is the purpose of preceptorship and how long does it typically last?
- A structured period of transition and support (typically 6-12 months) to develop confidence and competence in a new role, with a named preceptor providing guidance (Correct answer)
- A one-day induction course
- A formal examination after 2 years
- A period of supervised practice required only for nurses who have made errors
Correct answer: A structured period of transition and support (typically 6-12 months) to develop confidence and competence in a new role, with a named preceptor providing guidance
Preceptorship is a structured programme supporting newly registered or newly appointed nurses during their transition into a new role. It typically lasts 6-12 months and involves a named preceptor (experienced registrant) who provides guidance, support, and constructive feedback. It helps develop competence, confidence, and professional identity within the UK healthcare system.
NMC OSCE Professional Values and Evidence-Based Practice
The NMC Code (2018) is structured around four key themes.
What are they?