When it comes to international nurse recruitment, most UK healthcare employers are well aware of the NMC OSCE – the Objective Structured Clinical Examination required for international nurses to obtain their NMC PIN and practise as registered nurses in the UK.
But what many employers may not fully consider is that international nurses fall into two very distinct categories — and hiring from one over the other can mean the difference between waiting months to fill a vacancy, or having a nurse on the ward next week.
What Is the OSCE?
The OSCE is a practical, hands-on exam that tests the clinical and communication skills of internationally educated nurses. It ensures they meet UK standards before being added to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register. Nurses must pass the OSCE before they can receive their PIN and work as Band 5 registered nurses in the UK.
Two Types of International Nurses in the Hiring Pipeline
Pre-OSCE Nurses
These are candidates who:
- Are still overseas or newly arrived in the UK
- Have not yet passed the OSCE
- Do not yet hold an NMC PIN
- Require extensive support: OSCE training, time off to study, supervision, and mentorship
- May take 3–6+ months before they are ready to begin work
OSCE-Ready (Post-OSCE) Nurses
These candidates:
- Have passed the OSCE and obtained their NMC PIN
- Are fully qualified to practise in the UK
- Have self-funded their training and relocation
- Are currently based in the UK and available for interview immediately
- Require only a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — no additional costs, no delays
Why OSCE-Ready Nurses Are a Smarter, Faster Hire
- Hiring OSCE-passed nurses offers:
- Zero training burden – no need for in-house OSCE prep or clinical supervision
Immediate availability – interview and onboard within weeks. - Lower cost – no agency or recruitment fees, no travel sponsorship required.
- Higher retention likelihood – these nurses have already invested in their UK careers.
- NHS-readiness – familiar with UK systems, culture, and patient expectations.
Meet OSCE-Qualified Nurses in Person — No Agency Fees
We’re inviting NHS trusts and private healthcare employers to meet our fully qualified, OSCE-passed international nurses at our upcoming Recruitment Open Day in Stockport.
📅 OSCE-Passed Nurse Recruitment Open Day – No Agency Fees
🗓️ Date & Time:
Friday 25th July | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location:
Central House, 2 Wellington Grove, Stockport, SK2 6RH
- What to Expect:
Interview qualified, NMC-registered international nurses - Specialisms include ICU, medical-surgical, elderly care, and complex needs
- All candidates are self-funded and ready to work
How It Works:
- Book your place
- Receive a candidate pack in advance
- Pre-select your interviewees
- Attend the event — we’ll manage the interview schedule
Reserve Your Place Now – Early Booking Essential
This is a cost-effective way to meet high-calibre international nurses, ready to join your team without the usual overheads or delays.
For more information, email us at admin@ealoorconsultancy or call 0203 405 7168.
Contact us
NursingjobsUK are Awarded Suppliers for Lot 4, OSCE training, by the NHS Workforce Alliance.
If you want support with OSCE training or healthcare recruitment strategy?
Contact our team today .
Contact us via our website here or call 0203 405 7168