International nurses bolstering NHS workforce after training at Plymouth Marjon University

Released: 08.04.24

Plymouth Marjon University is pleased to share its successful collaboration with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) in preparing international nurses for practice as band five nurses in England. Through rigorous training and support, more than 160 international nurses have successfully completed Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) training and preparation at Plymouth Marjon University.

Led by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the OSCE is a pivotal examination ensuring nurses meet the NMC’s Test of Competence threshold, setting high standards for practice in England.

The OSCE training, which spans an intensive four weeks at Plymouth Marjon, equips international nurses with the essential clinical skills required for their roles in the NHS. These skills include administering medication, conducting non-invasive treatments, and patient assessments, as well as written skills like crafting patient care plans.

Donna Walsh is the Programme Leader for the OSCE preparation at Marjon and a practising Registered Nursing Associate at UHP. Donna commented:

"We are thrilled with our most recent pass rate. Our OSCE students bring an incredible level of skill and value both to Marjon and the NHS, and it’s a privilege to work alongside them."

Under Donna’s expert guidance, students benefit from her extensive experience in the NHS, where she has served in various roles, including as a Healthcare Assistant, Doctor’s Assistant, and Registered Nursing Associate. Her expertise contributes significantly to the success of the OSCE training programme at Plymouth Marjon.

The University's commitment to supporting international nurses extends beyond academic training. Students can use accommodation at the University, easing their transition into the programme and smoothing their adjustment to life in England.

Marjon's first-class simulation and community care suite, equipped with simulation patients and industry-standard technology, emulate exam conditions, ensuring students are well-prepared for their roles in NHS hospitals.

Professor Saul Bloxham, Dean of Health and Wellbeing at Plymouth Marjon University, lauded the University's dedication to community support, citing the OSCE programme as another exemplary initiative:

"Marjon has a legacy for working to support its community, and training international nurses to support the NHS workforce in Plymouth is another outstanding example of this. Our OSCE programme conveys just how fundamental universities are in supporting the public sector and bolstering key community services”.

With a commitment to excellence and a focus on community support, Plymouth Marjon University continues to play a vital role in preparing international nurses for successful careers in the NHS, ensuring high standards of care for patients across England.

Learn more about studying health at Marjon here.