We organise assessment centres for general nursing posts, specialities such as paediatrics, intensive care, midwifery and theatres and for healthcare assistant vacancies. This page explains what to expect at an assessment centre and how to prepare.
What an assessment centre involves
The assessment centre lasts 3 ½ hours and involves:
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an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), which includes an individual scenario of 10 minutes
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a written paper, where you have 55 minutes to complete
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an interview lasting 25 minutes
This is seen as a fair and accurate way of selecting staff, as it provides various ways for you to show us your full potential and helps us to assess that you can do what you say you can.
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Booking onto an assessment centre day
If you have applied for a post and have been shortlisted, we will text and email you with an invitation to attend the assessment centre. The email gives you full instructions on what to do.
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A morning assessment centre runs from 8.45am - 12.30pm
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An afternoon assessment centre runs from 1pm - 5pm
You will usually have the choice of which session you attend, though they are allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you do not book a place, we will assume you have withdrawn your interest in the post.
You can only book your place by logging onto the website as instructed in your email. You will be reminded to attend by text and email 24 hours before the assessment centre day.
If you need any adjustments or adaptations, you must let us know when you confirm your attendance.
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Where is the assessment centre held?
The assessment centre is held at the education centre, 75 York Road near St Thomas' Hospital. Your invitation email gives you full instructions on how to get there, including a map.
Plan your journey to arrive on time. You will not be allowed to enter if you arrive late, as the assessments will have already started.
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What to bring with you
Please bring:
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photo identification such as passport or ID card (original and a photocopy). Without these you will not be able to participate, so please have them ready.
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your original university certificates and a photocopy.
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pens
Nurses and midwives can also bring a calculator, but you cannot use a mobile phone as a calculator.
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How to prepare
You will have read the job description and person specification when you applied online for the post. This is what you will be assessed against at the assessment centre. Therefore, you may find it helpful to review this and consider how you have demonstrated the skills and behaviours outlined. This may have been in the workplace or outside of work.
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At the assessment centre
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Be yourself - do not try to act, as it will show
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Be enthusiastic
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Do not try to second guess what you are being assessed on
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Assume we are assessing you at all times
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Follow the instructions you are given for each task and complete all of them. Listen carefully, and ask if you're unsure about anything.
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Join in discussions and ask questions, but don't dominate.
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Keep up to date with current issues. You can do this by reading current journals and our website.
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Practice skills you think you might be tested on, such as clinical skills and drug calculations.
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Re-read your application form or CV before attending.
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Get some rest the day before.
Don't worry if you feel you have performed badly in one of the assessments; concentrate on showing your potential in the others.
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Finding out the results
We will email you within 5 working days of the assessment centre with your result. We will also telephone you within 5 working days to offer feedback of your performance.
If you are unsuccessful, please do not apply to attend another assessment centre for 3 months. This gives you time to reflect on the process and your feedback and to gain the skills you did not demonstrate on the previous occasion.
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Supporting successful applicants
Read what happens next if you have been successful.
All newly qualified staff are also offered support through our preceptorship programme as part of their first year after registration.