The aim of nursing programmes is to produce employees who are occupationally ready. One method to assess occupational readiness is a verbal examination of subject area knowledge and understanding. This assessment type is used at a higher education institution in the north of England deemed outstanding by Ofsted. The verbal assessment (a professional conversation) requires student nursing associate apprentice learners to demonstrate clinical and professional knowledge and understanding gained and applied throughout a 2-year foundation degree to prepare for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a nursing associate. Preparation for this assessment consolidates prior learning; the assessment method is authentic and has been found to be an effective means through which learners are able to articulate and showcase their knowledge, with many gaining high marks.
Keywords: Assessment; Occupational readiness; Professional conversation; Trainee nursing associate; Verbal assessment.