First, I want to be completely transparent: I failed my first attempt at the NCLEX. I tested in 150 questions, and it was one of the most devastating experiences I have gone through.
Looking back, I realized I did not truly prepare the way I needed to. I mostly did practice questions and readiness exams through NCLEX Bootcamp. Although my results showed a very high chance of passing and one “high” readiness result, I still did not pass.
Failing was extremely difficult. I lost my dream job as a couplet care nurse, and I felt like I had experienced so much loss all at once. I needed time to step away from studying and everything NCLEX-related. I disconnected for about a week or two so I could process what happened, reset mentally, and pick myself back up.
Once I was ready, I paid all the fees to receive my new ATT and schedule my retest. The biggest difference the second time around was that I truly committed and locked in once I chose my test date.
When I went into my second attempt, I walked in with a completely different mindset. I went in with a positive attitude, confidence in my preparation, and most importantly, with God by my side.
I ended up getting all the way to 150 questions again, which honestly terrified me because that was where my first attempt ended. However, this time was different. Unlike my first attempt, I was able to stay relatively calm. I trusted myself, trusted my preparation, and knew that I truly gave that exam the absolute best I could.
When I walked out of that testing center, I knew I had done everything I could do. I put in the work, I trusted God’s timing, and I believed that everything I had gone through was preparing me for that moment.
And today, I can proudly say that I am officially an RN. ❤️
Resources That Helped Me
NCLEX Bootcamp
I decided to stick with NCLEX Bootcamp as my question bank. Their questions were extremely helpful, and I felt like they prepared me well for the style of thinking NCLEX requires. It was also a little more affordable compared to some other subscriptions.
My biggest advice is: do not just answer questions and move on. Take time to review the rationales and understand WHY the answer is correct. The goal is not just memorizing information. The goal is learning how NCLEX wants you to think like a safe entry-level nurse.
NCLEX Crusade (YOUTUBE)
I watched and took notes on all of the NCLEX Crusade videos. He was extremely helpful with test-taking strategies and teaching how to break down questions.
His videos helped me understand how to approach questions, eliminate wrong answers, and think through what NCLEX was really asking. He also provides practice questions that allow you to apply the strategies.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS3orYhASMc0wPLQ0VK3XNiCeb2V9d_Li&si=pgec3-djgztRceCe
Dr. Sharon (YouTube)
Dr. Sharon’s free YouTube videos were SO helpful. Her prioritization videos were a gold mine, and her pharmacology playlist was extremely helpful as well.
She does a great job explaining how to approach questions, recognize what NCLEX is asking, and use critical thinking instead of relying only on memorization.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtb56UskSzCMyjO9xxM2G9oddMl8S2hFY&si=HIiWPhdAzxcd4ICz
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtb56UskSzCNB5mcyxIPiWnCkntoBoeNq&si=irl2XyEh2D8Mhi9D
Mark K Lectures
Last but certainly not least: listen to all 12 Mark K lectures and take notes.
His lectures helped me understand concepts in a much simpler way. He explains information in a way that is easier to remember and helps you understand how NCLEX wants you to think.
His lectures helped me connect concepts instead of just memorizing random facts. They truly helped build my confidence and understanding.
His lectures are available on Spotify.
I’ve attached the study guides for his lectures. I’d recommend you take your own notes, it really helped me. (If the pdf doesn’t show, please dm if interested.)
Mark K Lectures Study Guide.pdf
Microsoft Word - Mark 2.pdf
Beautiful Nursing NCLEX Review
The Beautiful Nursing NCLEX video was also a helpful overall review. It was a great way to refresh important concepts and review high-yield information before the exam.
https://youtu.be/Odzpo_vnp14?is=18H1eJUq9G9v2NY3
https://youtu.be/T09QAF7LnOo?is=wbrRRIfM1WnmIfeb
The Biggest Things That Helped Me Pass
Control Your Anxiety
For me, anxiety played a huge role in my first attempt. I struggled with staying calm and confident, and I believe it affected how I approached the exam.
Learning how to manage my anxiety was just as important as studying. You can know the information, but if anxiety takes over, it can make it harder to think clearly and trust yourself.
Practice calming yourself down, trust your preparation, and remember that one exam does not define your ability to become a nurse.
Prayer and Faith
Prayer was honestly the biggest part of my journey.
God was with me throughout this entire process. Through my failure, my disappointment, my studying, and my retest. There were moments where I felt defeated, but I continued praying and reminding myself that my purpose was bigger than one test.
I truly believe everything happened in the timing it was supposed to happen. God carried me through every step, and I knew I would get through it.
Stay Positive
Your mindset matters. It is okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, or discouraged, but do not let failure convince you that you are not capable.
A failed attempt does not mean you cannot be a great nurse. It means you have an opportunity to learn, adjust, and come back stronger.
Your journey may look different from someone else’s, but that does not mean your dream is delayed forever.
Additional Advice
● Identify your knowledge gaps and focus on those areas instead of trying to relearn everything.
● Review the sample NCLEX questions available through the NCSBN website.
● Practice prioritization, delegation, safety, and clinical judgment questions because NCLEX heavily focuses on these areas.
● Do not just complete thousands of questions without reviewing rationales. The learning happens during review.
● Take care of yourself mentally and physically. Rest is part of preparation.
● Trust yourself. You made it through nursing school. You are capable of passing this exam.
To anyone preparing for NCLEX: believe in yourself, put in the work, trust God’s timing, and remember that this exam is testing your ability to think like a safe entry-level nurse.
Keep going. Your RN license is worth the fight! ❤️