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Failing the NCLEX can feel devastating.
After weeks of studying, the pressure of test day, and the long wait for results, many students feel crushed. But the truth is, countless nursing students have been in that exact spot — and their NCLEX success stories prove that you can turn a setback into a comeback. Here are three of those stories.
Real Students, Real Results
The heart of NCLEX success stories lies in the students who refused to give up.
Their journeys — filled with frustration, doubt, and even multiple failures — weren’t easy. But each one shows that resilience, paired with the right support, can lead to success.
Ashley’s Story: After Four Failures, I Finally Passed in 85 Questions
Ashley Powell’s journey is proof that persistence pays off.
She had already failed the NCLEX four times and tried every major prep resource available.
“Before I used UWorld, Mark Klemik, Saunders, and the NCLEX RN app. NOTHING worked for me until I started SimpleNursing.”
Ashley attended nursing school during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant most of her classes were online. Like many students, she felt the program left her without the foundation she needed.
“I feel like I barely learned anything in school because of that. Your lecture series is amazing and literally taught me everything I know. You explain everything in a way that’s easy to understand and easy to remember. Your memory tricks helped me a TON.”
Armed with visuals and mnemonics, Ashley finally walked into the exam ready. This time, she passed in just 85 questions.
Her story shows that even after repeated failures, the right system can turn a fail into a repeat NCLEX pass.
Rachel’s Story: From Failing Med-Surg to Top of My Class
For Rachel Idol, the journey started with failure before she even reached the NCLEX.
“I am a student who failed Med-Surg 2! I felt down and defeated, but I looked into Nurse Mike. I studied his program and learned a lot.”
She retook the class and passed with a 91, gaining confidence she hadn’t felt before. By graduation, Rachel’s hard work — and a new approach to studying — completely transformed her NCLEX prep outcomes.
“My grades improved, and I ended up getting the highest ATI Comp score in my graduating class and passed the NCLEX in 85 questions. I owe it all to Nurse Mike!”
Rachel leaned heavily on SimpleNursing’s Elite membership package, which included live cram sessions that helped fill in her knowledge gaps.
“The one-on-one videos felt like it was just me and him hashing out the information. The cram session helped me see what I was missing. Thank you for such an amazing product! I honestly wish I could keep it for my first year of being a nurse to refer back to if I need him.”
Her story is a reminder that the road to NCLEX study success often begins with smaller academic wins and builds momentum from there.
Julie’s Story: Failed Once, Then Passed With Ease
Julie Lawrence had a rocky first attempt at the NCLEX.
“My first NCLEX, I used Nursing.com. I was above the passing standard and felt confident but still nervous. I got all 150 questions and failed. My official NCLEX report stated I was ‘near the passing standard’ for every category, but didn’t meet the passing standard.”
Frustrated but not defeated, Julie switched her approach. She turned to SimpleNursing, a resource she had trusted throughout nursing school.
“I watched nearly all the NCLEX mastery videos and took notes every night, followed by anywhere from 20–100 questions, then wrote down the rationales from the questions I got wrong. His videos helped me understand where I went wrong the first time and REALLY helped me grasp the material I was struggling on.”
This mix of videos plus practice questions gave her the confidence she lacked before. On her second attempt, the experience felt completely different.
“My second exam was a breeze! I felt so calm and was able to rationalize and think through every question. I heard Nurse Mike’s voice in my head as I recalled what the videos discussed during the exam. My second NCLEX attempt, I had 85 questions in just under an hour and a half and PASSED!”
Julie’s story illustrates exactly how to pass the NCLEX the second time by identifying what didn’t work, shifting strategies, and leaning on tools that build confidence through repetition.
Common Strategies Shared by Successful Retakers
Ashley, Rachel, and Julie’s NCLEX retake success stories may be unique, but the strategies that helped them succeed are ones you can use too. And there are so many positive stories just like each one of theirs.
Focused, Data-Driven Study Plans
Instead of re-reading notes aimlessly, successful students built structured plans that focused on weak areas flagged by readiness assessments or their Candidate Performance Report (CPR).
This made their time more productive and reduced burnout.
For guidance, check out How Long Should You Study for the NCLEX?
Using NGN Videos to Cement Hard Concepts
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) introduces complex case studies and bowtie formats.
Students use NGN videos with visuals and mnemonics to break down challenging concepts into digestible steps, making recall easier under pressure.
Repeated Practice With Feedback
Many testimonials mentioned practice questions paired with rationales.
Instead of just seeing right or wrong, students studied why — a proven NCLEX study success strategy.
For more practice strategies, see Top 10 Study Tools Every Nursing Student Should Use.
Quick Takeaways from NCLEX Success Stories
- Target your weak areas first → Use your CPR report or readiness assessments to focus on what matters most. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our Ultimate NCLEX Retake Guide.
- Pair videos with practice questions → Watch, apply, and review rationales to lock in learning.
- Study consistently, not endlessly → 2–3 focused hours per day is enough. It beats 10-hour cram sessions every time.
How SimpleNursing Makes the Difference
SimpleNursing combines adaptive testing, engaging videos, and structured study plans that mirror the real exam.
The result?
Students walk into their retake with confidence and a clear path forward.
Adaptive CATs Simulate Real NCLEX Logic
Students credit CAT exams for helping them stay calm when the test adapted to their performance.
Practicing in the same format you’ll be tested in takes away the surprise factor.
Learn more in our NCLEX-RN Test Plan for 2025.
Personalized Study Plans Track Progress
Unlike static prep tools, SimpleNursing adapts as you study.
The system identifies weak areas and adjusts your plan, providing clear next steps to take.
Live Cram Sessions Provide Support and Motivation
Live cram sessions provide students with the opportunity to review high-yield topics in real-time with Nurse Mike and other instructors.
Instead of cramming alone, students can ask questions, clarify tricky concepts, and focus on the areas most likely to appear on the exam. Many repeat test-takers credit these sessions as the final boost they needed to succeed.
Lessons for Your Next NCLEX Attempt
If you’re facing a retake, these NCLEX testimonials offer lessons you can act on right now.
For even more structured guidance, check out our NCLEX retake tips to help you study smarter, manage stress, and pass with confidence.
Analyze Weak Areas First
Start with the areas your CPR flagged. Those are your top priorities.
Fixing those first will give you the biggest boost in your performance on test day.
For more strategies, check out How to Identify Weak Areas Before Your Next NCLEX Attempt.
Study in Small, Consistent Blocks
Students who tried 10-hour cramming sessions burned out quickly.
Those who studied two to three hours daily retained more and felt fresher on exam day.
Pair Videos With Questions for Retention
Visual lessons alone aren’t enough.
Pair them with practice questions. Watching and then immediately applying knowledge creates lasting retention.
FAQs From Students Considering SimpleNursing
Is it too late to start a new prep course?
No. Many students in these NCLEX success stories switched after failing once and saw significant improvements.
How many weeks should I study before retake?
Most successful students studied for six to eight weeks, dedicating two to three hours per day to their studies. For sample schedules, see our 30-Day NCLEX Study Plan.
Can I really improve my score with targeted prep?
Yes! These nursing exam success stories prove it. By focusing on weak areas, using rationales, and practicing NGN formats, students transformed failure into a passing grade.
From Struggle to Success: Your Story Could Be Next
The students above show that failure isn’t final. It’s feedback.
With the right tools, structure, and strategies, you can join the ranks of nursing students who passed the NCLEX on their second try.
Sign up for SimpleNursing today and make your own success story.
