Passing the NCLEX is one of the biggest hurdles in any nurse’s career. It’s the final boss after years of nursing school, sleepless nights, and clinical rotations. And while some people pass on the first try, many of us don’t. I didn’t. And if that’s you too, you’re not alone.
Let me tell you exactly what worked, what didn’t, and what I wish someone had told me before I spent three months in a caffeine-fueled panic spiral.
1. UWorld Isn’t Magic, But It Helps
Everyone talks about UWorld like it’s the golden ticket. I used it, and yes, the questions were helpful. But just buying a subscription doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to pass. I was passively reading rationales, not actually learning. It wasn’t until I started taking notes and reviewing why I got things wrong that it clicked.
Tip: Don’t rush through hundreds of questions a day. Quality over quantity matters more than ever here.
2. The “Select All That Apply” Game
If you’re anything like me, SATA questions felt like psychological warfare. But here’s the trick: Don’t think of them as trick questions. Think of them as checklists. If the answer doesn’t directly relate to the core issue in the stem, it’s probably wrong. And yes, sometimes the right answer is all of them. Or none. Breathe.
3. YouTube Saved Me
There’s no shame in being a visual learner. I owe part of my success to nurse educators on YouTube who broke down pharmacology and care plans in a way my textbooks never could. One channel even used hand-drawn cartoons to explain heart murmurs, and I still remember it to this day.
4. The “Study Plan” Trap
I made a beautiful color-coded study schedule and then abandoned it on Day 3. The truth is, consistency matters more than the perfect plan. Even 1–2 hours of focused study each day adds up. What finally worked for me was picking two topics per week and mastering them before moving on.
5. Test Day Nerves Are Normal
Let’s talk about the actual exam day. I sat in the parking lot for 30 minutes questioning my entire life. Once I got inside, my hands were shaking so much I fumbled with the keyboard. But guess what? That first question gets you into the zone fast. You’ll be nervous. Everyone is. Don’t let it throw you off.
6. Failing Doesn’t Define You
I didn’t pass on my first attempt. And I felt crushed. But after giving myself some time to reset, I came back stronger and smarter. Passing the second time felt even better. If you’re in that position, remember this: your nursing career isn’t over. It’s just beginning, and this is part of your story.
7. The Power of Practice Tests
Taking full-length practice tests helped build my stamina. I scheduled them like mock exams and made sure to simulate real testing conditions. It was annoying. It was stressful. But it paid off. By the time I sat for the NCLEX, my brain was trained to push through the fatigue and keep thinking clearly.
Final Words
Passing the NCLEX isn’t about being the smartest person in your class. It’s about preparation, resilience, and knowing how to break down a question under pressure. Give yourself grace, stay consistent, and trust that you’ve already done the hard part: becoming a nurse.
You’ve got this.
Scrub Power is the editor and publisher behind Scrub Power Nurse, creating content that inspires, supports, and celebrates the real lives of nurses everywhere.
