Taking a deep breath, you look at the results. It’s not the outcome you worked so hard for. In addition to the personal disappointment, a wave of professional anxiety hits you. You have to tell your boss or manager. Navigating this NCLEX failure communication requires a delicate balance of honesty, professionalism, and strategy. It’s a tough conversation, but handling it well can preserve your professional reputation and even strengthen your position for the future. This guide will walk you through exactly how to tell boss failed NCLEX news with confidence and control.
1. Prepare Before You Speak
Before you schedule that meeting, take a moment for strategic preparation. Rushing into this conversation unprepared can increase your anxiety and lead to unclear messaging. Think of this phase not as dwelling on the setback, but as gathering your tools for a professional discussion.
First, understand your employment status. Review your job offer letter or any employment contracts you’ve signed. Many offers for new graduate nurses are “contingent upon passing the NCLEX.” Knowing your specific terms is crucial for managing expectations. Are you an employee already, or is your offer conditional?
Pro Tip: If your offer is contingent, browse the company’s HR portal or handbook for their policy on NCLEX failures. Some organizations have a structured process for this exact situation.
Next, gather your emotional composure. It’s completely normal to feel upset, embarrassed, or angry. Acknowledge these feelings for yourself—talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. However, when you walk into your manager’s office, the goal is to remain calm and solution-focused.
Finally, outline the key points you want to cover. Jot down the facts:
- The date you took the exam.
- The result.
- Your immediate plan for moving forward.
This isn’t a script for memorization, but it ensures you don’t forget any critical points amidst the stress of the conversation.
2. Choose the Right Time and Setting
Logistics matter. The setting for this conversation sets the tone for how your news is received. You want to convey professionalism and respect, which means avoiding a frantic hallway chat or a casual text message.
In-person is almost always best. It shows respect and allows you to accurately convey your tone and commitment through body language. Schedule a private meeting with your manager. A simple email works: “Hi [Manager’s Name], do you have 15 minutes to connect privately this afternoon? I’d like to provide an update on my licensure status.”
In-Person vs. Email vs. Phone
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person | Shows professionalism, conveys emotion/sincerity, allows immediate Q&A | Requires you to manage nerves face-to-face | The preferred method for primary communication if you work on-site. |
| Phone Call | Good for remote positions, better tone than email | Still less personal than in-person, can be interrupted | Employees who work remotely or when travel to the office isn’t feasible. |
| Provides written record, allows you to carefully choose words | Can be perceived as impersonal, tone can be misread | Follow-up documentation after an in-person or phone conversation. |
Common Mistake: Don’t put the news in a follow-up email. Use email to confirm a meeting, deliver the news in person (or on the phone), and then use a follow-up email to summarize the conversation and your plan. This prevents miscommunication.
3. What to Say: Scripts and Key Points
This is the core of the challenge. Exactly what to say when you fail NCLEX can feel like navigating a minefield. The key is to be direct, professional, and forward-looking. Avoid excessive apologies or emotional language that shifts the focus from your solution-oriented plan.
Here’s a powerful, four-part structure for your conversation:
1. The Direct Opening: Start with clarity and professionalism. Don’t beat around the bush.
“Thanks for meeting with me. I wanted to update you directly on my NCLEX结果.”
2. The News (Briefly): State the result simply and factually.
“I received my results from the exam I took on [Date]. Unfortunately, I did not pass this time.”
3. The Turning Point (Your Immediate Plan): This is the most critical part. Immediately pivot to your action plan. This shows you’re proactive and resilient.
“I’ve already started analyzing my results report to identify my weak areas. I have a meeting scheduled with an NCLEX prep tutor this week to create a targeted study plan. My goal is to retake the exam in approximately 45 days.”
4. The Ask/Collaboration: Open the door for discussion and show you respect their position.
“I wanted to inform you of this myself and discuss next steps regarding my current role/work schedule. What is the standard procedure from here, and how can I best support the team while I prepare for my retake?”
Clinical Pearl: Delivering the news with a concrete retake plan immediately re-frames you from “a nurse who failed” to “a dedicated professional who encountered a setback and is already executing a plan to overcome it.”
4. Understanding Your Potential Options
Your manager’s response will guide your next moves. Most healthcare administrators have seen this before and have policies in place. Being prepared for their potential reactions will keep you calm and in control.
Scenario 1: The Supportive Response “We appreciate you telling us. We value you and want to support you. Let’s talk about options like moving to a graduate nurse or patient care tech role until you pass.”
This is the ideal outcome. It shows the facility invests in its staff. Thank them for their support and follow the HR process they outline.
Scenario 2: The Neutral/Procedural Response “Thank you for letting me know. Per our policy, your employment is contingent on licensure. We will have to pause your start date/offboarding until you pass.”
This isn’t personal; it’s procedural. Ask for clear timelines and documentation. Understand what you need to provide to them upon passing. This is where review of your initial offer letter becomes critical.
Scenario 3: The Negative Response “We can’t hold a position for you. We will need to rescind the offer.”
This is tough to hear but stay professional. Do not argue or become defensive. Simply respond, “I understand. Thank you for the opportunity.” Maintain your composure and your reputation. Your professionalism in this difficult moment might lead them to consider you for a future opening.
Key Takeaway: Your primary goal is to leave the conversation with your professional dignity intact, regardless of their decision. How you handle this news is a reflection of your character, which is long-term valuable.
5. Next Steps After the Conversation
The conversation is over, but the process isn’t. Your next actions solidify your professionalism and protect you legally.
Always follow up in writing. Within 24 hours, send a brief, professional email to your manager (and HR if they were involved) summarizing what was discussed and confirming any agreed-upon next steps.
Sample Follow-Up Email:
Subject: Follow-up: Licensure Update
Hi [Manager’s Name],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today regarding my NCLEX results and next steps.
Just to confirm our conversation:
– I will be transitioning to the [Title, e.g., Patient Care Technician] role effective [Date].
– My retake date is tentatively scheduled for [Date or timeframe].
– I will provide a copy of my new ATT and pass report to HR upon successful completion.
I am committed to my professional development and to supporting the team. Please let me know if there are any forms I need to complete.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
This written record is non-negotiable. It ensures everyone is on the same page and prevents “he said, she said” misunderstandings later.
6. Create and Execute Your Retake Plan
Now, shift 100% of your focus to passing the NCLEX. The conversation with your boss is behind you. This is your chance to turn a setback into a success story. Your employer presented you with an opportunity to re-prove your commitment—now deliver.
A strong retake plan includes:
- Detailed Review: Don’t just study more; study smarter. Use your Candidate Performance Report (CPR) to focus on weak areas.
- New Study Methods: If you only used one method before, add another. Consider a prep course, private tutoring, or a study group.
- A Realistic Schedule: Block out specific, non-negotiable study times in your calendar. Treat them like a job.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Complete thousands of practice questions to build stamina and master the test-taking strategy.
By creating and sharing a structured plan, you demonstrate maturity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to your nursing career.
Frequently Asked Questions About NCLEX Failure Communication
Should I just quit my job or resign before telling them? No. Quitting without communicating first can be seen as unprofessional and may burn a bridge. It’s always better to have a direct, honest conversation. You never know what supportive options might be available.
My manager offered me a different role. Should I take it? Generally, yes, if it’s feasible for you. Staying within the organization keeps your foot in the door, allows you to maintain institutional knowledge, and shows loyalty. It’s much easier to transition back into a RN role internally than to re-apply as an external candidate.
How much personal detail should I share about why I failed? Keep it brief and professional. You don’t need to explain that you had test anxiety or a sick family member. A simple statement like, “I didn’t perform as well as I hoped,” is sufficient. The focus should be on your plan, not your excuses.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Handling informing employer NCLEX results is undoubtedly stressful, but it’s also a defining moment in your young career. By approaching the conversation with preparation, professionalism, and a clear action plan, you transform a moment of failure into a powerful demonstration of resilience and character. Remember, a single test result does not define your capability as a future nurse. Your ability to navigate professional challenges does. Now, focus on that study plan and get ready to pass the next time.
Have you been through this experience? Share how you handled talking to manager about NCLEX in the comments below—your story could help and inspire another nurse facing this same challenge.
Want to make your retake plan a breeze? Download our free NCLEX Retake Planning Template to organize your study schedule, track your progress, and walk into your next exam with confidence.
Get more evidence-based nursing tips and career guidance delivered to your inbox every week. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and support through every step of your nursing journey.