Professional nursing is faced with critical staffing shortages in the wake of a global pandemic. First professional degree nursing programs are acutely focused on support programs and retention programs for degree completion leading to professional licensure. This approach includes the support and retention of students who must repeat coursework after course failure. The decision to repeat the course is often based upon the student's determination to pursue their dream of becoming a nurse. However, the circumstances surrounding repeating coursework have their challenges. The purpose of this action research study was to explore the experience of the repeating student in a baccalaureate undergraduate nursing program in one institution in the northeastern United States. Cycle 1 of this study employed interviews with students who had experienced course failure. The themes informed the action step, the purpose of which was to support the identified needs of the repeating students in an accredited, first professional degree nursing program in New England. Data collection with those who participated in the pilot course utilized semi-structured interviews, as well as The Mindfulness Self-Care Survey and the Readiness to Return Survey. These techniques were employed to assess the dimensions of the participants' experiences. In addition, focus groups were conducted with academic advisors as key stakeholders. Three data themes were identified including the impact of the academic standings process, socio-emotional impact, and reflecting to regain control. The challenges associated with repeating a nursing course included academic and cultural rigor, the stress of the academic standings process, the financial, emotional, and social strain experienced with failure, as well as the impact on their perceived academic ability and lack of self-care. The development of programs to address the challenges repeating students face is needed to support degree completion and entry into the workforce. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]