Objective To explore the experience of higher vocational nursing students in breakthrough assessment in the course of fundamental nursing，so as to provide reference for improving the breakthrough assessment. Methods A semi-structured interview was conducted on 13 nursing students who received breakthrough assessment. Then，data was transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method to identify themes. Results Through analysis，three themes were identified including positive experience（stimulating self-compassion，obtaining precise guidance，enhancing sense of learning achievement，improving interaction between teachers and students and peers，and establishing clinical thinking），challenges brought by breakthrough assessment，and the expectations for breakthrough assessment（expectations for the breakthrough team，to oneself and teachers）. Conclusion Breakthrough assessment plays a very essential role in promoting learning through examination，and a high degree of recognition is hold by nursing students. Meanwhile，it creates higher requirements for the breakthrough team and support from teachers.