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Qualitative analysis describes graduate nursing students' experiences, indicating the value of reflective journaling.
Background: Nurse practitioners can help fill needs for primary care providers but first must successfully transition from registered nurse through graduate education, which presents challenges and opportunities for growth. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of nurses during the first semester of graduate school. Methods: Reflections of 23 students were analyzed by nursing faculty using qualitative descriptive methods. Results: Five main concepts were identified by students: Academic performance, Challenges, Emotions, Linking coursework to future role, and Support. Conclusion: Reflective journaling may help students process and adapt to challenges of graduate school.
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Gray et al. (2026) studied this question.
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