Intentional Reflection of Student Experiences During Graduate Nursing Education
Abstract
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.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Reflective Practices in Education
Doctoral Education Challenges and Solutions
Nursing education and management
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Nurse Educator
- Volume
- 51
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- E110–E115
- Publication date
- 12 January 2026
- Language
- EN