There really is a difference: nurses' experiences with transitioning from RNs to BSNs.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe the experience that associate degree and diploma nursing graduates have when transitioning from RN to BSN. Twelve nurses with a variety of clinical backgrounds and completion of different RN-BSN programs were interviewed to elicit the lived experience of transitioning from RN to BSN. Eight theme clusters emerged when the formulated meanings were organized into categories: (1) Varied Expectations, (2) Tentative Beginnings, (3) Cornerstone Courses, (4) Translating Knowledge Into Empowerment, (5) Becoming Assertive Leader and Advocate, (6) Confronting and Conquering Challenges, (7) Envisioning the Whole, and (8) Recreating Everyday Practice. Findings indicate that both the quality of patient care and nurses' practice were enhanced as a result of BSN completion programs.