Design:  A hermeneutic phenomenological approach.

Population, Sample, Setting: Nineteen second degree BSN graduates from the mid-Atlantic region of the United States were interviewed face-to-face.

Concept Studied:  The phenomenon of second degree student experiences and how these experiences best prepared them for practice after graduation.

Methods:  Approved by the researcher's University Human Subjects Review Board, and through snowball sampling, participants were asked: "Is there an incident as a second degree accelerated nursing student that stands out in your mind that best prepared you for your current clinical position?"  Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim.  Data were also generated through written comments by participants on their respective narrative summaries, journal notes written by the researcher, and demographic inquiries.  Data were analyzed by three doctorally prepared researchers utilizing van Manen's approach to human science research.

Findings:  One overarching pattern and several themes were identified.  The theme, “Putting It All Together,” will be presented.  Data suggested that students learn many individual facts and skills, but they needed help from faculty to integrate and apply this new knowledge to practice.

Conclusions:  Accelerated second degree nursing programs offer a valuable pathway for BSN completion.  Incorporating the rich life experiences and critical thinking skills of these students provides a learning environment in which these students can quickly understand and apply their rapidly growing knowledge base.

Implications:  Through research based teaching and learning, nursing curricula may be continuously refined to provide diverse student bodies with outstanding preparation for today’s increasingly complex healthcare environment.

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