Method: Husserlian phenomenology provided the methodological framework for this qualitative research study. Using purposive sampling, RNs employed by three large metropolitan hospitals and two colleges of nursing located in the southeastern United States were interviewed. Data saturation was reached with 10 participants. The average time between completion of the undergraduate degree and entrance to graduate school for these participants was 19 years. Audiotapes of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and the narratives were analyzed using Streubert’s procedural interpretation of phenomenological methodology. Validity and trustworthiness were established through member check letters, affirming the themes and subthemes discovered by the researcher. Findings: Two major themes with five subthemes emerged: (1) Decision making with subthemes of internal motivation and value system influence, and (2) life altering event with subthemes of temporary adjustments, professional negotiation, and shift in praxis. Implications: These descriptions may offer insight to educators, healthcare employers, nurses, and their families in the development of strategies to recruit, educate, and support nurses returning for their advanced degrees. This study is also significant as it provides a basis for further research into this phenomenon.