Bridging the gap between undergraduate and graduate school

This article discusses the experiences of six junior nursing students enrolled in the Baltimore area University of Maryland System Schools of Nursing Bridge Program, a graduate school preparatory program. The Program fosters personal and professional growth of academically talented nursing students who aspire to be nursing leaders of the future. Bridge Program experiences have been overwhelming and challenging; yet, motivating. Benefits of the Program include increased exposure to people and technological resources as well as the creation of scholarly projects and presentations. Major challenges were time management and the production of scholarly work. Students share reasons for joining the Program, what it is like to be a Bridge student, benefits, challenges, and recommendations for future Bridge students.