Purpose: This study aimed to identify and understand the experience of entering graduate school in an advanced practice nursing program in the COVID-19 situation. Methods: This qualitative study used content analysis. The data collection using the focus group and in-depth interviews was conducted from February 11 to September 2, 2022. Results: Six themes and 27 subthemes emerged through the qualitative content analysis. The themes included: “Graduate school: The next step”. “Concerns prior to attending grauate school”, “Learning in the COVID-19 era: Differences between expectations and reality”, “Overcoming the challenges of graduate school”, “Education: A stepping stone to becoming a specialist”, “Changes in self and others’ perceptions”. Conclusion: This study confirmed the growth and change of nurses through the experience of entering an advanced practice nursing program in the COVID-19 era.

서 론
    1. 연구의 필요성
    2. 연구목적
연 구 방 법
    1. 연구설계
    2. 연구자의 준비
    3. 연구참여자
    4. 자료수집
    5. 윤리적 고려
    6. 자료분석
    7. 연구의 엄격성
연 구 결 과
    1. 도약을 위한 첫 걸음
    2. 진학에 앞서 밀려오는 불확실함
    3. COVID-19로 인해 기대와 달랐던 수업과 실습
    4. 힘듦을 뛰어넘어 배움의 길로 나아감
    6. 학업! specialist로 가는 징검다리
    7. 변화된 나와 나를 바라보는 변화된 시선
논 의
결 론 및 제 언
REFERENCES

• 김정혜(울산대학교 임상전문간호학 부교수) | Kim Jeong Hye (Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Nursing, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, Korea)
• 김연희(울산대학교 산업대학원 임상전문간호전공 조교수) | Kim Yeon Hee (Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Nursing, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, Korea) Corresponding author
• 김지혜(서울아산병원 간호부 간호사) | Kim Ji Hye (RN, Department of Nursing, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea)
• 김윤형(서울아산병원 간호부 간호사) | Kim Yunhyung (RN, Department of Nursing, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea)
• 김주현(강원대학교 간호학과 명예교수) | Kim Joo Hyun (Emeritus Professor, Department of Nursing, Kangwon National University, Chunchoen, Korea)