The transition from nursing student to practicing nurse brings both opportunities and challenges. Understanding the progression from beginning practice through developing expertise provides context for the first year of nursing. Critical thinking and growth mindset support successful role transition as new nurses develop clinical judgment without the safety net of instructors. The chapter examines key elements of successful transition including professionalism, resilience, and work–life balance through practical examples. Professional identity development—thinking, acting, and feeling like a nurse—emerges through mentoring relationships and role modeling. An unfolding case study synthesizes these concepts through one nurse’s journey. Understanding how and why these transition elements matter supports nurses’ ability to apply critical thinking as they build their nursing practice foundation and develop their professional identity.