Abstract
Objective: To understand the feelings experienced by academics regarding the expectations and challenges of undergraduate nursing students (freshmen and seniors) in a private institution in a city in the state of Rondônia. Methods: This was a field study, with an exploratory-descriptive character, with a qualitative approach. The sample consisted of 20 students, distributed as follows: 10 freshmen and 10 seniors. Results: From the empirical observation of the reports, through convergent data, we compared the expectations and challenges of freshmen to seniors, and after an exhaustive analysis of the research participants' statements, three thematic groups emerged, namely: Motivations for Choice of Graduation, Perception About the Nurse's Role and Expectations and Challenges in Graduation. Conclusion: It is possible to notice the modification of the students, in their thoughts, way of facing challenges, bringing new expectations towards the future, serving as a social, professional and personal springboard. Such research can serve as a demonstration of this transformation, how graduation changes the student and the way in which expectations are remodeled and challenges overcome.