The purpose of this collective case study was to explore the experiences of three American Indian nurses of the Plateau Tribes in their nursing education. Specifically, the study sought to gain an understanding that could be used to evaluate and promote culturally congruent strategies for recruitment and retention. Findings indicated that influences for choosing nursing included family expectations to become educated; wanting to break a cycle that included early pregnancy, dropping out of high school and abuse of alcohol and drugs; and a desire to serve their communities. Nursing school was stressful due to leaving home, culture shock, and feeling a need to prove oneself. Returning to their communities as a nurse required integrating new learning with traditions and becoming a role model. Returning to school for advanced nursing education was deemed necessary in order to meet the challenges of their work. Nursing needs to support American Indian/Alaska Native students by providing pre-college preparation and guidance, by reducing college stress, and by providing appropriate career support and assistance for going to graduate school.