This study was designed to highlight the attitudes of Associate Degree nurses (ADN), who graduated prior to the Baccalaureate in Science in Nursing (BSN) in 10 Law in NYS, regarding returning to school for the BSN. The historical progression of nursing practice and academia, the significance of nurses to continue formal education, attitudes nurses hold, motivators, barriers, and the BSN in 10 Law in NYS are factors considered to affect nurses returning to school for the BSN. In today's complex healthcare system, practicing with a higher level of nursing education improves the delivery of care and improves patient outcomes. This qualitative phenomenological design utilized 9 associate degree nurses who were grandfathered into the BSN in 10 law to capture ADN attitudes and intentions to continuing formal education. Semi-structured open ended qualitative interviews were completed. Content analysis was used to identify emerging themes. Five main themes were identified in the data analysis: (a) lack of differentiation in professional nursing practice, (b) experience trumps education, (c) questioning the value of the BSN degree, (d) there are impediments to continuing formal education, and (e) appreciation of being grandfathered into the BSN in 10 Law. NYS passed the BSN in 10 Law that supports the need to have a nursing workforce that is prepared at the BSN level. However, the attitudes that grandfathered ADNs hold is a strong influencer on whether they will continue their education for a baccalaureate degree. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]