The inaugural year of a doctoral nursing program is a challenging transition from a clinical practitioner to a scholarly expert. Drawing on personal and peer experiences, we offer a comprehensive guide for thriving in this transformative period. Covering crucial aspects such as work-life balance, time management, research skills, and self-care, we offer insights to empower future doctoral nursing students, equipping them to confidently navigate the challenges and emerge as successful scholars in the field. [ J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(4):157-160.] .