The extensive use of the word transition in nursing literature indicates that it is a significant concept (Ralik, Visentin, Van Loon, 2006). It is essential that nurses have knowledge and understanding of transition. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review and explore the definitions and key elements of the transition concept and to show how gaining knowledge of transition can have a positive impact on client care and the nursing profession. Understanding transition will help improve client care by teaching nurses how to assess, facilitate transition, and develop health promotion initiatives. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve better outcomes for customers going through the transition. Continued research and education benefits the nursing profession because gaining knowledge and a better understanding of the transition helps drive the underlying standards that help nurses stay current and consistent in their care delivery. Definition of transition There are several definitions and interpretations of transition. According to Ralik, Visentin and Van Loon its meaning changes depending on the context in which it is used (2006). A common definition of transition in a significant portion of nursing literature is that it is the passage or movement from one phase, condition, or state of life to another. It is movement and adaptation to change, rather than a return to a pre-existing state. Part of the literature expands this definition, stating that transition is not only a passage or movement but also a moment of reorientation or internal transformation. Kralik, Visentin, and Van Loon state that transition involves psychological processes through movement and adaptation (2006). There are several types...... half of the article ......k. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier. Kralik, D., Visentin, K., & Van Loon, A. (2006). Transition: a review of the literature. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 55(3), 320-329. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.03899.xMeleis, A., Sawyer, L., Im, E., Messias, D., & Schumacher, K. (2000). Experiencing transitions: An emerging theory of the middle range. Advances in Nursing Science, 23(1), 12-28.Meleis, Afaf Ibrahim. Transitions theory: Middle-range and situation-specific theories in nursing research and practice. New York: Springer Publishing, 2010. Schumacher, K., & Meleis, A. (1994). Transitions: A central concept in nursing. Image: Journal Of Nursing Scholarship, 26(2), 119-127. Sparud-Lundin, C., Öhrn, I., & Danielson, E. (2010). Redefining relationships and identity in young adults with type 1 diabetes. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(1), 128-138. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05166.x