How to programatically convert nodes from draft to saved
You can change Workflow status for all nodes using Views Bulk Operations module
Here is a little manual how to accomplish this task:


Download and install Views Bulk Operations module
Create a view that will show content of necessary content type in table format.





Add in this view next fields: Content: Title, Workflow history: New state name, Workflow history: Old state name and Bulk operations: Content.





Open created view page, select all nodes, choose "Change workflow state of post to new state" operation and click on the "Execute" button





Choose new node state and click on the "Next" button





On the next page press on the "Confirm" button