Becoming an RN

If you've considered furthering your nursing education through the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you've likely wondered about the potential benefits of holding a BSN. While there are many routes that lead to a solid nursing education, the most direct and beneficial route involves becoming a bachelor's-prepared nurse. In fact, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Initiative on the Future of Nursing feels so strongly about the pursuit of a BSN that it hopes to increase the number of nurses with bachelor's degrees to 80 percent by 2020.

The College Network offers an online LPN to BS in Nursing program as well as several online RN to BS in Nursing programs. Below is a list of three major advantages of completing these programs and earning a bachelor's degree in nursing.

1. More Experience — Nurses who complete a bachelor's degree program have more experience in real-world hospital situations than those with a lesser degree. Most BSN programs require a significant number of clinical hours, which helps students feel more comfortable in the nurse role.
    
2. Broader Knowledge — Nursing bachelor's degree programs dive further into each nursing course and require completion of more courses than associate's degree and diploma programs. This gives students a broader knowledge base and enhances their problem solving and critical thinking skills.
    
3. Expanded Opportunities — With the changing nature of healthcare, hospitals are increasingly looking to staff their nursing units with nurses who have earned at least a BSN. Bachelor's-prepared nurses have a leg up on those who have only an associate's degree, and that helps them stand out when seeking initial employment as well as promotions. Additionally, some positions in the nursing industry (e.g., educator, researcher, and administrator) can only be filled by those with a bachelor's or higher degree.

If you're ready to advance your career with a BSN, contact The College Network today at 1-877-TCN-DEGREE (877-826-3347)!

If you are an LPN/LVN, you’ve probably considered going back to school to earn your degree and RN license. With the demand for qualified RNs on the rise, it’s a great time to start working toward a higher nursing credential.

Earning your associate’s degree in nursing isn’t the only way to get your RN license—in fact, there are lots of benefits to earning your bachelor’s degree instead.

The 80 by ‘20 Push

By now, you’ve probably heard about the Institute of Medicine’s 2011 recommendation—it states that 80% of all RNs should hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) by the year 2020. But why is the industry pushing for higher nurse education? The simple fact is, due to the demanding nature of the patient landscape, the role of the RN is changing. RNs are required to take on more responsibilities than before, working directly with physicians to diagnose patients and manage teams of LPNs.

To be successful in these new working conditions, it is beneficial to have a bachelor’s-level nursing education. In fact, many healthcare facilities are raising their minimum education requirements for RNs as a result of this industry-wide push.

Aside from mastering the necessary clinical skills, BSN students gain an in-depth understanding of leadership skills and managerial strategies, preparing them to lead and manage teams of nurses and move up within their organization over time. Most nurse managers are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

As RNs retire at a rapid rate, the number of open positions for BSN-RNs is on the rise. Over 55 percent of today’s RNs and nurse leaders plan to retire by 2020, creating more leadership opportunities for BSN-prepared RNs.

Go From LPN to BSN with One Online Program

As an LPN, your bachelor’s degree in nursing is well within your reach.  Although there are many degree programs that can bridge the gap between LPN and BSN, there is only one LPN to BS in Nursing program that can be completed entirely through distance learning. The LPN to BS in Nursing program from Indiana State University allows to complete your course work online, meaning you can continue to work in your current job while completing your degree. Upon graduation, you’ll receive your bachelor’s degree in nursing and will be ready to make an impact as a BSN-prepared RN.

To learn more about the LPN to BS in Nursing program from Indiana State University, watch the video below.

If you’d like more information on the LPN to BS in Nursing program, feel free to call us at 800-395-1014 to speak with a Program Advisor. You can also request more information by clicking here. 

You’ve graduated from nursing school and now you are ready to hit the ground running in your new career. Congrats! It is a great time to be a nurse. Despite ongoing changes in the job market, over 32,000 new health care jobs were created in the month of February.

So, what supplies do you use during a day on the job? The items you carry may vary depending on your area of specialization. If you have specific questions on which supplies you need, be sure to check with your supervisor. In the meantime, here are some helpful tips for staying prepared. 

On Your Person:

While each nurse has their own personal preference for what to carry during the workday, there are some essentials that you need to have. Here are some common supplies that you’ll likely use on the job: 

1. Stethoscope


2. Penlight


3. 2 pens


4. Hemostats


5. Tape


6. Scissors


7. Alcohol prep pads

In Your Locker:

1. Lotion: Washing up repeatedly can be taxing on your skin. Keep lotion in your locker to help sooth your hard-working hands.  


2. Hand sanitizer: Though there are probably plenty of opportunities to sanitize on the floor, it never hurts to be prepared.


3. Ibuprofen: Let’s face it—a long shift can sometimes be a headache.  


4. Energy bars: For a quick energy boost during your shift, keep a box of granola bars or energy bars in your locker. These snacks are a good source of protein. Though there are countless brands to choose from, some of the healthier options include Clif Bars and Nature Valley.


5. Vitamin Packets: No matter how hard you try, you’ll still be exposed to some nasty germs on the job. Since you are probably already drinking water during your shift, try mixing a vitamin packet like Emergen-C® into your drink. Crammed with nutrients, these flavored packs will make your water a little less boring.

If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse, there’s never been a better time than now. If you are an LPN or RN seeking to further your nursing education, The College Network can help. To learn more, call us at 800-395-1014 to speak with a program advisor. Or, view a full list of our degree programs for nurses or request more information here. Good luck!

Most of us have considered going back to school at one point or another. I want go back to school to get my master's degree. I, like you, research programs to see what will work best for my lifestyle. I will need to continue to work my full time job and run my household, while I obtain my degree. The reasons that we decide to go back to school as an adult are much the same--no matter what degree that we pursue. 

So, let's talk about my top 5 reasons.

1. Career Advancement--Earning your associate's or bachelor's degree will open up more career opportunities for you. If you earn your Associate Degree in Nursing online, you can move forward in your career to become an RN. If you earn your Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, you can advance into higher ranks and move into a leadership role. But whatever degree you pursue, earning it will lead to more options for your career. 

2. Earning Potential--By advancing your education and earning your degree, you increase your earning potential. The easiest example of this is the difference in pay between an LPN and an RN. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average salary for an LPN at $40,380 and the average salary for an RN at $64,690. That is a remarkable difference!

3.Expanding Your Horizons--Learning opens us up to all kinds of experiences. I think we can rediscover our love of learning and how much we enjoy the challenge of finding answers. It can spark a lifelong love of new adventures.

4. Achieving Your Dream--By earning your degree, you will accomplish a milestone in your life. It is one that will take hard work and dedication. There might be times along the way when you feel like giving up--but you can push through to keep going. Thinking about how your life will change can help to motivate you to stay on track.

5. Inspiring Others--Most people don't realize that by reaching their goal, they inspire others to take a chance and follow their dream too. You will impact those around you with your success and will be a role model for those that are contemplating taking the next step in their career.  

I'm sure after reading these reasons, you might even have more reasons to add to your list. If you're ready to discover more about earning your degree online through The College Network and one of our partner universities, call us today at 800-395-1014. Or you can request more information here. 

Another year is drawing to a close.  It's usually the time when we look back at what we have accomplished while we also look forward to our hopes and dreams for the year ahead. If you're at all like me, you wish you would have accomplished a few more goals that you had on your list this time last year. It's hard because day-to-day life can easily get in the way of our goals.

Is advancing your career and education one of  your goals that you carry forward from year to year? Are you an LPN that hopes to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing degree? Or are you an RN who wants to become a nurse educator by getting a master of science in nursing? The great news is that by this time next year, you can be well on your way to earning your degree. 

Don't let another year pass by while you are waiting to start your degree program.  The time is right--right now. The College Network can help determine what general education courses you will need, which courses will transfer to one of our partner universities, and how you can get started. We will be with you every step of the way.  

Call us at 800-395-1014 to speak with one of our Program Advisors, who can answer any questions you may have about our programs work.  You can also click here to request more information. Make this next year one that you will look back upon and be excited about how far you have moved forward towards your goal. 

As I watched coverage of the horrible storm that hit the East coast --I was thankful that my friends and family were safe and sound.  When a disaster of this proportion hits our country, we see the best in people.  Neighbors helping those without electricity, and sharing food and shelter as well. It reminds us that we are one country, built on the commonality that we will always help those in need.

In a previous post on The College Network Nursing Blog, I introduced the nursing career path of Nurse Practitioner. As the healthcare landscape evolves, an increasing amount of the burden of care falls on Nurse Practitioners, and this is a fantastic career goal for those thinking of becoming an RN. This week is National Nurse Practitioner Week; hats off to all the NPs who consistently deliver a high level of care! The information and image below come from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners:

National Nurse Practitioner Week, November 11-17, 2012 is a time to celebrate these exceptional health care providers and to remind lawmakers of the importance of removing outdated barriers to practice so that NPs will be allowed to practice to the full extent of their experience and education. Nurse practitioners are informed, in touch and involved, making them the health care providers of choice for millions and a solution to the primary care crisis in America.

Growing up, I'll always remember going to family reunions to get the entire family together and catch up. Since I did not get to see many of these family members except for at the reunions, these gatherings often functioned as a time to catch up with one another.

Although I usually tried to bury myself in food and then go play outside with the other kids, there were always a few questions you could expect from the adults:

How are your grades?

How are your sports going?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

While the first two were just kind of generic questions, the third question always seemed to stick out to me. What do I want to be when I grow up? At the time, I didn't realize how serious a question this really was, I only thought of it as a way to express my dreams.

Throughout the years my answers to this question were pretty varied.

From ages 4-8, I was 100% sure that I wanted to be a Ninja Turtle. (I didn't say these were all feasible)

From ages 9-12, I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps and work in construction.

From 13-15, I wanted to be a police officer like my uncle Tim. (Although not a ninja turtle, I would still be fighting crime)

From 16-18, I was determined to join the coast guard.

Most recently from 19-22, I wanted to go to law school.

As you can see, I had no clue what I wanted to do when I finished school. Although I'm now an adult, to be 100% honest I still have no clue what I want to do "when I grow up".

Many of you are probably much more decisive than myself and have possibly known what you have wanted to do since you were little. Whether your goal was to become an RN, teacher, firefighter, or even join the legal field, you've very possibly known your whole life what you wanted to be when you grew up.

I'm hear to tell you, just because you have already "grown up" doesn't mean it's too late to achieve your goals. Many people fall into a routine and get comfortable in a position, even if it isn't their dream.

The biggest thing to remember is to dream big, and do what makes you happy. If you want to get your RN, go for it. If you want to be lawyer, why stop going after you goals?

One of the biggest obstacles that I commonly hear about is not having the time to go back for education. Understandable - you have families, work, and social obligations that you can't give up.

BUT

Many people don't realize how common online programs are in our present time. The College Network offers various avenues to help your pursue your education online in a convenient and effective environment.

Many of our programs are 100% self paced and will allow you to work as many or as few hours per week as you desire.

Please click here to read about the many different programs that we have available to help you pursue your dreams.

If you like what you read and would like some more information, please do not hesitate to give me a call or contact me by email. I'm always more than happy to speak with a fellow dreamer.

Ein Peck

Program Advisor

mpeck@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4786

An exciting new technique is in use at Pittsburg State University to instruct nursing students: the First Annual Nursing Safety and Mobility Olympics. The event focused on the safe transportation of patients and their IV pulls. The 76 students were divided into eight teams and had to transport a patient over a certain distance, help them into a walker, and proceed 25 feet to the finish line, without letting the IV pull leave the ground. Safety technique was emphasized over speed. 

First-year nursing student Melody Nelson said about the event, “It’s nice that they’re changing it up so we can have fun,” Nelson said. “And it’s important to know how to keep the patient safe. If you don’t co-ordinate your care, you’re putting the patient at risk and you’re putting the staff at risk.” The education involved in becoming an RN has is certainly changing! Kudos to Pittsburg State University for making getting a nursing degree fun.  Information in this post came from an article on morningsun.net. 

A recent joint UK and South African study shows that nurses taking over duties for HIV patients resulted in no negative impacts and actually showed patient benefits, including improvement in tuberculosis detection rates, increased weight and white blood cell count, and better compliance with the treatment program. This could open the door to shifting responsibility from physicians to registered nurses, and serves to underscore the increased importance of nurses in the changing global healthcare system.

Becoming an RN today includes new challenges, opportunities and career paths that only serve to increase in the near future as the nursing role becomes more prominent. “Our findings show that with very little extra training and support nurses can deliver HIV care that is just as safe and effective as that provided by doctors,” said joint lead author Professor Max Bachmann, of Norwich Medical School at University of East Anglia. Read the entire article here, and continue to seek updates in the ever-evolving field of nursing on The College Network Nursing Blog. 

Who influences you?  I was recently at a conference in a session that spoke to influencers as they pertained to social media, and  it made me think about personal and professional influences and how they can impact our lives.

Professionally, it is great when you work with someone that has more experience than you.  I often find that by working with them, I am challenged and motivated to produce higher quality work.  It's also a great feeling when that person recognizes your efforts and talents.  

If you are an LPN/LVN, I'm sure you have RNs that you look up to that you work with.  You hope one day to follow in their footsteps and become an RN yourself.  I'm also sure that once you let them know of your aspiration, they will support you and help mentor you.  And at The College Network,  we can also help you as you work through your LPN to RN degree program to obtain your Associate Degree in Nursing.  

And, we can't forget to mention those that personally influence us.  From my father, I developed a love of reading that has helped me in my career and enriched my life.  One's family has the biggest influence, I think.  They are there to help support us when we need it and also push us when we need that too.  I'm sure your family will help you in any way they can as you reach your goal of a degree.  

Are you ready to help influence someone else?  By moving forward in your career and gaining your degree--you will become the type of influential person that you look up to now.  That's a pretty cool thing.  Call us today at 800-395-1014 and we can help you get there.  

Last month, ABC premiered ‘NY Med,’ an eight-part documentary series that explores the daily action on the ER floor at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. The series, directed by producer Terence Wrong, followed nurses and doctors over the course of 16 months, capturing their most touching and most tragic interactions with patients. The series has brought nursing to the forefront of the national television spotlight, and the nurses on the show couldn’t be happier. 

"The show could be one of the greatest public health campaigns, or it could be a great campaign for how rewarding and amazing a career as a professional nurse is," said the series’ Katie Duke, RN, BSN, CEN, CCRN in an interview with Nurse.com.  "It can touch so many people on different levels."

In Wrong’s typical style, the footage is raw and graphic, revealing everything from tumor removals to a “wide awake” neurosurgery. But the producer does his part to balance the series’ most dramatic moments with a good helping of lighthearted patient interaction. At times, the show is hard to stomach, but it’s that roughness that serves as just recognition for the men and women of the emergency room.

The show has received rave reviews from major media outlets (like this one from the LA Times), and many healthcare professionals have expressed their appreciation for the show's accurate depiction of the hospital workday. Nurses on the show hope that the series will do its part to make people appreciate the unique challenges of their work and inspire others to take interest in the nursing profession. You can watch several full episodes of the series here. 

The College Network has exciting news for Texas LVNs! We are now making it possible to complete an LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program entirely through distance learning. This program, available through Indiana State University, will enable you to sit for your NCLEX-RN exam in Texas.

As you know, registered nurses can make significantly higher salaries and have increased job opportunities. It is more important than ever before to advance your education by becoming an RN and earning a BS in Nursing considering a recent report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Institute of Medicine that calls for 80 percent of RNs to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing by 2020.

Indiana State University partners with The College Network to provide you with a way to continue your education while you continue working full-time as an LVN. We will work with you to ensure you have the education and training you need to advance your career right away without the need for long waiting list.

Please contact The College Network at 1-800-395-1014 to learn more about this program!

Very best regards,

Joel Kimzey

The College Network is pleased to announce its alliance with the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) — a non-profit nursing organization formed in 1971, which represents 150,000 nurses, nursing students and retired nurses from the United States, Eastern Caribbean and Africa with 83 chapters in 34 states. The formation of this alliance will allow The College Network to further provide working nurses with opportunities to achieve advanced education.

Earlier this year, the NBNA created its Future of Nursing committee to make recommendations regarding the NBNA’s direction and priorities. The relationship with The College Network was formed after the committee stressed the importance of “promoting seamless academic progression for an increase in the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree from 50 to 80 percent by 2020,” following studies released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Institute of Medicine.

When asked about the recent alliance, NBNA president Deidra Walton, JD, MSN, RN said, “NBNA recognizes the invaluable source of knowledge gained from advanced education in nursing and is excited about our alliance with The College Network. Advanced education in nursing will help prepare professional nurses to take on leadership roles at the hospital, the board room and in advanced practice, research and education.”

The College Network is committed to partnering with the nation’s leading healthcare organizations in an effort to help alleviate the nursing shortage by providing a way for nurses to earn the education they need to keep up with changes in healthcare while they continue to work in their field. Education opportunities including associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing will be offered in conjunction with recognized institutions of higher learning to NBNA members.

“The College Network has become a leader in eLearning by offering advanced education opportunities for working adults,” said Gary Eyler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The College Network. “The ability to work and earn a degree is especially important to nurses who often have irregular hours. We look forward to partnering with the NBNA to advance the future of nursing by making  higher education available to their members through flexible, self-paced programs and guaranteed financing options.”

If you are a member of NBNA (or are interested in becoming a member) who would like more information on advance education opportunities available trough The College Network, please contact us by calling 1-877-725-9376 of visit us at www.collegenetwork.com/NBNA today.

As the issue of nurses' ability to provide anesthesia cycles through various state courts, I will strive to keep readers of The College Network Nursing Blog updated as verdicts are reached. Previously, I reported that California upheld the ability of Nurse Anesthetists to practice without the supervision of doctors. Today, I am happy to report that Colorado has done the same. 

Nurse Anesthetist is a fantastic and high-paying career option, and these recent legal decisions underscore the importance of this particular role in the modern healthcare field where nurses' responsibilities are increasing. If you are considering a becoming an RN, this is another great reason!

When listening to the radio, the song "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepson comes on the radio several times during the day--there is no escaping it on the station I listen to.  And afterwards I find that I can't get it out of my head.  Plus there are so many parodies on YouTube and other channels.  It has become part of our trending culture.

After a friend posted that people don't call each other anymore, I realized that I have to agree.  With the popularity of social media, it's easier to post your status on Facebook or tweet about something you find interesting.  We even reach out to our community for recommendations or advice.  The art of communication is sometimes lost in the fray.  

But it is after a lengthy conversation I had with a customer this morning, that I want to encourage you to call us.  The College Network's Academic Support team is available to you when you need some support, to schedule a test or just to review your program.  You can also talk to them about developing a study plan if you are new to your online program, or need to get restarted.  

As an LPN to RN, we understand that you are working hard to support yourself and at times run into questions that you need some clarification on, or perhaps you just need to talk through you program plan to keep on your schedule.  Maybe you're starting in your BSN program and need to understand Regis University's small class sections.  Whatever you may need, our team is here for you.

Here's our number, 800-634-1443--so call us maybe.  

The New York Times revealed in a recent article the increasing number of hospitals requiring nurses with associate degrees to earn a bachelor's degree/RN. "The need [for nurses] is so great that nurses without bachelor's degrees are still in demand. But experts say that may change in years to come, particularly at hospitals, the largest segment of the profession and one of the best paid."

The article went on to say, "Surveys show that most hospitals prefer to hire nurses with bachelor's degrees, though they often cannot find enough. Lawmakers in several states, including New York, have introduced bills that would require at least some hospital staff nurses to have bachelor's degrees within 10 years, though none have become law."

It's obvious that change in the field of Nursing is on the way, so shouldn't you take it upon yourself to stay ahead of the eventual education requirements and being earning your way to a higher degree? If you're already an LPN or a nurse with an associate's degree looking to earn your RN, The College Network can help you earn your degree fast and efficiently, without having to give up your current work schedule. With the Comprehensive Learning Modules and the online Resource Center, you can learn at your own pace and at the fraction of the cost of a traditional four year university. 

It's important to recognize change, and the upcoming changes in the field of nursing are going to effect current associate degree nurses for years to come. Stay ahead and be prepared with the help of The College Network.

Thursday June 14, the American Nurse's Association (ANA) hosted the 2012 Healthy Nurse Conference in Washington, DC. The theme of this year's one day event was "Nurses as Models of Wellness in Action."

The purpose of the event was to strengthen nurses' knowledge of healthy lifestyles so they may be inspired to integrate those habits into both their RN careers and personal lives. Registered nurses are continuously educating others on healthy habits, but often times they forget about the importance of implementing these behaviors into their own lives. The 2012 Healthy Nurse Conference and others like it help nurses remember to take care of themselves while they care for others. 

If you are thinking about becoming an RN and would like more information on how to get started, call The College Network today and speak to a Program Advisor at 1-800-395-1014.

Hila Wieser, RN BSN

A recent account posted to Nurse.com about the realities of entering the nursing profession really caught me off guard. It was so brutally honest, and so real, that I thought I would share it with The College Network Nursing Blog’s readers.

Are you on the fence about becoming an RN? Do you have doubts? Hila Wieser, RN BSN, writes about how her fairytale conception of nursing was promptly shattered by her clinical experience, and how she gained new motivation to practice nursing through trying yet rewarding times in an urban hospital environment. Below is a selection I found especially candid and inspiring; read the rest here.

"These experiences, from my time at The University Hospital, affiliated with UMDNJ in Newark, and at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, often proved so difficult and anxiety-provoking that nine times out of 10 I did not sleep the night before my clinicals. And yet, they did not shatter my lofty nursing goals. They did the exact opposite by showing me up close what I never had the chance to witness so intimately before: our greatest vulnerabilities and our greatest strengths acting in tandem. And ultimately, this is what validated my desire to become a nurse. 

Juliette Binoche might have given me a soft-lit, L’Oreal-styled daydream of nursing, but 900 hours of clinical practice, divided between the sick and vulnerable (patients and families), and those serving the sick and vulnerable (nurses, physicians, therapists, social workers, etc.), exposed me to the greatest human equalizer: our need for one another." 

Last week, I started work at The College Network's Indianapolis headquarters, and I went through all the first-day jitters that come along with being the new guy. Luckily, I was greeted with a team of friendly faces who quickly put my fears to rest.  No matter what field you are in, the first day of work can be a daunting one. For nurses, the challenges that come with a new workplace may seem totally different from those that arise in an office setting, but there are still many basic "first day" tips that apply across the board. Here's some tips to remember when gearing up for your first day:

1)  Look the Part. First impressions are everything. If possible, visit your new place of employment before your start date and take note of what your peers are wearing. Your clothes on Day 1 should be wrinkle free and clean, of course. When in doubt, err on the conservative side until you get a feel for what the norm of dress is. For nurses, stay away from perfume or heavy cologne --- it's distracting to patients and supervisors.

2)  Come Prepared. Be sure to bring all necessary forms and paperwork with you, including a copy of your job description, the employee handbook and proper identification. If it's your first day as a nurse, you'll likely be expected to bring a bag of basic equipment, including a watch, stethoscope, bandage scissors, pocket flashlight and a new edition drug handbook. 

3)  Ask Questions. As a nurse, you've likely been exposed to a fair deal of clinical hours. However, every supervisor has different expectations and best practices. During your first few weeks, don't be afraid to ask questions -- it's better to learn than to do a task incorrectly. Asking questions will show your supervisor that you are motivated and willing to learn. 

If you are thinking about becoming an RN and starting a new career path of your own, feel free to call us today at 800-395-1014. By enrolling in one of our programs available from top universities, you'll be on track towards your first day of work in no time!