Best Online Nursing Programs | The College Network

10 Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 by Tracia Fernkas

So you want to become a registered nurse. But how do you do it? It seems like it might be an impossible goal. You work, take care of your family--when are you going to find time to go to school? Here are 10 easy ways you can become an RN with help from The College Network.

Call the The College Network to learn more about online nursing degree programs.
Set an appointment to meet with one of our Program Advisors. They can answer all your questions and set you up with a program that is right for you.
Make the decision to move towards your goal of becoming an RN and get started in your program.
Take our Learning Styles Survey to find out how you learn best.
Complete your Academic Guidance call with our customer support team to review your learning style and develop a study plan for your Comprehensive Learning Modules.
Start studying.
Schedule your first TCN Exam. Then go ahead and schedule the rest of your exams on your calendar. This will help to keep you on track and give you a timely goal to work towards. Keep studying and passing your exams.
Enroll with the university and complete any other requirements for your program.
Graduate! Plan to walk with your fellow nurses in the graduation ceremony.
Take and pass the NCLEX exam and receive your new RN License!

It really be done in these 10 steps. You just have to make a commitment, set your goals and take action. We are here to help every step of the way. Call us today at (800) 39-LEARN and check your first item off your to-do list.

Want to know more about The College Network?

Thursday, March 22, 2012 by Melissa Gardiner

If you're thinking about earning an online nursing degree, you may have heard about The College Network, but maybe you aren't exactly sure who we are and maybe you aren't exactly certain how our programs work?

Well, let's start from the beginning. We are very seasoned in our industry as we have been around for nearly two decades. The College Network first began helping people reach their educational dreams in 1992, and since then we have helped more than 150,000 nurses begin their journey toward advanced education!

As for how our programs work, we partner with reputable universities to offer associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees, which are regionally accredited. With our online Comprehensive Learning Modules you can take equivalency exams to earn college credit.

Each online nursing degree program is designed with you in mind, and the programs are self-paced. You can complete your degree in as much or as little time as you choose so that you do not have to interrupt your daily life. The most important thing to remember is that you are your own boss here, so you are in charge of how long it takes you to earn your degree.

One of the best things about enrolling in one of our online nursing degree programs is that you won't have to deal with any waiting lists. You can get signed up and begin working towards your degree right away! If you would like to learn more about our online nursing degree programs, click here and follow the link the the video demo.

Woman Says Prioritizing is Key to Success

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 by TCN Success

Arlene enrolled in an online Associate of Science in Nursing degree program with help from The College Network™. “I learned about The College Network from a friend whom I worked with for a brief while. My friend happened to stop by my place of employment and informed me she was continuing her education to become an RN,” Arlene says.

Prioritizing your time and sticking to a schedule is what Arlene says it takes to successfully balance everyday life with earning a degree. “Yes, there are challenges with being a student and balancing everyday life. It is impossible to explain to a four-year-old child that you are studying to improve life for him. As a student, however, you have to learn to prioritize. Setting a daily schedule and sticking to it has been the best balance for me.”

Staying focused on her goal is what motivated Arlene throughout her educational journey, and she has been very successful in doing so. Read more of Arlene's inspirational story or visit our web site to learn more about about our online nursing degree programs.

Paramedic Works Toward His RN Online

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 by TCN Success

Ian Stewart became a paramedic in 2010. Although he loves his job, a life-changing event has led him to consider a new career. “My wife is pregnant with our second child. I’m a paramedic now, and I like the work. I’m proud of what I do, but it simply doesn’t pay very well. Using my certifications as a springboard to a better paying job just seemed logical,” he said.

Ian decided to pursue his Associate of Science in Nursing degree. After researching various programs, he chose to earn his degree online through Excelsior College® with help from The College Network™. “The College Network offered the most resources for the best rates—not to mention the fact that, with this program, I don’t have to be online at specific times or write papers. It’s a no-nonsense, streamlined program,” Ian said.

To Ian's surprise, earning a degree online has proved to be very efficient and productive. "I didn't realize prior to this course of study how much time in class is occupied by things not related to actual learning - roll call, class breaks, having to settle a class down, even time spent while the teacher answers other student's questions. That all adds up. With the self-paced learning, you can move a lot faster," Ian explained.

Continue reading Ian's success story here.

It's All About Benjamin

Thursday, January 19, 2012 by Kevin Burton

"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin

These days, most people are very picky about where they spend their money. With the economy the way it is at the moment, any purchase or investment you make will be well thought out. If for you too, it is all about the Benjamin's (as in Franklin's, our representative on the $100 bill), take it from Ben himself that investing in education, learning and knowledge will always pay the best interest rate.

At The College Network, we feel that anyone enrolling in our online certificate or degree programs from top universities is really making an investment in their future. Like Benjamin says, your investment in knowledge will always pay the best interest. So if you are thinking about obtaining your nursing degree or professional certificate, we can help you make the investment and set you up for future success! Just give us a call and not only will we help you invest your Benjamin's, we're sure to save you some too!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Setting the Bar

Friday, January 13, 2012 by Ein Peck

As many of you already know, a new year is a time for new promises. Each year, many people (myself included) set goals or resolutions for themselves which can oftentimes be very unrealistic.

"In 2012 I vow to lose 3000 lbs"
"In 2012 I vow to win the lottery"
"In 2012 I vow to stop watching Jersey Shore"

These goals oftentimes lead to disappointment in one's self at a later date. Hopefully their goals last longer than a month, but some don't even make it past January before they are back to Jersey Shore's GTL routine (Gym, Tan, Laundry).

When I see people (friends & family included) fall short of their goal, even I sometimes feel sorry for them. Why would you set these ridiculous goals for yourself that you would never have a chance of sticking to?

"Okay Ein, what's your point?"

My point is that you don't have to fail in your goals. Start by making your goals realistic in the first place.

"Okay, well how do I do that?"

Let me explain.

Sure, it's easy to want to lose weight but how should you go about it? In a goal like weight loss, your best option is to start small. If you live on fast food, make an attempt to switch to healthier fast food e.g. a salad or even consider not eating that "biggie sized" fry. Eventually your goal would be to cut fast food out entirely, but you MUST start small.

"So what does all this have to do with The College Network?"

The College Network offers you the opportunity to establish realistic goals. Since our online degree programs are entirely self-paced, this gives you the option to start small. Your goal shouldn't be to receive your Associate of Science in Nursing degree by tomorrow. If you are thinking small, your goal should be to establish an understanding of your keywords tomorrow.

With the help of our talented Academic Support department, you will be able to create a study plan that is customized to your schedule and your needs. We are here to help you reach your goals.

So make 2012 the last year for unfilled promises call The College Network today at 1-800-39-LEARN to learn more about our self-paced online degrees from top universities.

Best of Both Worlds

Monday, January 2, 2012 by Lawrence Bowlin

A BIG GULP, candy bar, snack potato chips and some lottery tickets. What does this sound like to you? They are things you get at a convenience store. From national chains to the local "Mom and Pop" quick stop, they're everywhere. We pay a higher price for things in these stores because of one major factor. No; not because you can put unlimited Cherry flavor shots into your huge 74 ounce soda cup. We do it for the convenience! A quick zip in and zip out, everything we need compacted into a space no larger than my wife's closet!

From 30 minute oil changes to drive up restaurants, we have become a nation of convenience addicts. I am guilty as charged! But convenience isn't always a bad thing. In some cases it can be the difference between having and not having.

The College Network, with our partnerships and associations with some of the top universities and colleges in the nation, has designed a way for you to obtain your Associate of Science in Nursing degree, BS in Nursing degree, MS in Nursing degree, Project Management certificate, Lean Six Sigma certification, or Paralegal certificate through a combination of distance learning and comprehensive learning modules. LPN to RN degree programs that allow you to work from any high-speed Internet connection, anytime, 24/7. This will allow you to learn and earn your degree in the most convenient way possible. Our goal is to make education fit into your life.

Convenience can be a good thing. Convenience joined with degrees from top universities is a very good thing. Better job security, higher pay, better quality of life, satisfaction of accomplishment all in a convenient online program. Want to know more? It's simple and convenient; just call me 1-800-307-1006 ext 2649.

What more could you ask for? Maybe a SUPER GULP?

I hope to hear from you!

Lawrence Bowlin
lbowlin@collegenetwork.com

Indiana State University Professor Honored by NLN

Monday, December 19, 2011 by Lindsay Schmitt

Betsy Frank, PhD, RN, ANEF; a professor emeritus at Indiana State University was honored for excellence in teaching at the recent NLN Education Summit 2011.

In the article found at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3317/is_6_32/ai_n58502666/, Dr. Frank discusses technology and how it has changed teaching.

"Who could have imagined 40 years ago that we could teach effectively online? I know I didn't! But I can say that teaching online has made me a much better teacher--even in the classroom."

Dr. Frank is a strong advocate for nurses becoming educators. She earned her doctorate degree at the age of 35, and encourages others to receive advanced education as early as possible to allow them to grow in their careers.

"Noting that not all students will be successful, despite the best efforts of faculty, Betsy concludes that in the main, 'Our focus on students will help them be successful in whatever they choose to do. It is the solid educational foundation that allows our students to take flight!'"

The College Network would like to congratulate Dr. Betsy Frank on her accomplishment!

If you would like to learn more about the online LPN to BS in Nursing programs and RN to BS in Nursing programs available from Indiana State University where Dr. Frank teaches, click here or call 1-800-395-1014 for more information.

Home for the Holidays

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by Kevin Burton

There is nothing like being home for the holidays. A nice snowy December day with a fire and family suits me just fine. In this spirit, I'd like to share a story of one of our recent customers at The College Network who is also happy to be home for the holidays.

Shelby from Colorado had previously been an LPN, but took a job outside the medical field to pursue a new opportunity. This new job had her traveling for days and weeks at a time. She missed being there for her sons football games, and missed tucking her daughter into bed at night. Because she wanted to be home for her family and still make the best living possible, she decided to find nursing programs that allow her to continue working while pursuing a convenient RN license. That's when we started to speak. Shelby's main goal was to be home for the holidays, and now that she is on her way to becoming an RN, she is on track to be there for many years to come while earning a better living. Congratulations Shelby!

If you are interested in an online degree or certificate program that can help you be home for the holidays, let us know and we are happy to help!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

A Lasting Impression

Saturday, December 3, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

Today the memory of one of my old nurses popped in my head, out of the blue. Her name is Karen and we met when I was very young-probably around the age of 4 or 5. I remember her vividly; she was pretty and had brown curly hair and was so kind and friendly.

I remember her finding toys for me to play with everytime I visited the doctor's office. She was always genuinely concerned about how I was doing and how my family was as well. In fact, her and my mom developed such a bond that our families began to get together on the weekends.

Eventually Karen became pregnant, and to her suprise, with triplets. Needless to say, that was a huge undertaking and Karen left her job as a nurse to take on her new roll as a full time mom to three babies. Our families stayed in touch for several years, but like many things in life that friendship faded over time as everyone got wrapped up in their own responsibilities.

I never forgot Karen. She was the best nurse I've ever had, and it brings a smile to my face when I think of her. I can only imagine that there is someone out there feeling the same way about those of you RNs who are reading this. Karen did so much more than just care for me as a nurse-she forever impacted my life.

At The College Network, we pride ourselves in helping develop people into amazing nurses, just like Karen. A lot of time and careful planning go into developing our top online nursing programs. If you are thinking of earning your online nursing degree or are ready to sign up, give us a call at 1-800-395-1014.

The Pact

Friday, November 25, 2011 by Landon Jones

The Pact has had a tremendous influence on my life. It was one the first books that shaped my academic career and also the loyalty I had with my friends in high school.

The Pact is a biography written by Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt childhood friends and motivational speakers. Although they are all smiles and successful now--they faced many challenges growing up as youth in the city of Newark, NJ. To find a positive influence in the area where they were raised was almost a far-fetched idea in a area where crime and lost potential are too common. After a chance presentation at a information session the three men decided to make a pact; that pact was to go to college and pursue careers as doctors.

When I read this book, I knew that anything was possible and with enough dedication and tenacity I could realize my goals. After graduating high school my best friends and I all went to different colleges and as we grew as scholars so did our own group. Each holiday new friends and acquaintances were introduced into our group, and we all shared a common mantra, "Go to school, graduate, and pursue our passions."

Everyday I run across LPNs who have just graduated from their nursing programs and when we begin the process of setting up an appointment for them to meet with their Program Advisor there is one constant mantra that I hear from the LPNs, "I want to meet with a Program Advisor, but I want my classmates there with me--we plan on becoming Registered Nurses together." It warms the heart to know that in these times people still build up and rely on support from colleagues and friends to ensure that they all pursue their goals. Even if you don't know it--you have a support system that wants you to succeed and see you live your dream of receiving your nursing degree through our online nursing programs. The College Network offers support for you from the moment you begin your research for nursing programs until you receive your degree whether that be an Associates, Bachelors, or Masters degree in nursing.

Make the promise to yourself and your pact that you will go back to school and become a RN because it is possible--the only way you can achieve your dream is if you try.

Landon Jones, Appointment Coordinator

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Monday, November 21, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

A flu shot that is...Every year around this time we all get hyped up about getting our flu shots, and every year there always arises the question of who should get the vaccine. The College Network is offering a flu shot clinic to our employees, and that got me thinking about how important it is for those of you who have RN careers to get vaccinated. You are exposed to people who have the potential to spread germs on a daily basis.

A flu shot is an inactivated vaccine which means it contains killed virus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people get vaccinated before December to ensure the protective antibodies are in place before the peak of the flu season. Here is a link to a flu clinic locator. Just type in your zip code to find locations near you.

If you're wondering who should get vaccinated, here is who the CDC says should get a flu shot:

Pregnant women
Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
People 50 years of age and older
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
1. Health care workers
2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
3. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

It's important to remember that flu shots are not 100% guaranteed to be effective, but they definitely can prevent serious complications caused by the flu. So, if you are already an RN or are currently enrolled in one of our top online nursing programs it's time to start thinking about taking that shot. Your body will thank you!

New Training Syringe In Develoment for Nurse Education

Thursday, October 27, 2011 by Charles Fox

UNH graduate student Tyler Rideout, who helped develop the “smart” syringe, demonstrates it on a fellow “student.” Credit: Paula McWilliam

An inter-departmental effort by the University of New Hampshire has resulted in a new prototype for a training syringe to better instruct nursing students on how to deliver vaccines to patients. The syringe offers real-time feedback so that nursing students and their instructors can determine the effectiveness of their vaccination method, and if necessary see how the methods can be improved. Force, trajectory, angle and pressure are measured on a computer screen. This device is the first of its kind and could drastically improve both quality of education and quality of care, leading to more effective immunization programs. At this point in time, there is no best-practice data related to giving injections; this will certainly change when the syringe passes the development stage and enters the market. Read the full press release on NewsWise.

New technology leads to great improvement in the quality of nursing education and care. If this inspires you, consider looking into higher education online and research The College Network. The nursing field continues to both improve and expand!

Reconnecting Generations Through Nursing

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Landon Jones

Two months ago, my best friend gave birth to two twin boys. In the time leading up to their birth, she and her fiance were relatively calm about having two children in their home. I, on the other hand, panicked at the thought of having one child - let alone two. They are both still calm and enjoying their two boys, and I still panic whenever she and I talk on the phone about Josiah and Jonathan. I use the word panic loosely, I do get light-headed, but my best friend says she just lives day-by-day and treats each experience as a learning process.

Granted my best friend, has a sister who is a nurse and can assist her at the drop of a dime. My younger sister is graduating from nursing school next year and I know when the time comes for me to start a family, she will be there to assist my partner and I.

There are first-time mothers who don't know what to do and don't have the same personal resources afforded to them. In my effort to research health care programs that provide resources to everyday people as well as health care professionals seeking to reach out to their community, I found myself reading about the Nurse-Family Partnership.

Located in 32 states, the Nurse-Family Partnership assists first-time mothers by provided them with a nurse who assists them from their pregnancy until their child becomes two years old. The program has been successful in providing mothers with a medical resource through public health nurses and in turn reducing risk factors that come with inexperienced parenting. It's one of the many ways parenting and care for youth remains reciprocal.

When I speak with nurses about advancing their nursing education through The College Network, helping people isn't even brought up when they tell me why they want to receive a online degree through our partner universities.

It comes with the territory of being a nurse, at their core they only want to help people and ensure that they are properly certified and experienced to do so.

Landon, Appointment Coordinator

Man (or Woman) in the Mirror

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 by Kevin Burton

At The College Network, we have helped over 175,000 adult learners further their education. Unfortunately, there are some who were unhappy with their program experience. For whatever reason, the nursing independent study program did not suit their needs, or they gave up on their dream of completion. It is easy to be upset, and trust me, we do everything in our power to help people complete their degree and succeed in their program.

It is these people, who were unable to achieve their goal and gave up, that speak negatively about The College Network. When is the last time you had a good experience and went out of your way to comment about it online, on a comment card, or through a public medium? Most of you would say rarely, if ever. And I want to draw your attention to that, because if you research The College Network any negativity you come across is from a fraction of a percent of our customers. If 200 people out of 175,000 jumped off a bridge would you jump too?

That's why I say, take a look at yourself in the mirror. YOU control your success within the program. If you are dedicated and willing to finish the program, we guarantee that you can and will. I admit, these distance nursing programs aren't for everybody, but if you want the best way to achieve the most convenient RN license, give us a call and we will help you achieve your goals of becoming an RN. So again, take a look in the mirror, and if you can and want to do this, you are the only obstacle in your way.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Growing Your Career as Nurse

Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Ein Peck

I recently read an article out of the Midwest Region magazine "ADVANCE for Nurses" about the quickly changing role of a nurse. The article, "The Present and Future Heart" focuses on the constantly evolving technology used in Cardiology.

While digesting the information, I was very excited to hear about what's in store for the future. Hospitals are working on creating technology that will allow people to diagnose diagnose heart problems from their own living room.

Although I'm not the typical candidate for a heart problem, it's still wonderful to see how I could possibly be helped in the future.

So what does all this mean for nurses? Well, with this technology quickly developing it's going to be very important to make sure you are well educated and able to adapt.

Nurses are and will be required to learn more now than ever before.

While this may be troubling for some to hear, since many of us have very busy lives, I do offer a solution. The College Network offers top online nursing programs that are NLNAC accredited. Our programs from leading universities allow you to work from home at your own pace, while still working and enjoying your personal life.

If you are interested in continuing your education online and preparing for the future of the medical field, please give us a call to learn more about the programs we offer.

We'll be happy to help you find the program that best fits your goals. Call a Program Advisor today at 1-800-39-LEARN.

Preemptive Strike!

Thursday, September 22, 2011 by Charles Fox

Working in Appointment Coordinating for The College Network, I witness firsthand the full spectrum of nurses' attitudes regarding continuing education online. Everything from flat-out disinterest, to casual interest, to curiosity, to excitement, and unfortunately even desperation. One end of the spectrum reflects people who are comfortable where they are and really feel no need to spend the time or money to take the next step. The other end represents people whose jobs have been eliminated or who cannot find jobs in the first place and see no other choice than to obtain the education necessary to keep them competitive in their career field.

The question is, why wait until it is too late? The time to take the next step is now; it's about being proactive in regards to job security and job advancement rather than reactive. LPNs and LVNs are realizing that they need to become RNs, and many RNs who are either holders of associate degrees or are diploma nurses are realizing that a BSN or MSN not only makes sense, but is becoming the expectation.

The other good thing about being preemptive is that The College Network's degree programs are structured around your busy schedule. Here at The College Network, we understand that you work crazy hours and often have a family to raise on the side. Our self-paced, online programs are made for busy people like you. So do what you do best, and keep it moving---give us a call today! 1-800-39-LEARN

Core Value: Quality

Thursday, September 22, 2011 by Kevin Burton

Here at The College Network, we are committed to six key core values: Quality, Learning, Innovation, Excellence, Integrity, and Service. I am proud to embrace and practice each of these values everyday I step in the office, but one key value is central to my day-to-day activities in being a Program Advisor to our potential and current customers: Quality.

Every time I speak with someone via email or phone, I put all of my heart into the conversation to provide the highest quality possible. It is my job to provide you with the essential information you need to know to make the best decision possible in pursuing your higher education online. I pride myself in making sure the key metric that defines my day is how many times I can say I had a quality call. Remembering that our conversation is about YOUR goals, and YOUR dreams to obtain the education to further your career and life really pushes me to make sure you are armed with the best information possible.

So, if you are thinking about furthering your education online, either a nursing degree or professional certificate, please let me know because I want to provide you with my next quality call!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Remembering 9/11

Sunday, September 11, 2011 by Kevin Burton

As I sit here and ponder what to write about, the only thing that comes to mind is the events that took place exactly 10 years ago, today. So today, I'll take a break from talking about higher education online programs through The College Network.

It is no doubt that September 11, 2001 changed the lives of people across our country, and today is about giving thanks to those folks who were so courageous on that day 10 years ago. A common theme I've seen throughout the past week is people remembering what they did on that fateful day. Where were you?

I was a young, first-year student at Purdue University. I was in a computer lab for one of my classes, and in came running a teaching assistant for our class exclaiming a plane had hit the World Trade Center in New York City. The first thing I remember is panicking and trying to look at the news online. For some reason, I knew something strange was happening. So along with others, we left the class early to go investigate what had happened. As soon as I arrived in my dorm room, I turned on the TV and right away saw the second tower hit with another jet. To this day, that may be the scariest image I've seen in my whole life. Watching the rest of the events unfold that day were nerve-wrecking, and something I'll never forget. The rest of the day, campus felt like a ghost town. I remember the dining hall being eerily quiet for dinner that night. The only conversations uttered were based upon the events of the day. Everyone was in shock. I'll never forget 9/11/01.

Again, I want to send out well-wishes, thanks, and support to all Americans whose lives were effected in any way, shape or form through September 11. And of course, thank you to our Armed Forces who protect our freedoms across the globe. Also, a special thanks to one of my best friends, who is a Naval nurse stationed in Sicily, Italy. Thanks buddy - thinking of you today.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Hospitals in Ohio are looking for BSN's

Sunday, August 28, 2011 by Cory Eyler

In a recent article published in the Middletown Journal it was announced that Miami University which is one of Ohio's top nursing programs is ending its two year nursing degree programs to concentrate on four year and bachelor's degree completion programs. This is big news considering the fact that Miami University reportedly provides many nurses to surrounding hospitals such as McCullough Hyde in Oxford, Atrium Medical Center in Middletown and The Fort Hamilton Hospital.

This change is also going to impact an existing problem with waiting lists due to the limited number of NLNAC accredited universities with online nursing programs.

"The shift has implications for the region and the state’s most popular type of higher education that enrolled nearly 30,000 students in 2009, according to the most recent Ohio Board of Nursing data.

The demand for all types of nurses is expected to grow in coming years as older professionals begin to retire while new students often face waiting lists of up to two years because of a shortage of educators and clinical training sites."

The good news is that there are options for nurses in Ohio and everywhere even those with minimal nursing school prerequisites. The College Network partners with leading universities to provide nursing education programs that can be completed entirely through distance learning. Best of all, The College Networks programs are designed for busy nurses looking for flexible nursing education with no waiting lists.

Visit www.collegenetwork.com to learn more about LPN to RN, LPN to BS in Nursing, RN to BS in Nursing, and other advanced nursing education programs.