Remember an everyday hero during National Police Week

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by Karen Walker

 

May 15th is Police Officer's Memorial Day (part of National Police Week). Due to the high demand in nursing, many of TCN's efforts are focused on helping nurses achieve the next step in their education.  But we can offer so much more!  TCN has a wide spectrum of continuing education programs, including the Public Safety sector.  

Bellevue University offers two options for a Bachelor's in the Public Safety arena: Criminal Justice Administration and Security Management.  Bellevue offeres undergraduate degree programs in a cohort approach in an online learning format.  

Criminal Justice is designed for people working in or associated with the criminal justice system; Security Management looks at private and industrial security settings.

Read more about these programs on The College Network's website here.  

Read more about National Police Week here.

We ♥ Nurses at The College Network

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 by Abby Nieten

In honor of National Nurses Week (celebrated every year from May 6 through May 12), I'd like to highlight some of the top reasons why The College Network (TCN) is dedicated to helping nurses continually improve their healthcare knowledge and gain advanced credentials throughout their careers. At TCN, we understand and appreciate nurses because they maintain selfless attitudes and they embrace their admirable roles in the following areas:

 

 NURTURANCE

When most people think of nurses, words like nurture, heal, and compassion likely come to mind. Nurses are dedicated to providing optimal care and putting patients at ease. They wear many hats, including those of caregiver, friend, teacher and therapist.

 

 TRUST

According to Gallop's annual "Honesty and Ethics" survey, nursing is considered the most trustworthy profession in the United States. The 2012 survey marks the 11th straight year that nurses have topped the list, ranking 10 percentage points above pharmacists and 15 percentage points above medical doctors. According to the survey, 85 percent of those polled ranked the trustworthiness of nurses as high or very high.

 

 LEADERSHIP

Although people may think of doctors as the leaders in a hospital, nurses are the true leaders of patient care. Nurses make sure patients understand instructions and procedures as well as ensure the safe implementation of interventions. Nurses also delegate various patient care activities to other members of the healthcare team. Additionally, nurses are the chief advocates for patient care needs, and they play a major role in improving patient outcomes.

 

 INFLUENCE

According to the American Nurses Association, "both the Affordable Care Act and the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) Future of Nursing report place nurses at the center of healthcare transformation in the United States." The knowledge and skills that nurses possess make them influential characters when it comes to changing healthcare policies, and they are increasingly being put in positions to make significant contributions to the improvement of the healthcare system.

 

 SERVICE

When asked why they wanted to become nurses in the first place, many (if not all) nurses will say they wanted to help people and make a difference in others' lives. Serving others and positively impacting the lives of patients and their family members is a large part of being a nurse. And it's also what makes nursing such a rewarding profession.

 

 EDUCATION

Nurses deserve a tremendous amount of respect for their dedication to staying relevant in the healthcare industry by continually seeking more knowledge and pursuing advanced degrees. According to the American Nurses Association's "Nursing by the numbers" fact sheet, 50 percent of registered nurses (RNs) have a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.2 percent of RNs have a master's degree or a doctoral degree. 

 

If you are interested in seeking an advanced position within the great field of nursing (or in entering the profession for the first time), The College Network wants to help! Visit our nursing degrees page for more information.

Thank you, nurses, for all that you do!

Moving Forward in Your Nursing Career

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 by Abby Nieten

For us who nurse, our nursing is a thing which, unless we are making progress every year, every month, every week, take my word for it, we are going back.
Florence Nightingale

Well known as the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale advocated for continued advances in healthcare and nursing throughout her life. And although she died over a century ago, her famous words about forward movement in the nursing field still ring true. In order to keep up with the ever-changing healthcare industry, nurses must continue to grow in their profession through the pursuit of advanced education. 

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Initiative on the Future of Nursing highlights eight recommendations for nurses, and three of those recommendations push nurses to attain higher levels of education. The following educational recommendations aim to prepare nurses for improved patient care and continued advancements in the nursing field:

  • Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80 percent by 2020.
  • Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020.
  • Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning.

If you're ready to improve the future of nursing by moving forward in your career, The College Network can help you take the next step. We offer the following online associate's, bachelor's and master's nursing degree programs:

  • LPN/LVN to RN (associate's degree)
  • Paramedic to RN (associate's degree)
  • LPN to BS in Nursing
  • RN to BS in Nursing
  • RN to MS in Nursing
  • MS in Nursing

Make Florence Nightingale proud, and decide to advance your nursing education this week, month and year! For more information about the online nursing degree programs available through The College Network, visit our nursing degrees page.

LPN to BSN: The Benefits of Becoming a BSN-Prepared RN

Tuesday, March 26, 2013 by Rachel Hollingsworth

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

 

Hospitals with More Bachelor’s-Level Nurses Have Better Patient Outcomes

Friday, March 15, 2013 by Cory Eyler

Since the 2011 release of The Future of Nursing report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), healthcare researchers have continued to justify the push for more baccalaureate-level registered nurses. One of the most powerful testaments to the power of baccalaureate education lies in the fact that facilities with more BSN-RNs have better patient outcomes.

The most recent evidence of improved patient results comes from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, who reviewed outcomes from 134 Pennsylvania hospitals. The resulting study showed that a 10-point increase in the percentage of bachelor’s-level RNs was directly linked with an average reduction of 2.12 deaths for every 1,000 patients.

The report is the University of Pennsylvania’s most recent piece of evidence in an ongoing effort to emphasize the link between baccalaureate-level education and improved care. In 2008, the University partnered with the Journal of the American Medical Association to release a similar study, which revealed that a 10 percent increase in the number of BSN-RNs on staff led to a 5 percent decrease in the risk of patient deaths.

In order for healthcare facilities to improve their bachelor’s degree-level nurse ratios, more nursing students will need to start choosing baccalaureate degrees over associate degree programs.  In 2011, 60 percent of candidates who passed the NCLEX-RN® exam held an associate’s degree, while only 40 percent held a baccalaureate degree. In today’s workforce, only 45 percent of U.S. nurses hold a bachelor’s degree. The number of nursing students entering BSN programs will need to increase significantly if the industry hopes to meet the IOM’s recommendation, which states that 80 percent of RNs should hold a bachelor’s degree by 2020. 

If you are interested in earning your bachelor's degree in nursing, now is the time. The College Network offers a variety of options for LPNs and RNs who are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree. To learn more, you can view a full list of our degree programs for nurses or request more information. Or, call us at 800-395-1014 to speak with a program advisor. 

 

The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Going Back to School

Friday, March 8, 2013 by Tracia Fernkas

Top 5 Reasons to Get Your DegreeMost 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. 

Are You a Nurse Preceptor Looking To Earn CNE Contact Hours?

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 by Tracia Fernkas

Many states require nurses to obtain continuing education contact hours to help meet their licensure requirements.  A nurse might also decide to earn CNE contact hours because they are interested in keeping their skills up-to-date to provide better patient care.  Regardless of why you make the decision to pursue more education; you will gain more knowledge, higher competency and the ability to make more informed decisions. 

 The College Network® offers several online continuing education courses for busy nurses, and we are accredited as a continuing nursing education provider by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s COA.  You can gain valuable skills and earn 2.5 contact hours for each course listed below:

This year, The College Network is awarding contact hours for those attending the American Academy for Preceptor Advancement (AAPA) 2013 conference in Miami starting on February 22nd.  “Crossing Bridges in Preceptoring: Specialization and Certification” at the Baptist Hospital of Miami will bring healthcare professionals from across the country to present informative lectures on preceptoring and the value it holds in today’s healthcare settings.

The AAPA would like to encourage all nurse preceptors to attend. The conference is open to the public, and you don't have to be an AAPA member to attend. If you are interested in registering for this unique event, you can visit the AAPA website for more information.

 

Are You a Nurse Preceptor? Attend the 2013 American Academy for Preceptor Advancement Conference

Thursday, January 24, 2013 by Rachel Hollingsworth

As a nurse preceptor, you serve an integral role in educating the next generation of nurses. If you’re a preceptor, keeping up with nursing best practices by attending events and participating in continued education courses is essential.

If you are a nurse preceptor and would like to earn continuing education contact hours, the American Academy for Preceptor Advancement (AAPA) is hosting its 2013 conference, “Crossing Bridges in Preceptoring: Specialization and Certification” at the Baptist Hospital of Miami on February 22, 2013.

At the conference, healthcare professionals from across the country will present informative lectures on precepting and the value it holds for healthcare today. Preceptors who attend the event will be awarded continuing education contact hours from The College Network.

The AAPA would like to encourage all nurse preceptors to attend. If you are interested in registering for this unique event, you can fill out a registration form on the AAPA website.

 

A Nurse's Dedication in Hurricane Sandy

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 by Tracia Fernkas

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.

One of the most stirring images I saw was one of the first responders who went into the storm to try and help those who were in danger -- the police officers, firefighters, and paramedics who left their families to go help others. I am continually impressed by their sacrifice and bravery.

I was also struck when the news covered the evacuation of a hospital in New York City. I watched as a nurse was brought out on a stretcher holding a baby from the neo-natal unit, continuing CPR while they were loaded onto an ambulance to go to another hospital. The dedication to the health and safety of these patients was beyond touching.  It takes a special kind of person to be a nurse or first responder.  

The College Network helps nurses, paramedics and others who want to advance their career with more education every day.  We offer associate of science, bachelor of science, and master of science in nursing degrees which are completed at leading universities.  As an LPN, you can become an RN, or if you are a paramedic and want to become an RN, we can help you achieve that goal. 

Become the nurse you have always dreamt of being with help from The College Network. Call us today at 800-395-1014 to get started.  

 

 

Indiana State University's LVN to BSN Program Now Available in Texas!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012 by Joel Kimzey

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

NBNA has Aligned Itself with The College Network to Promote Nursing Education for Members

Monday, August 6, 2012 by Lindsay Schmitt

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.

 

ANA's 2012 Healthy Nurse Conference

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 by Melissa Gardiner

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.

 

 

Cancer Survival Inspires Career In Nursing

Monday, May 21, 2012 by Charles Fox

Jacob Madonia was already near obtaining a Master's Degree in Exercise Science and held a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at the time he discovered he had cancer. He was also a star athlete in track and field. His difficult experience was turned into an inspirational, career-path changing time as he observed the nurses who cared for him at Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center. After recovering, Jacob won the Indoor Mid-American Conference Championship, and completed an accelerated program to obtain his BSN. He plans to work in pediatric care and continue his education in nursing as well.

Jacob's story is highly inspiring, and on behalf of everyone at The College Network and our nursing blog, we congratulate him on his accomplishments! To read Jacob's story in greater detail, as well as another inspiring tale of how someone came to be a nurse, read the article on the University at Buffalo's website.

 

Are You Looking for a Career in Healthcare?

Saturday, May 12, 2012 by Tracia Fernkas

There is quite a bit of data out there that shows that the healthcare field is one that is not only stable, but one that is growing.  And while you might be interested in working in this field, you don't feel that becoming a registered nurse would be a good fit for you.

Have you considered a Medical or Health Services Manager?  As a manager, you plan direct and coordinate medical and health services.  You might manage an entire facility or a specific clinical area or department.  Some also manage practices for groups of physicians.  

And while the majority of these jobs are located in a hospital setting, you can also work in long term healthcare facilities or even insurance companies.   You will be working with physicians and surgeons, registered nurses and possibly medical and clinical laboratory technicians.  

So, what is entailed in becoming a Health Services Manager?  You can work through The College Network to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Regis University.  Because of the convenience of an online education, you can continue to work and gain professional experience at the same time.

This program also requires an internship at an approved health care facility of your choice.  When you graduate with your Bachelor's degree, you will have practical experience and the comparative knowledge that you need to be successful.  There are many exciting options available to you with your degree.

Please reach out to us today at (800) 39-LEARN to find out more about your future in Healthcare Administration.   

NFLPN Partners with The College Network

Tuesday, May 8, 2012 by Lindsay Schmitt

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES AND THE COLLEGE NETWORK PARTNER TO PROMOTE ADVANCED NURSING EDUCATION

 
The College Network® is pleased to announce its partnership with the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) — the professional organization for licensed practical nurses (LPN), licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and students pursuing these licensures in the United States. 
 
Ottamissiah (Missy) Moore, NFLPN President said, “Every position in the nursing field requires ongoing education. Complicated patient issues, standards of care and new equipment make additional education more important than ever before. I am personally using The College Network to continue my educational journey because it gives me autonomy in my courses and the flexibility to complete my degree program from almost any location.” 
 
The NFLPN has a long-standing tradition of promoting continuing education and in 1968, established the first national program in the United States nursing field to encourage, recognize and reward achievement in continuing education. The recent partnership with The College Network will serve to further provide members with options for continuing education that can be achieved while accommodating the busy lifestyles of working nurses.
 
 

Is College Worth It?

Thursday, May 3, 2012 by Tracia Fernkas

There is a great debate between those who see the value of a college degree and those that feel you will never get your money's worth by having your degree.  It is an ongoing discussion, but here are some facts and opinions about having a college degree.

If you look simply at your earning potential by having a degree, the median weekly salary for someone with a college degree is $1053 versus someone with some college but no degree as $719.  If you add that up, there is a difference of almost $17,000 a year.  You also have to keep in mind that you will probably have better benefits offered to you in a salaried position.  

Unemployment has been high in the last couple of years as we all know.  If you look at the difference between someone with a degree, the more educated you are the lower the employment rate, and someone with a diploma you will also see that having an education does help.  If you look at the chart below from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you will see both points illustrated.  

At The College Network, we can help you with your online education so you can gain your degree.  Whether you are pursuing your Bachelor's, Associate's or continuing your education by obtaining a professional certificate.  We offer you so many options.  You can graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business from Bellevue University, or become a registered nurse with your Associate of Science in Nursing.  You can even become a certified Project Management Professional. 

The truth is that with a college education, you are going to have more options.  To me, it really doesn't seem like there is much a debate.  So, call us today at (800) 39-LEARN to find out more about how to earn your degree.  

 

Mario Kart - Part II

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 by Kevin Burton

In my last blog post, I discussed the flexibility of our distance nursing programs where different kinds of people and learners are able to complete their degrees using the example of the Mario Kart video game series.  I'd like to continue using Mario Kart as a reference point to show how things you have already done, things we at The College Network can help you with, and things you can do to avoid obstacles in preventing you from finishing your degree program.

In Mario Kart, each character/kart can obtain different bonus items to help their cause in winning the race.  Some of these items are mushrooms (speed boost), turtles shells (wreck the opponent near you), banana peel (make someone spin out), and lightning bolts (shrink your competition).  Each of these can draw a parallel to helping you overcome obstacles in your program.

Mushrooms - a speed boost.  First off, with our Comprehensive Learning Modules, we streamline the test-out process, but we also offer other services to help as well.  Now, for certain prerequisite and general education classes, we offer online testing via a webcam proctor service to help you schedule and complete courses much quicker than a traditional testing center.  Also, by financing your exam fees with the rest of your learning modules, you do not have to wait to budget out test costs, we've done that for you!

Lightning Bolts - shrink the competition.  For those of you that have previous college credit, the good news is that it will most likely transfer in to the program if it is from a regionally accredited school.  By transferring in those credits, you can shrink the size of your program, and save time and money!

Turtle Shells - knock out the competition.  Each of our learning modules arms you with a turtle shell to knock out the opponent (the courses you need).  We guarantee you will pass each exam by using our modules, so whenever you shoot a turtle shell, it will be like a red one that finds the nearest competitor to knock them off.  Use the practice exams in the modules to help make sure you are prepared for your actual exams at the testing center or in the online webcam tests.  All in all, the modules will lead the way to finish your program and each one is a turtle shell to knock off your competition along the way!

Banana Peels - in case you slip.  Banana peels are notorious for being slippery, and the same is true in Mario Kart.  In life, and in these programs it is easy to fall behind, or slip up every once in awhile.  This is why we offer our Academic Support team to help you stay on track.  They are there to help you with curriculum questions, scheduling exams, obtaining exam fee checks, navigating the online resource center, and making sure you properly enroll and complete your top online nursing programs with one of the schools we partner with or recommend.

We at The College Network enjoy serving you to help you complete your education and lifelong goals.  Mario Kart is a great game on all platforms of Nintendo video game systems, and although it may not be the first thing you think of when completing your education, maybe now you can see the parallels between your education and having fun with a game.  So go out, run your race, complete your program, and come away in 1st place!

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or needs.  Have a great day!

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

Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 by Lindsay Schmitt

Have you ever had an inkling or thought that you SHOULD do something?

In the words of Jiminy Cricket, a famous Walt Disney character, "Always let your conscience be your guide".

If you are considering going back to school for advanced nursing education, it might be time to listen to yourself. Earning a degree will not be easy, but it may be necessary to achieve your career goals. The College Network has made its mission to help working nurses through self-paced education and training. 

Research The College Network and hear what customers are saying about their experience at: www.youtube.com/thecollegenetwork

If you are already a customer completing a top online nursing program with help from The College Network, we're here for you. Our dedicated Academic Support team can help you develop a study plan based on your unique learning style, and our online Resource Center is packed with valuable tools that can make independent study fun and effective too. We know you can do this, and we'll support you throughout your TCN experience. 

You have to do what is right for you. Stop putting off the opportunity to earn your degree. You control your future when it comes to gaining advanced education that will provide endless opportunities and potential pay raises. Make the commitment to listen to your conscience and continue taking the necessary steps toward your goals. 

Nursing Degree Leads to Career Advancement

Monday, March 12, 2012 by TCN Success

A love for learning is what motivated Michelle to advance her education. “I love the fields of nursing and education.  I enjoy learning more about medicine and how it applies to life so that I can educate those around me also.  Since earning my practical nursing degree in 2007, I have wanted to continue my education in order to obtain my RN license,” she explains.

Michelle wanted a program that would be convenient for her lifestyle, which is what led her to The College Network™. “I did a search online for programs that did Licensed Practical Nurse to RN online without a lot of clinicals.  I needed to be able to continue working while going to school.  The College Network provided that for me through Excelsior College.  My TCN representative helped me pick a program that worked with my schedule and finances,” Michelle comments.

Michelle has completed her online nursing degree program and has had great success since. Read more about Michelle's journey earning her degree and the changes it has brought to her life, here

Minority Nurse Scholars Program Receives Continuing Support

Saturday, March 10, 2012 by Charles Fox

The Minority Nurse Scholars program has received a pledge for continued support from Johnson and Johnson’s Campaign for Nursing’s Future, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The program aims to curtail shortages in nursing faculty and increase diversity in the nursing field. Minorities who aspire to become nursing educators can receive financial support, leadership development and mentoring through the program.

Applications are currently being accepted for the next round of scholarships. The application deadline is May 2, 2012, and recipients will be announced in August 2012. Download an application here. Information originally from a press release on Wall Street Journal Market Watch.