Reasons a BSN Should Be On Your Radar as a Georgia Nurse

Saturday, April 6, 2013 by Jerry Kelly

As an LPN, you don't have to choose between your career and furthering your education. We make it possible to work and earn your degree at the same time. You can begin today and move at your own pace, setting your study schedule around the things that are important to you.

You may have even encountered the long waiting lists that many people find themselves on before they can enter nursing school. The College Network has designed an online learning environment exclusively for LPN’s, and you can begin working toward your advanced nursing degree as soon as you're ready - there is no wait list.

Hospitals in Georgia have also started requiring that their registered nurses hold a BSN--especially those hospitals who are attempting to earn Magnet status. Holding your RN license used to be the accepted standard, but in keeping with the call for a more educated workforce, hospitals now are giving more consideration to those nurses with their bachelor's degree.

Hospitals in Georgia struggle to find bachelor's-prepared nurses and because of this, have developed policies to address the issue.  These hospitals will hire nurses with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, but will require those nurses to obtain their bachelor's degree within a certain number of years.

At The College Network, we have options for you if you are either an LPN or an RN who would like obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

We partner with Indiana State University to offer the only online LPN to BSN program in the country.  This three-phase program allows you to work through your general education and prerequisite courses with The College Network and then enroll with Indiana State University for your nursing transition courses and final nursing courses with concurrent clinical hours. Courses are delivered online, and you can get started today.

The College Network has helped over 200,000 nurses begin working toward an advanced education! We can help you too! Getting started is simple. Just call me, Jerry Kelly at 404-217-6638 or go to www.collegenetwork.com/kelly to learn more about how you can reach your dream of earning your advanced nursing degree in the state of Georgia.

 

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

 

Acceptance Rates Hurt Associate’s Degree Applicants

Wednesday, October 3, 2012 by Rachel Hollingsworth

 

The past several years have been disappointing for college applicants looking to earn their associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). According to the National League for Nursing, ADN applications were the most frequently rejected among both pre- and post-licensure nursing applications in 2011. The NLN report stated that nearly 50% of all qualified ADN applications were rejected in 2011, with only 15% of the nation’s ADN programs accepting qualified applicants on a regular basis. A lack of qualified faculty was found to be the main obstacle preventing nursing programs from accepting qualified candidates and expanding program capacity.

Despite these discouraging statistics, there are still several options for students looking to pursue their RN license with an associate’s degree. Distance learning programs like those offered by The College Network provide a positive alternative to the lengthy waiting lists found at most campus-based programs. By completing general education requirements with The College Network, students can bypass the wait-list process and apply directly to university nursing programs with a useful set of existing credits. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can get started with your associate’s degree without the wait, contact The College Network at 800-395-1014 today to speak with one of our knowledgeable Program Advisors.

 

Ready for the NCLEX-RN? We Can Make Sure You Are...

Friday, August 3, 2012 by Tracia Fernkas

It's been a hard road, but you are finally ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam.  It's your last step before earning your RN license.  Does the exam strike fear in your heart?  Make your palms get sweaty?  It doesn't have to.  The College Network offers support that will help you be as prepared as possible for the exam.  

The RX for NCLEX Success Preparation Package will  provide you with everything you need to pass the exam.  This is the only preparation tool that has been developed with the National League for Nursing

There is an online Question Review Bank that features over 4,200 exam-style practice questions that will give you a better understanding into what types of questions will be on the exam.  You can personalize  your sessions using the exam simulation mode, study mode and custom-setting mode.  

You will also receive access to other online resources which include an exam preparation handbook that will guide you step-by-step through the process.  If you purchase the RX for NCLEX success review package and need to take the NCLEX-RN more than once, we will provide with free access for an additional 60 days.

So, let us help you calm your exam fears by making sure you're as prepared as possible  Call us at 800-496-9452 to learn more.  

What's the Difference?

Sunday, July 22, 2012 by Kevin Burton

Many people I have the pleasure of talking to on a day-to-day basis ask me to help differentiate The College Network from Excelsior College® in obtaining their Associate of Science in Nursing Degree.  For your information, I'd like to go over a brief synopsis of what roles we each have in this process.

Excelsior College® is the school in the matter, and where you will earn your degree.  The Excelsior College® Associate Degree in Nursing program is a completely online, self-paced, test-out program to help Paramedics and LPNs/LVNs transition to get their degree and RN license.  Excelsior College® is regionally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by many state boards of nursing, and approved .
 
What The College Network does is streamline the test-out process of the program by providing the educational materials (our modules) to help students test out of their general education and nursing courses instead of taking a full-blown semester-based class or buying all the books for the course and trying to figure out what to study on their own.  We have subject matter experts and college professors help us create our educational materials (modules) that significantly help students obtain the knowledge they need to earn their college credits, and eventually degree.  All of our modules come with an academic guarantee that you will pass each course that you use them for, or we will supply a tutor and pay for any exams you need after 2 attempts.
 
Once the customer finishes all their courses, they then move on with Excelsior College® to complete the remaining requirements to obtain their degree.  They must finish these last things before they can graduate with their Associate Degree in Nursing.
 
I hope this helps in your understanding of the LPN/LVN/Paramedic to RN program.  As always, let us know if you have any other questions or would like to enroll!
 
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Popular Online Degrees

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 by Kevin Burton

I came across this article on yahoo recently that outlined the most popular online degree programs:

Click here: Popular Online Degrees

Much to my surprise, there were several degree options that we at The College Network can help you obtain.  We offer online Nursing Independent Study programs, that can help Paramedics or LPN/LVNs transition to their degree and RN license, as well as Business, Criminal Justice, and other options for folks through our partnership with Bellevue University.

So if online learning is something you are interested in, The College Network is the one-stop-shop to help you learn what you need to know and get started on your degree!

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

The Change in Educational Requirements is Sending Nurses Back to School

Monday, July 16, 2012 by Tracia Fernkas

If you are a nurse, you most likely have heard of the call by The Institute of Medicine that by the year 2020, 80% of nurses hold Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.  It is a call to action for the nursing industry to respond to the changing needs of the healthcare system.

Hospitals have also started requiring their registered nurses hold a BSN--especially those hospitals who are attempting to be awarded Magnet status.  This change has happened in the last several years.  Holding your RN license used to be the accepted standard, but in keeping with the call for a more educated workforce, hospitals now are giving more consideration to those nurses with their bachelor's degree.  

Hospitals struggle to find BSN nurses to hire and because of this have developed policies to address this.  These hospitals will hire nurses with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, but will require those nurses to obtain their bachelor's degree within a certain number of years.

At The College Network, we have options for you if you are either an LPN or are an RN who would like obtain a Bachelor's degree in nursing.  

We partner with Indiana State University to offer the only LPN-BSN online program.  This 3 phase program allows you to work through your general education and prerequisite courses with The College Network and then enroll with Indiana State for your nursing transition courses and final nursing courses with concurrent clinical hours.  Everything is online and there is no waiting list.  You can get started today.

For those registered nurses who are seeking their Bachelor's degree, you can obtain your degree through our partner, Regis University.  You can complete your upper-level core nursing courses in 12-20 months.  You can decide to work through a fast-track progression or a standard progression--depending on what works best with your busy lifestyle. 

Call us today at 800-395-1014 to learn more about these programs and find out which one is the best fit for you. Your Bachelor's degree is waiting for you.  

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.

  1. Call the The College Network to learn more about online nursing degree programs.
  2. 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.
  3. Make the decision to move towards your goal of becoming an RN and get started in your program.
  4. Take our Learning Styles Survey to find out how you learn best. 
  5. 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.
  6. Start studying.
  7. 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. 
  8. Enroll with the university and complete any other requirements for your program.
  9. Graduate! Plan to walk with your fellow nurses in the graduation ceremony.
  10. 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.  

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

The Value of a Nursing Degree

Friday, February 17, 2012 by Bryan Curtis
According to U.S. News and World Report, "Students graduating with a bachelor's degree in nursing entered the workforce to the tune of nearly $50,000 in 2011—the average starting salary for new grads was $48,100—making it one of the top-paying professions for new graduates outside of engineering and information technology." It's difficult to ignore a statistic like this, especially when nursing is a career field struggling to reach its recruitment numbers.

If you're an LPN making 18 dollars an hour (that's $37,000 dollars a year if you're working full time), the salary jump between degrees is enormous. Think about what you could do with over $10,000 more a year. If you got your RN license and worked for 30 years with it, you could possibly make over $300,000 more than you would if you were just an LPN.

When you do your research, you'll realize that there is a plethora of distance nursing programs available to choose from. What can The College Network offer that makes it unique? Partnerships with some of the nation's top universities; personal, friendly academic support; effective Comprehensive Learning Modules; etc.

To learn more about what TCN has to offer, visit our web site.

Online Education Makes Earning Nursing Degree Possible for Single Mom

Thursday, February 16, 2012 by TCN Success
After working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for a long time, Elizabeth Hill decided to begin working towards her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Indiana State University with help from The College Network™.

“I thought it would be a great way to earn my BSN that would be a lot more convenient as a working, divorced mom. I need to earn more income, and becoming an RN is the way to go for me since I love the nursing field and have been an LVN for 27 years now,”  Elizabeth explains.

Not only does Elizabeth like the convenience of earning her nursing degree online, she also says this is more affordable than some of the traditional colleges she looked into.

Find out how Elizabeth stays motivated to earn her degree by reading more of her story, or call 1-800-395-1014 to find out how you can begin your online educational journey.

Hold My Hand

Thursday, February 9, 2012 by Kevin Burton
We're united in helping you further your education!Lots of customers are wary and apprehensive that once they start working toward their degree program with The College Network, Program Advisors like myself and all of us in general will not be there for them throughout the process of earning their degree.  I'm here to tell you that if you want and/or need us to hold your hand all the way through the program, we can and will!

I will be here throughout your process of completing the program, along with our full team of academic support specialists.  They are there to help you with any questions you have, including questions about the 
curriculum, where and when to test, study tips, and requesting the checks to pay for your exams.  I'm not going anywhere, but they also will be a valuable resource to help you through the program.  We want you to earn your degree and RN license, we and I, am not here just to get you the modules and say good luck - we want you to finish.  We will assist you along the way in helping you earn your degree!

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

Motivation

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 by Megan Kirsch
A key to success with any educational endeavor one undertakes is motivation. With any post-secondary program, there is no one forcing you to enroll in a program, attend class or study, complete assignments, and graduate. It is up to each of us to remember the reason why we desired a higher level of education in the first place to keep us going. For many, the possibility of a better way of life motivates us to continue past any periods of struggle and frustration.

If you have reached a plateau with your studies, have you asked yourself: “Why did I choose to begin this program to begin with?” With all the demands of life we can easily lose sight of the things we want and focus on the tasks to accomplish and we become our own worst-enemies. As we get older, expectations set upon us increase, families are born, job responsibilities mount, and we tend to put ourselves last. It’s time that we all begin to put ourselves first! Bettering ourselves as individuals will positively affect all aspects of our lives.

While our distance nursing programs do allow the convenience of working at your own pace on your own schedule, if you need someone in your corner to assure you that you can be successful, contact Academic Support. We Care about your success and the Academic Support team is only a phone call, email, or web chat away.

If you have not yet chosen an educational path to obtain a convenient RN license, advance your nursing education with a BS in Nursing or become an MSN, please call 1-800-39-LEARN for more information on our amazing programs. 

I’ll leave with the following quote from famous author Ayn Rand from the critically acclaimed novel, The Fountainhead: “The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.“

When it comes to your education, don’t let anyone get in your way. Motivate


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!
Happy Holidays!
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

Hospitals Employ Lift Devices to Reduce Nurses' Back Injuries

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 by Charles Fox
A new patient lift (Photo credit: Dan Coyro/Sentinel)
Today, I spoke with a nurse on the phone who has no choice but to leave the profession due to an injury at work; her story is not unique, unfortunately.  The California Nurses Association reports that about 12% of the nursing workforce leaves the profession annually due to back injuries, and their recent lobbying has helped to pass a new law in California requiring lift devices and accompanying training for nurses, according to an article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.  The machines lift patients between beds and chairs, and protect nurses' backs in the process.  Previously, Washington was the only state with a law that mandating the purchase of lift devices in hospitals.

It is refreshing to hear of real concern for the health and safety of nurses, who spend their lives working for the health and safety of others.  A safer workplace is just another reason to consider going for a BS in Nursing to obtain a convenient RN license.  With recent contract negotiations plus the passing of this new law, the climate in California is ripe for nursing!

Nursing FAQs

Saturday, October 15, 2011 by Kevin Burton
As a Program Advisor at The College Network, answering questions about all of our programs is basically what I do all day long.  I want to take this time to cover a couple of the frequently asked questions about our top online nursing programs.

Do you need my transcripts before enrolling?

No.  We actually will pull those for you after you enroll with us.  Our academic support team will evaluate and double check our preliminary program outline, and either add or subtract courses based on your official transcripts.  If you want to send me an unofficial copy ahead of time, feel free, but if you are sure of the courses we discuss then there is really no need.
Thank you to all nurses!
How does the test out process allow me to receive my college credit?

Since our modules are designed to help you test out for your college credit, the way those credits transfer in are through ACE (American Council on Education).  Almost 2,000 regionally accredited schools accept ACE credit recommendation earned through testing out of courses through CLEP, DSST, Excelsior, and The College Network examinations.  So, by passing these tests, you earn a college credit recommendation from ACE, who sends them directly to the school you are pursuing your degree through to have them count for your credit.  

These are not all the questions about our online nursing programs, but hopefully this is a start to help you understand some of inner workings.  I want to reassure you that we at The College Network are here to help you earn your degree and further your career.  We have helped hundreds of thousands of students, and offer the most convenient RN license programs.  You may think the program seems almost too good to be true - well it almost is, but where reality kicks in is you have to be self-disciplined to complete your courses.  If you have the drive and want to complete the program, I guarantee you will, just like we guarantee you will pass all your module courses with us.

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

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?

"The Dude" takes a look at himself 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

Ohio Nurses: It's Time to Become a RN

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 by Charles Fox
According to an article in the Akron Beacon Journal, Akron General Medical Center has announced that it is cutting 70 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) positions, and filling the spots with Registered Nurses.  All of the jobs that were lost were in inpatient care, which will now be exclusively staffed by RNs. There remain 82 LPNs on the Akron General Medical Center payroll, but all of them are in outpatient care and other areas.  There are a total of 1,005 registered nurses working at the hospital, and more will be hired.

If you are a LPN in Ohio, we can help!  Becoming a RN is no longer just about increased salary and responsibility, it is about increased job security.  Obtain a convenient RN License through an Associate Degree of Nursing or LPN to BS in Nursing online.  In a rapidly changing job market that is leaving many LPNs unemployed, The College Network is stepping up to provide a convenient transition to RN status.  Don't wait until it's too late---invest in your education and your career today!

Nursing Wages and Jobs On The Rise

Friday, September 9, 2011 by Charles Fox
Even in the midst of economic turmoil, nursing wages and job openings are increasing.  Health care is extremely stable in the job field, according to a press release from RegisteredNurseRn.com that was posted to The Sacramento Bee.  The increase in salary is significant: average hourly wage for registered nurses rose from $30.65 to $32.56, while average RN salaries increased from $63,750 to $67,720.

The release also states that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be as many as 3,200,200 RNs by 2018, making nursing one of the fastest growing occupations.  "Nursing is always in high demand, and the overall employment outlook is excellent, said Sarah Perry, a registered nurse and the administrator of RegisteredNurseRn.com. "Even in a bad economy, people get sick and health care demands remain fairly consistent."

If you are considering the nursing field, these statistics should come as welcome news.  The College Network offers online degrees from top universities, allowing you to obtain a convenient RN license.  Our Distance Nursing Programs are suited to your schedule, so don't wait another day to start on the path to great salary and job security!

Change Is Coming for Illinois Nursing Home Patients, and Nurses In Turn

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 by Charles Fox

The recent decision of a class-action discrimination lawsuit relating to the Americans with Disabilities act in Cook County, Illinois marks the end of some 20,000 physically and mentally disabled people's lack of decision making power in regards to where they live.  Previously, people in Cook County who were unable to afford housing or care on their own were forced into state-run nursing homes.  They will now have a choice, and the State of Illinois will help them to pay for housing in the community and in-home caregivers, according to an article in the Daily Herald.  

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is quoted as saying, “(It) responds to the aspirations of those who want to live more independent, productive and fulfilling lives in community and home-based settings. For many people with disabilities, institutionalization is unnecessary and unwanted, and these settlements will help us continue to move in the right direction on community and home-based care.”

The change for patients means a change for nurses, as well.  Many of our customers here at The College Network are nurses who work either in home-based care or at nursing homes.  The increased choice this will afford nurses in determining the course of their careers, and providing more fulfilling lives to patients at the same time, is truly an exciting opportunity.  If you are in Illinois and you are considering becoming a nurse, research The College Network and learn more about higher education online, including ways to obtain a convenient RN License.  A rewarding career awaits!