Distance Nursing Programs

So, you've enrolled in one of The College Network's distance nursing programs, and you're already to get started. Before you jump into your program, take some time to reflect on why are are doing this and what you hope to accomplish by doing so.

Setting goals is a great way to keep your focus in mind. When you are thinking about what your goals are, try to set SMART goals which will help you define more specifically what you are trying to accomplish and help you get the task done.

SMART goals should be:

Specific—Make sure your goals are specific and well defined. Set a goal to complete your degree in a specific amount of time. For example, set the goal to be finished by two years from your enrollment date.

Measurable—Set a specific time frame for your goals. For example, set a goal of completing one course per month, so at the end of each month you can measure your progress.

Attainable—Be sure the goals you are setting for yourself are realistic. Don’t set a goal to study for three hours every night when you have a full-time job, are a parent and have a home to manage. This is not a goal that would be possible to complete, therefore you would be setting yourself up to fail.

Relevant—Choose goals that matter. If you’re ultimate goal is to become a Registered Nurse, set a goal to earn your Associate of Science in Nursing degree or BS in Nursing degree, now, rather than "some day." You will be that much closer to reaching your goal and having your dream career.

Time Bound—Once you set your goals, commit to a deadline. This will help you stay focused so that your goal does not get lost in all of your other daily responsibilities. If you want to finish one course per month, set a goal to study every evening, Monday through Friday.

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

You may have heard about the nursing student education dilemma that's currently happening in the U.S. There are more student's applying to nursing programs at brick and mortar schools than these institutions can accommodate. As a result, many of the students are getting turned away.

Did you know that with The College Network's distance nursing programs, you can begin working towards your degree whenever you are ready? That's right, with our nursing programs from leading universities there is never a waiting list to get started!

Once you enroll, you can complete your degree in as little or as much time as you like. Our online nursing programs are designed with you in mind, and with the understanding that life happens. You should be able to earn your degree on your own time, and with our programs that's exactly what you can do.

We offer fully accredited online Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's in Nursing degrees from top nursing schools. If you would like to learn more, visit our web site or call and speak to one of our Program Advisors at 1-800-395-1014.

It's not every day when you can relate one of your favorite childhood (who am I kidding - current) games to furthering your education, but today I'd like to use the series of Mario Kart games to show you that completing your education is as easy as navigating a track named Rainbow Road.

At The College Network, our goal is to allow customers to complete distance nursing programs within the confines of their own goals and abilities. This is very much like choosing your own character/driver in the Mario Kart games.  Some characters like Mario and Luigi are well rounded - they have good speed, good acceleration, and good steering. Customers with these attributes can study in many different ways and at a steady pace to complete their program of choice with our Comprehensive Learning Modules.  Others are like Donkey Kong or Bowser, where they may start slow, but have a great high-end top speed.  Some customers are like this as well, where they have trouble starting, but once they do, they are able to knock their courses out very quickly.  Another way to study would be to do things in quick short bursts - much like the high acceleration of Princess Peach or Yoshi.  And some folks really like to control their own destiny, and keep things very orderly, consistent, and take the most efficient way around the track to finish their program or race, much like Toad or Koopa Troopa.  

Any way you look at it, all of the previous methods can work.  You just have to choose the right path for yourself and know your strengths and weaknesses.  At The College Network, we offer our Academic Guidance Planner and Academic Support Team to help you set goals, find out what learning style is best for you, and give you study tips on how best to be an independent learner.  Basically, we fit your Mario Kart driving style to your perfect Kart and character that drives it!

In my next post, I'll look at how the The College Network helps you navigate your program by using all the extras and resources that come with this type of program.  Watch out for that banana peel!

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

The weather is starting to get warmer, and trees and flowers are starting to bloom.  The winter season has come to an end, and spring time is here for 2012.  When spring is in the air, I think of March Madness, Spring Break, rain, and flowers blooming.  What comes to your mind when you hear "Spring?"

Something else I think of is getting outside and being active.  Once the weather starts to warm, increasing your activities seems to come hand-in-hand.  Physical activities, being outdoors and exercise are great, but what about your mind - learning, knowledge and your education?  Spring is a great time to also start working on furthering your education.  With the rebirth of the plants, you can reawaken your thirst for knowledge in going for one of The College Network's online distance nursing programs or online certificate programs in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, or Paralegal studies.

"Spring" into action this season - we can help, just give us a call!

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

Much to my dismay, I've had to make a couple trips to the hospital the past couple weeks.  Two of my grandparents had surgery and stayed in the hospital for about a week each.  Upon my visit, I paid particular attention to the nursing staff members since I speak with so many day-in and day-out.

What I learned from my hospital visits (besides relative relief and thanks that my grandparents are okay) is that the nursing staff makes or breaks the quality of a hospital.  The care patients receive is mainly determined on the nurses that care for them each hour of the day.  I want to thank RNs Shannon, Kim and all the other nurses at Clark Memorial Hospital in Indiana for being so wonderful to my family members, and providing excellent care to make my grandparents hospital stay very quick, and relatively painless.

At The College Network, we are proud to offer distance nursing programs for LPNs, LVNs, and Paramedics out there that can and want to make a difference like the young ladies who helped my family.  Nurses truly are special people, and I am proud to work with you all everyday.  So if you are interested in furthering your education within the nursing field, give me a call and I'll give you the care and respect you give all of your patients!

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

Are you currently enrolled in one of The College Network's distance nursing programs? If so you may be looking for ways to save a buck to help off set the cost of education. Here are some simple tips to help you cut costs and earn a little extra money to put towards your education.

1. Brown bag your lunch and eat your breakfast and dinner at home. Often, people don't realize how much eating out, even if only a few times a week, adds up. You can save a lot of money by cooking all your own meals. I always set a weekly budget for groceries of $60 for myself and my spouse (that's for a weeks worth of breakfast, lunch and dinner). We are able to get fresh fruits and vegetables and do not eat frozen or processed food. It's all about buying what's on sale, making a list and sticking to it! AND, never go grocery shopping while you are hungry!
2. Skip the expensive coffee shops in the morning and brew your own coffee at home. If you are set on a certain coffee shop brand, many times you can buy it in bulk at wholesale stores for less money.
3. If you have extra stuff collecting dust at home (let's be honest-most of us do) sell in on eBay or craigslist. You'd be amazed how easy it is to sell items on these sites. 
4. Following along the lines of item number three, why not have a garage sale? It's coming up on that time of year again, and garage sales are great ways to clean out your space and make some extra money doing so.
5. Limit your frivolous spending. If you're on a budget or trying to save money, don't go out and buy a new pair of jeans...no matter how good of a deal they are! Every little bit of spending adds up.

The bottom line...it's all about prioritizing. Your education is one of the most important things you will ever do for yourself, so why not make it a priority? That's the great thing about The College Network's online programs. You can earn your nursing degree from a top university, entirely online at a fraction of the cost of attending a brick and mortar school. You can learn more about our programs here.

If you're enrolled in one of The College Network's distance nursing programs, that means you are probably used to being around all sorts of prescription medication on a regular basis from your previous or current healthcare work experience. Healthcare facilities have the capability to safely get rid of unused prescription medications, but what if you have unwanted prescription drugs lying around at home? You're not supposed to just throw them away-it's unsafe.

Fortunately, you're in luck!  April 28th is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This past October was the third annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day and over 188 tons of unwanted prescriptions were turned in.

Take Back sites are available in all 50 states with several locations in each one, making it convenient to drop off your unwanted medicine. The upcoming April event hours are set for 10am-2pm with information on local drop off locations to be posted on The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day website (mentioned above) in March. 

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. 

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

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