Enrolled Nurses Course | The College Network

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.

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

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.

Conquer the First Day Jitters

Saturday, June 2, 2012 by Rachel Hollingsworth

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

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

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

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

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

Positive Paralegal Certificate

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 by Kevin Burton

Most of my customers, before joining their program of choice, will make sure and research The College Network. I, for one, think that is fantastic, because it shows their passion for completing the right program to suit their needs. But, don't believe everything you see out there.

The negative things you have seen across the Internet, they are not indicative of what our company is about. We have successfully helped almost 180,000 students further their education, and unfortunately some have given up on their dreams and blamed us because of it. The main chunk of our business is for people completing nursing degrees online where we supply them with the educational material they need to test out of their college courses. We also partner with schools: Boston University, Purdue University, The George Washington University, Indiana State University, Regis University, and Lake Superior State University and even professional organizations to help people enroll into their professional certificate programs and/or online degree programs.

For the Paralegal Certificate program, we do the enrollment and marketing, but the learning material, classes, instructors and certificate all come from the school itself, not The College Network. You will receive a world-class education experience from Boston University online. Don't let negative comments from someone who gave up on their dream discourage you from pursuing your goals, especially when they are most likely referencing a completely different program. Here is a link to some of the success stories from people who have earned their Paralegal Certificate: click here.

Thanks again for your interest in the program, and as always, please let me 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

Are Your Goals SMART?

Friday, April 20, 2012 by Melissa Gardiner

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.

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

BS in Nursing

Monday, December 19, 2011 by Bryan Curtis

A recent article from U.S. News U niversity Directory reports that more nursing students are choosing to earn bachelor's degrees instead of associate's degrees. The article goes on to state a couple of important facts: "According to a press release, enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs increased by approximately 3.9% between 2010 and 2011. Additionally, the survey found that enrollment in bachelor's degree completion programs, or RN-to-BSN programs, grew by 13.4%."

More importantly, the article says, "As more students opt to enroll in these courses of study, many schools across the country have found that they are having trouble accommodating so many degree seekers due to faculty or space restrictions. Preliminary data from the report shows that in 2011, about 51,082 qualified students were turned away from 503 entry-level bachelor's degree nursing programs."

For aspiring bachelor's degree nurses, this is troubling news. Demand for bachelor's degree nurses is still very high, but traditional colleges don't have the means to satisfy the desires of many who wish to earn these degrees. So what can one do? Give The College Network a try. With a myriad of degree programs in nursing, whether associate's, bachelor's, or master's, TCN can possibly help you bypass the long wait lists of some universities by offering convenient higher education online.

Nurse Earns Masters Degree Online

Friday, December 2, 2011 by TCN Success

"Online education makes returning to school more manageable. Make no mistake, online education is not easy. It requires commitment, motivation and self-discipline, and lots of hard work. The expectations of Regis University online students were the same as the graduate students on campus," Sheila Blackmur said of her experience earning her online Master of Science in Nursing degree with help from The College Network.

Sheila had a busy schedule that included working full time and taking care of her family. She was able to balance her education with her daily responsibilities thanks to all of the support she received from her family during her program. Sheila also felt very supported by other students who were enrolled in the same online program she was.

"I interacted with other students in every course I took, such as through group work and projects. We interacted via chat rooms, telephone conversation, email and discussion boards. It was very comforting to know that your classmates were experiencing some of the same happiness, stress and anxiety. It was also great to work with classmates from all over the United States," Sheila explained.

Read more of Sheila's inspiring story or call 1-800-395-1014 to learn more about online nursing programs.

I'm Thankful For...

Thursday, November 24, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

This Thanksgiving, I have a lot to be thankful for: a loving husband, two great dogs, wonderful parents, good health, a roof over my head, my job, and I could go on and on. I am also thankful for the opportunity to be a part of helping thousands of nurses earn their degree.

At The College Network, we make it possible for people who have busy schedules and daily responsibilities to fulfill their education dreams. Our convenient online nursing programs offer degrees from top universities, all from the comfort of your own home, so you can spend more time with your family instead of in a car driving to and from class.

It is our mission to ensure that our customers' are satisfied and that their needs are met. When you enroll in one of our top online nursing programs, you aren't just a number. We personally assign you with your very own program advisor who will be there to help you throughout your education journey.

Our friendly, knowledgeable customer support team will also be standing by in case you have any questions about your courses. You can call, email or chat with them anytime you need assistance.

So, this year why not add something to your list of things to be thankful for-your education. If you're ready to enroll in one of our many online nursing degree programs, call us at 1-800-395-1014. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve you!

Ironman Bachelors Degree

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by Kevin Burton

Many of you have heard of the Ironman competition. It consists of a 3 part test of endurance, competition, and will power. The 3 legs of the Ironman competition, consisting of a swim, bike ride, and marathon made me think of how the LPN/Paramedic to BS in Nursing through The College Network and Indiana State University is its own test of endurance and will power.

Below is a recap of how the Online LPN to BS in Nursing works, and its Ironman equivalent.

Phase I – The College Network (Ironman Equivalent = 2.4 Mile Swim)

Study The College Network’s Comprehensive Learning Modules and complete end-of-course equivalency exams to earn credit for your prerequisite and nursing courses (link to program brochure)
Experience learning entirely online in our Online Resource Center (link to the ORC demo) which is designed to uniquely compliment various learning styles
Work at your own pace (If you can commit to studying an average of one hour per day, you can expect to test out of a course once every 3-6 weeks)
Succeed with The College Network. We guarantee you will pass each exam and offer academic support via phone, email, and online chat 5 days a week
Take your exams online from the comfort of your home.

Phase II – Complete 4 Customized Study Modules (Ironman Equivalent = 112 Mile Bike Ride)

Apply and enroll into Indiana State University
Study the 4 College Network Customized Study Modules (CSMs) to test out of those 4 courses
Take and pass your 4 CSM Exams Online Directly Through Indiana State

Phase III – Indiana State University and Clinicals (Ironman Equivalent = 26.2 Mile Run (aka a marathon)

Apply to the Indiana State Nursing School
Complete 12 remaining nursing courses through Indiana State online
All remaining courses are online, asynchronous, and based on 16 week semesters with summers off
Complete your clinical hours with a preceptor at a local facility
Graduate with your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana State University
- Average completion time for your BSN degree is 3-5 years (Phases I and II are self-paced, whereas Phase III is not)
Prepare for your state RN boards with The College Network “Rx for NCLEX Success” (link to more info) developed in partnership with the National League for Nursing
Become an RN and earn up to $20,000 more annually!

So what are you waiting for? Would you rather compete in the Ironman competition, or get going on your online nursing degree? Either way, let me know, and I'll be happy to help you get started (at least on the nursing program)!

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

Your Future's Insurance Policy

Wednesday, November 2, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

What are you doing with your life right now? Where do you see yourself when you look five or ten years into your future? Do you have a job or a career? Like many others, you had plans of going on to earn your RN after LPN school, but then time got away from you, right?

Don't worry! Advanced nursing education is still in your future. Think of it as your future's insurance policy. Having that degree will ensure a brighter more promising career rather than just having a job for the rest of your life.

The College Network's top online nursing programs are designed with you-the busy, working, parent, spouse, friend, committee leader, little league coach in mind. We know your schedule is not always predictable which is why you can sign up at any time to begin one of our distance nursing programs. With The College Network, there are no hassles and no waiting lists. You earn your degree when the time is right for you.

Once you enroll in your program of choice, there is no pressure. You complete your degree on your own time. If you need some extra time to get through a course, you can take it. You really are your own boss.

So, why not protect your future with a degree? Call 1-800-395-1014, speak to one of our Program Advisors, and get the answers to all of your questions about enrolling in an online degree program.

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.

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

Defying Reality

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 by Landon Jones

The desire to go back to school is easier said than done in some instances. Growing up I had limited educational options presented to me, but you would not have known considering my upbringing. I remember being six years old talking with my father about my career aspirations:

Dad: What do you want to be when you grown up?
Six year old me: A CARTOONIST!
Dad: How will you become a cartoonist?
Six year old me: Drawing all the time!
Dad: What school will you go to become a better artist?
Six year old me: Hillman College!

You see I thought Hillman College was a real school located somewhere in a far away land. What I didn't know is that Hillman College was a college created by the television writers for A Different World. My father and my family were proud that I had my mind set on college at such a young age because where I grew up I didn't come across too many college graduates. Neither did my classmates as I transitioned from year to year. There are literally a handful of my family members who have gone to and completed a undergraduate education, not because they didn't want to--the tools and resources provided to them were scarce and as they grew older so did their responsibilities.

I found an article recently that covers why so many adults have difficulty finishing their undergraduate education. The stories were very similar to the LPNs, RNs, and Paramedics who, at one point, were enrolled in a school with the intent of having a degree in advanced nursing education and how it was difficult for them to complete it. Some stopped after having children and pursuing families, stopped halfway through and decided on receiving their LPN license, or couldn't afford to go back.

Written by Jorge Rivas, this article shows that in a study conducted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 75% of the college population were attending school part-time while juggling families and careers and 25% of the college population were in school full-time. Those who are in school part time are still not graduating even if they take a longer amount of time to do so.

http://colorlines.com/assets_c/2011/09/college-part-times-whogetscounted-4278.html

Even worse is students who are enrolled part-time are not documented by the Federal Government, so that means that there are no programs designed to improve part-time students retention rates by the government.

The study offers solutions like fixed schedules that appeal to students' jobs, allowing a fast track program and shorter class times that have students receiving their degrees at a faster pace, and classes that offer review but aren't the premise of the entire course.

The College Network immediately came to mind because the study recommended online programs as a solution as well. Generally, people believe that sitting in a classroom increases their chances of completing a nursing program but that's not always true--especially if you believe that a teacher will hold you accountable for for being done. The reason why The College Network offers online nursing programs is so that those health care professionals seeking a degree from top nursing schools can receive their degree at their own pace while juggling responsibilities.

Landon, Appointment Coordinator

Do

Monday, September 26, 2011 by Kevin Burton

Two of the most influential enterprises of the past 30 years both expressed the need for people to do. Both Nike and Yoda from Star Wars have interesting mottos and quotes that lead me to believe, "hey, they might be on to something here."

Yoda: "Do, or do not. There is no try."

This applies to The College Network undoubtedly. With our nursing independent study programs, we offer the support for you to fully succeed in finishing your degree. All of our online comprehensive learning modules come with the guarantee that you will pass each course you take - we guarantee it because if you are having trouble our academic support team is here to assist you, and if that isn't enough... if you do not pass an exam after two tries, we will find a tutor to help you get to the point where you can pass that exam. So, all it really comes down to is if you are going to do, or do not.

Nike: "Just Do It"

That pretty much sums it up. Just do it, folks. We know that life happens, and our programs provide you the flexibility to withstand any circumstances to complete your program of choice. So, ask yourself, "is it time for me to Just Do It?"

If you have any questions or would like to enroll in any program please let me know.
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Nursing courses prove to be "fun" for customer

Friday, July 29, 2011 by TCN Success

“I never knew taking nursing courses could be fun and easy until I enrolled with The College Network™,” said Francisca Oladipo who is earning her Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Excelsior College®.

Francisca wanted to enhance her education in an effort to gain more knowledge and skills so she could move up the ladder in her nursing career. The College Network was there to help her.

“I did not have to go out and look for them. They sent a representative to my home, and it has been good since,” Francisca commented.

Read more of Francisca's inspiring story or call 1-800-395-1014 today.

Tragic 9/11 events motivate paramedic to get her RN

Monday, June 27, 2011 by TCN Success

Jean thought about earning her nursing degree for some time, but the tragic events on September 11, 2001 are what motivated her to enroll in Excelsior College’s^® Paramedic to RN program with the help of The College Network.

“I love being a paramedic, but I wanted to do something more proactive instead of reactive. I wanted something that promoted health, because that promotes peace,” she says.

Jean has since completed her Paramedic to RN program using The College Network’s Comprehensive Learning Modules which she described using the word “fabulous”.

“The College Network made it simple by combining all the material necessary for each course into one resource. Other programs give you five different books. I was working full time during the program and I could take the material to work. I had everything I needed in one place,” Jean describes.

Read more of Jean Brennan's story or call 1-800-395-1014 for more information about the programs available today.

Go Green, Save Green

Friday, June 3, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

In a time where "going green" is more important than ever, wouldn't it be nice to earn your degree while helping preserve our environment? Not only do online nursing degree programs from The College Network and our partner universities allow convenience and flexibility, they also provide a greener approach to getting an education.

With distance education, you can earn a degree from the convenience of your own home. You will not only save time, but also reduce fuel energy consumption and pollution in the environment because you don't need a vehicle to drive to class.

Online education is just that; online. No books, no paper; just you and your computer, so you can feel good about all of the trees you will be saving. The College Network will provide you with online Comprehensive Learning Modules to help you learn the course material and prepare you for exams to pass general education and elective course.

Not only are you helping the environment, you are also saving some green. Enrolling in an online nursing degree from The College Network and our partner universities saves customers, on average, up to fifty percent from the cost of attending a traditional school. By taking courses from the convenience of your own home you are saving on the cost of gas and child care, which we all know can be painfully expensive these days. So, what are you waiting for? Get your green education with help from The College Network by calling 1-800-39-LEARN.

From an immigrant to a BSN - Maykel Verdecia

Thursday, May 12, 2011 by College Network

My Name is Maykel Verdecia Alonso. I studied registered nursing in Cuba for 5 years (from 1996 to 2001). Before taking the national state licensing exam, I legally migrated to the United States as a refugee. The reason why I did not take the national licensing exam in Cuba was because I was afraid that I was not going to be able to leave the country (the Cuban government, in order to avoid professionals leaving the country, has dictated laws that prohibit graduated students from leaving unless they spend 3-5 years performing social services). Since I had the urgency to leave the country, I decided to voluntary drop out of school and immigrate to the USA.

Soon after I arrived in the United States, I went to City College of San Francisco to learn English as second language. I discovered that City College also had an LVN refresher program for foreign nurses, so I enrolled in that to become a licensed nurse and apply to the CA-LVN Board. My hopes to be a nurse started to become a reality; even though, I was considered to be a drop off nursing student-immigrant from Cuba.

Soon after a fully credentialed evaluation and completion of the LVN refresher program, the LVN Board granted me the authorization to take the licensing exam. Since 2001 I have been working as an LVN in the United States.

When I felt confident working as a nurse, learned more about US law, rules and regulation, and gained more skills following policies and procedures; I decided to apply to the RN Board. Soon after I applied, the CA RN Board wanted my official transcripts from Cuba again (Cuban transcripts are to be use in Cuba National territory ONLY unless they are released by the government). After waiting a response from Cuba for several years, my immigration status in the US, Cuba-USA embargo, and after I realized that everywhere I go, institutions would request official transcripts, I decided to go back to school and retake all the classes I took for nursing in Cuba.

Since City College of Saint Francisco was the first institution that I enrolled in when arrived to the United States, I decided to complete my general education with them, and I have earned more than 80 units of general education. It is time for me to pursue my educational goal in this country, which is why I have applied to Indiana State University (ISU) to hopefully get into their LVN to BSN program.

Before I enroll into ISU, I first need to pass the ISU pre-exams which educational materials and preparation is offered by The College Network. Thanks to the excellent customer services of College Network and the excellent study materials offered, I already completed two of the pre-requisite exams needed for the LVN to BSN program of ISU.

Thanks to The College Network, Indiana State University and City College of San Francisco for allowing me to pursue higher education. I had to struggle with the political struggles between US and Cuba but it does not mean that I will not pursue my educational goal which is to become a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

As of today, I have an LVN license granted by the CA-LVN Board, I have 80 units of general education earned at CCSF, I have eight years of experience as an LVN, I have successfully completed the joint LVN-refresher refresher training program for foreign and American nurses, which is equivalent to two hundred twenty hours of nursing theory at CCSF, and 360 hours of laboratory and clinical practice in medical surgical nursing at St. Francis Hospital, General Hospital, and leadership / skilled nursing at Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center; thus, 5 years of nursing education in Cuba, whose courses and grades were officially evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

I would imagine there are other foreign trained nurses like me that would like to go back to school and that are not able to get their documents from their home countries (i.e. the school has closed, has changed name, has burned down during the war, are not politically related with this country, or simply are not willing to produce this type of document). For them, I would like to share my nursing experience.

Name: Maykel Verdecia
From: California

Stop the Crisis...One Course at a Time

Thursday, May 5, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

Most of us have heard of the nursing shortage "crisis" by now. The word crisis clarifies the impact this has on our nation. Many people blame the shortage on the current state of the economy which could force health care facilities to make budget cuts, ultimately resulting in layoffs. While this may be a factor in the nursing shortage crisis, there's another issue I see at hand; a shortage of people enrolling in nursing programs.

The College Network offers online degrees from top universities, because we understand the consequences this shortage of nurses has on the quality of care for patients. For example, infections are thought to be the cause of nearly 400,000 nursing home deaths per year in the U.S., and studies show that this could largely be due to a lack of LPNs and RNs working in the facilities. If there is a shortage of nurses, there is a shortage of patient care. Simple supply vs. demand; in this case the demand for nurses is greater than the supply of nurses.

There is definitely a high demand for nurses, especially RNs. 37,000 new hospital, long-term health care and ambulatory service jobs were added in March of this year, and it is expected that RNs will be recruited to fill the majority of these positions.

So, what does this mean for you? It means there has never been a better time than now to sign up for Registered Nurses programs! The College Network's unique online nursing programs make it convenient AND more affordable for you. You set your own pace for completing your courses, and in most cases our customers save up to 50% over traditional campus-based college degree programs. Our team of Academic Advisors will assist you throughout your education journey with quality academic counseling, transcript evaluations and ongoing follow-up.

Think how awesome a world filled with more nurses will be! Together, we can partner to make this happen.