Inexpensive Nursing Degrees | The College Network

You Snooze, You Lose

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

Have you ever had a morning like I had today? I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. which gave me enough time to get up, shower, make coffee and pack my lunch before leaving for work. 6:00 a.m. rolled around and I found myself hitting the good 'ole snooze button...then 6:15...then 6:30 and before I knew it, it was quarter til 7 (I have to leave by 7:45).

Although I did manage to sneak in 45 extra minutes of sleep, it came with consequences. I was rushed to get ready, didn't have time to make coffee (a morning must for me) and forgot my lunch. I definitely regret not getting up at 6:00 a.m. when my alarm first went off.

Too often, people find themselves in this same predicament with their education. You set a plan to go back to school, but when the time comes, you put it off til next semester...which turns into next year...which becomes "once my kids are grown" and so on and so forth.

Don't put the snooze on your future any longer! The College Network offers convenient, inexpensive nursing degrees that can be completed online and on your schedule. It's never been easier to work towards advancing your career and having higher earning potential.

Call and speak to a Program Advisor at 1-800-395-1014 today, and sign up for one of our distance nursing programs.

Simply the best

Monday, July 11, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

As a Marketing Specialist for The College Network one of my responsibilities is to write articles for our internal company newsletter. I just finished one titled "Help us be the best," which is about an upcoming initiative, we as a company, are launching in an effort to apply for the project "Best places to work in Indiana."

The Best Places to Work in Indiana project is dedicated to identifying and recognizing Indiana’s best employers. Companies honored with this title must show the right balance of taking care of employees while operating a successful organization. Eligibility is based on an in-depth evaluation identifying strengths and weaknesses according to employees.

As I was writing this article, I really began to think about "what does make us the best?" Well, in my opinion, all of our staff are exceptionally friendly and have nice things to say about the company. We have a great work environment, paid time off and all the other bells and whistles that go along with making a company a desired place to work.

But, what truly makes us the absolute BEST? We help people fulfill their education dreams. We offer inexpensive nursing degrees from top universities. We have a program that is designed with YOU in mind. We understand the burdens of working full time jobs and raising families, which is why our programs are self-paced. You can earn your degree without sacrificing your other responsibilities.

So, for me, our desire to help people achieve their education dreams is what makes The College Network the best place to work. I speak to satisfied customers all of the time, and it is a wonderful feeling to hear them tell their story of how they fulfilled a dream they never thought possible.

If you have a dream that's waiting to be fulfilled call 1-800-395-1014 and speak to one of our program advisors.

Nurses, Get Your Healthy On!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

As a nurse, your world revolves around the health care of other people, but do you forget to take time to care for your own health? I know it often seems more challenging to live a healthy lifestyle; fresh produce and meats are more expensive to buy than processed food, work and family life get in the way of regular exercise and so the list goes on. Believe me, I get it, but the good news is there are several "easy" things you can do every day to promote a healthier life style.

A local health department recently posted a list of "10 Ways to Be Healthier" and the number one thing on the list was "wash your hands." I know for me, this is one of the easiest things I can do throughout my day. The College Network makes it convenient to keep clean hands by surrounding our office with multiple hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer dispensers. I always keep a mini bottle of hand sanitizer in my purse as well.

Eat healthier foods. One of the simplest ways to eat healthy is to eat out less. Take your lunch to work and make dinner at home. It is a myth to think that eating salads from fast food restaurants are healthy alternatives. Many fast food salads have upwards of 800 calories per entree. Frozen fruits and vegetables are a great, inexpensive way to get your nutrients. Produce is typically frozen at the peak of freshness which locks in all the essential nutrients. I can get a bag of frozen vegetables in my grocer's freezer for only $1. You can't beat that!

In order to get more exercise, try taking the stairs more than the elevator, and park as far away from buildings as you can. You will be forced to walk more by doing so, which will result in increasing your heart rate. I suggest getting a digital step counter to help you become more aware of how much physical activity you are doing in a normal day's time. These count how many steps you take in a day, are relatively inexpensive (around $20), and can be found at local department stores like Wal-Mart and Target. It takes 2000 steps to walk one mile, and the average person burns 100-200 calories per mile.

So nurses, keep those hands clean, fuel your body with healthy foods, and get your walk on! I encourage you to be the healthiest nurse you can be. If you or someone you know would like to find out more about The college Network's advanced nursing degrees, call 1.800.395.1014 and speak to one of our Program Advisors, today.

Making a difference is all that really matters!

Friday, April 8, 2011 by Cory Eyler

I read something recently that really put things into perspective, and I wanted to share it with everyone.

"An old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached and dying after a storm. A young boy was picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean. 'Why do you bother?' the old man said, 'You’re not saving enough to make a difference.' The young boy picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back into the water. 'Made a difference to that one,' he said!"

If you’re like me, you probably lose sight of the little things from time to time. I think the story above does a great job putting things into perspective because while you might spend time focusing on the greater good, you often spend less time realizing how much good you have actually done.

It’s normal to have points in your life where you feel underwhelmed with work, family, or just life in general, and it’s can be easy to get caught up in all the ridiculous stuff going on around the world. Unfortunately, people tend to hang on to the not so positive things that happen on a day-to-day basis but I encourage you to see through the nonsense and focus on the things you do that really make a difference.

The College Network cares about helping nurses in a way you might not expect... We provide a way for you to get the education you need in order to gain job opportunities, provide better care for your patients, or even change your life. We believe that education can be achieved regardless of your situation, and we will do everything in our power to offer inexpensive nursing degrees from leading universities that can be earned conveniently online.

For more information about the programs available, please contact us at 1-800-395-1014 or request more information online.

You can achieve your goals with The College Network

Wednesday, March 23, 2011 by Lindsay Schmitt

Earning your degree can be a little intimidating but as Amy McKee learned, it is very rewarding.

"Overall, I had a really good experience," said Amy. "My Program Advisors were very prompt and kind. They made it easier to jump into a program when it can be scary."

Amy had always known that she wanted to be an RN. After speaking with two friends in her LPN class, she decided to sign up and earn her associate degree in nursing with the help of The College Network.

Since enrolling and completing her program, Amy has referred eight other people to The College Network. "I don't mind talking about things that work, and the people I have recommended to the program have been successful too." she said.

"I really liked the convenience of the whole program," Amy commented. "I was able to get married and buy a house, all while working full time and earning my degree and RN license. The College Network definitely helped me reach my goals."

Watch as Amy tells her story...

The College Network offers nurses like you a way to earn a convenient RN license with inexpensive nursing degrees from leading universities. Contact us to learn more about affordable programs available for nurses at all levels of their career. Call 1-800-395-1014 or click here to request more information.

Safe and Warm

Monday, January 10, 2011 by Stanley Dixon

We are now moving through the winter months, and thanks to modern society, life does not stop because of snow.

Online education has a great benefit this time of year. I was lucky to live in a major city during college, so I could get to school. But once there, parking was a major issue. Many students would not be able to attend class because of their rural location.

With an online education, weather may be an asset. Imagine being snowbound... isn't this the best time to curl up with your laptop? This sounds like a great time to clamp down and really concentrate on some school work.

The College Network is a great resource for people wanting to advance their education outside of a traditional college. Offerings include: Project Management, Private Investigation, Lean Six Sigma Certifications, Paralegal Certificates, not to mention all of the inexpensive nursing degrees from leading universities.

Don't let this be you, out in the cold. Get an online education through The College Network and get the satisfaction of staying safe and warm in your pajamas while preparing to earn your next degree or certificate.

Nurse Education doesn’t need to break the bank.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010 by Tim Rogers

Everywhere I turn in the past couple weeks are stories about the crushing cost of college education and this week it was announced that total student debt has eclipsed total credit card debt with the number surpassing $880 billion dollars! And the number is growing by $2,800 per second.

Is the daunting cost of nurse education holding you back? Traditional college education can break the bank and the thought of paying $50,000, $70,000, or even $100,000 for a BSN degree may be too much of a barrier for you in pursuing your goal of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The College Network offers you a way to earn a college degree from prestigious partner universities that deliver on a promise of high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of most traditional institutions and with creative methods to assist you in paying for your education. Imagine earning an Associate Degree in Nursing, BS in Nursing, or MS in Nursing via distance education and not acquiring suffocating debt in the process? Our partnerships allow students to complete online courses for Nursing that provide you with exceptional value. If you would like an opportunity to preview the latest in nursing education and creative methods of paying for it, give Tim or Meredith Rogers a call at 814-280-0054 or 814-280-0055. We assist nurses in Pennsylvania with a variety of inexpensive nursing degree programs.

Check out the following links about college debt exceeding credit card debt and then give us a call so you don’t step on the college debt treadmill.

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/08/09/student-loan-debt-surpasses-credit-cards/

http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/college/2010-09-10-student-loan-debt_N.htm

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40772705/ns/business-cnbc_tv

Distance Nursing Programs: Which direction will you go?

Friday, December 17, 2010 by Tim Rogers

There are so many choices for nurses to consider in continuing their education. Should you go back to a traditional college and re-work your life to fit the college for the foreseeable future? Or should you take charge of your education by making your education fit your life for the next couple of years? How can you possibly complete the required clinical component in a traditional brick and mortar school and still hold down a job when you have to get the kids to soccer practice?

Good questions, and there are good answers. Take charge of your nurse education with online courses for nursing in accredited degree programs from major universities including Regis University, Indiana State University, and St. Joseph's College of Maine.

Which direction will you go? If you are an LPN in Pennsylvania you can begin your associate degree online today with the help of The College Network. LPN’s can start working on a BSN through our partnership with Indiana State University. RN’s can begin immediately working on a Masters Degree utilizing nursing independent study.

Which direction will you go? Take the first step in continuing your nurse education by leveraging inexpensive nursing degrees to improve your future. Contact Tim or Meredith Rogers at 814-280-0054 or 814-280-0055.

$18,720

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 by Lawrence Bowlin

$18,720. That's a strange way of starting a sentence; isn't it? What does $18,720 have to do with anything? It could be the price of a new car. Down payment on a new home. That deluxe home theater system with 60" LCD TV you've been dreaming of. What could that mean?

$18,720 is the first year increase in your salary if you go from LPN/LVN to RN. On average, RN's make $9.00 more per hour than an LPN/LVN! Over the course of 10 years that's $187,200 in your pocket!

Did you know that being a Registered Nurse is one of the most in demand jobs in the U.S.? Look at any Sunday jobs listing in your local news paper or go online to any job search site and type Registered Nurse; look at the sheer volume of openings available. Some of them even offer sign on bonuses to entice you to work for them!

How do you get there? Easy, invest in you. You decide to buckle down, enroll in an Associate of Science in Nursing degree program online or LVN to BSN program online. The College Network has made it more convenient and faster for you to get your RN while you continue to work. You can do most of your program from from the comfort of your own home. We have some of the most inexpensive nursing degrees available from leading universities that you can find anywhere and you get The College Network support the entire way. We are here to help you realize your dream.

Are you interested? Do you have plans for the extra $$ you will make when you complete an online nursing degree program? We can help get you there. Call me and I will show you how to achieve your dream.

$18,720. What are you prepared to do?

1-800-307-1006 ext 2649 or lbowlin@collegenetwork.com

Veni, vidi, vici

Monday, November 15, 2010 by José María Roldán III

"I came, I saw, I conquered" are the words that Jim from Kyle, Texas uttered to me last Monday after I helped him begin working on his LVN to RN program. These words were uttered by Julius Caesar in 47 BC. Jim's motive for earning his RN were out of the ordinary.

Jim wants to create a legacy for himself, and give back to the community. He knows that getting his RN is a lot of work, but he is ready to conquer this challenge. He is a former Marine, and is used to challenges. He knows what it will take, and is ready to get down to business!

He was looking for inexpensive nursing degrees that would fit into his lifestyle, and came across the LVN to ADN program where he could also complete his nursing prerequisites online. Jim had looked into other distance nursing programs, but also wanted something where he wouldn't have to deal with the pitfalls of a classroom-based education. He was impressed with The College Network support, and is now embarking on his next mission on his quest to become Nurse Practitioner. Good luck Jim!

Road Map

Friday, November 5, 2010 by Kevin Burton

Before you begin anything, you usually plan exactly how you are going to do it. Whether you realize it or not, most people just do not react 100% of the time, they think out beforehand how they will handle a given situation. Everyone gets a joy out of vacation, and part of the planning process is mapping out your destination(s). I'd like to show you that treating your nursing education and career like a vacation can become easier with The College Network.

Pick your destination. The College Network can help aspiring or current LPN's reach their goal of becoming an RN. Depending on what state you are in, we can offer you options to achieve your Associate Degree in Nursing and/or Bachelor Degree in Nursing, so you can achieve RN status. So give us a call, and let's set your destination!

Map your route. Once you know your destination, my job as a Program Advisor is to help you map out the route you need to take in order to achieve your nursing degree. We will see what courses you need to take and clinical hours to complete in order to obtain your degree. Once we finalize your route, all you need to do is gas and go!

Enjoy "vacation." With The College Network and our partner universities' online education for nursing, you can actually enjoy getting your RN. Our modules are completely online, self-paced, and also guarantee you pass when testing for college credit in each of your courses.

Once you know you want your RN, give us a call. We can help make this process as easy and convenient as possible, and can offer inexpensive nursing degrees from regionally accredited schools that are approved by your state nursing board. So, get your thoughts in order, pick your destination and we'll map out and get you going on your vacation to your RN!

If you have any questions about any College Network programs, please contact me, Kevin Burton, at 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734 or kburton@collegenetwork.com.

We at The College Network are Here For You

Friday, November 5, 2010 by Stanley Dixon

I am currently working on a project at The College Network which emphasizes our commitment to our customers' success. We offer an a plethora of courses for adults looking to continue their education.

Whether you are looking to earn a better salary by upgrading your EMT to RN (with the Online Paramedic to RN Program), RN to MSN, or even LVN to BSN programs with inexpensive nursing degrees from our partner universities. We also partner with leading universities to offer certificate programs such as: Project Management, Paralegal, or Lean Six Sigma Online.

With our programs you can earn online degrees and certificates from leading universities such as Regis University, Indiana State University, Purdue University, Boston University, and even eCornell.

But, The College Network support is what I am focusing on in this blog entry. Online classes can be daunting. You might start thinking: "How can I get help?" "How can I contact my peers?" "What if I am confused about a certain area of study?" The College Network has taken into account these aspects of online education, and we strive to make sure you know that online doesn't have to mean alone.

We have many systems in place to help ensure success. Online live chat with one of our specialists is just one way to get help. You may also contact us via telephone or email. We have specialists just waiting to help students having trouble. Being that we offer online courses, it is especially great that we have staff to make sure you are not alone in your studies. Online discussion boards are also in place to contact other students.

Remember, You Are Not Alone.

So don't be afraid to enroll in online education with the help of The College Network. We will be with you along every step of the way.

Nurses, Doctors Disagree on Role Nurses Should Play

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 by College Network

There was an article this morning on msnbc.com that talks about how a report done by the Institute of Medicine discusses how nurses should "take on a larger and more independent role in providing health care in America, something many doctors have repeatedly opposed, citing potential safety concerns. It calls for states and the federal government to remove barriers that restrict what care advanced practice nurses -- those with a master's degree -- provide and includes many examples of nurses taking on bigger responsibilities."

Part of the argument for this change in nurse's current responsbilities is to help with the additional multi-million Americans who are going to receive coverage thanks to the new health care law. "Experts predict that more physicians, nurses and other medical professionals will be needed to care for the 32 million additional Americans who will get coverage beginning in 2014 under the sweeping new health law. Nurses' groups say they can help ease a physician shortage. Last week, a report from the Association of American Medical Colleges said that in 2015, there will be a shortage of nearly 63,000 doctors across all specialties in America."

However, doctors argue that nurses don't have the same medical training and are therefore unqualified to perform the same tasks as doctors. "Doctors maintain that even with an advanced degree, these nurses do not have the same education that physicians get in medical school and residency programs and that patient safety could be compromised. They are also wary that their practices could see significant patient losses if the nurses were allowed to practice more independently."

But like it or not, changes are already happening across the country. "Colorado, for instance, recently became the 16th state to allow nurse anesthetists to work without a doctor's oversight. In Michigan, nurses are pushing for legislators there to allow advanced practice nurses to prescribe drugs. Other fights over scope of practice for registered nurses loom in Kentucky, North Caroline, Iowa and Minnesota."

The battle continues to wage and it will certainly be interesting to see how it plays out.

So tell me, how do you feel about about the topic? Would you be okay with an advanced practice nurse having the same role, or nearly the same role as a doctor?

The College Network offers several online nursing programs through leading universities to help nurses reach their goal of advanced education while they work. If you are interested in learning more about earning an inexpensive nursing degree such as LVN to BSN programs, accelerated RN to BSN, RN to MSN bridge program and online paramedic to RN program, contact The College Network at 1-800-395-1014 today.

Worldwide

Friday, October 1, 2010 by Stanley Dixon

We have such a great service at The College Network, it's a shame that we are not helping more of the people out there who are interested in our inexpensive nursing degrees and accelerated certificate programs.

I have read some of our testimonials which have helped people who recently moved to the United States receive the proper credentials to continue working in their chosen career path. This is another great reason I have to be proud of the company I work for. Our program advisors really try to help those who have the drive to succeed.

We offer such a broad range of options for those people looking to better their lives. From paralegal, to project management, and production, not to mention our plethora of nursing degrees and certifications. All of these will yield diplomas/certificates from accredited and recognized partner schools. We really do have something for everyone.

Six Changes in Health Care That Go Into Effect Today

Thursday, September 23, 2010 by College Network

September 23, 2010 is when the first scheduled changes from the new law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or PPACA, will take effect. Because there is still a lot of confusion on the new laws, I thought it would be helpful to list out the changes here as they go into effect.

1. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny children coverage for pre-existing conditions.

2. Children of parents with insurance will be allowed to remain covered under those policies until the age of 26.

3. Insurance companies will be forbidden from terminating coverage for any other reason than customer fraud.

4. Insurance companies will no longer be able to cap the amount of benefits and treatment a person can receive in a lifetime.

5. Insurers can no longer charge customers for preventive services like mammograms and colonoscopies.

6. High-risk pools are mandated to cover those who have been denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

"The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans," President Obama wrote in a letter posted at Whitehouse.gov. "And starting tomorrow, the Patient's Bill of Rights goes into effect, ending some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry and putting you, not your insurance company, in control of your healthcare."

Looking to make a change in your career? Look to The College Network for inexpensive nursing degrees, nursing independent study, distance nursing programs, and other online degrees from leading universities.

Be Aware of the Differences Between Nationally and Regionally Accredited

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 by College Network

An article on cnn.com last week reiterated what I'd been taught when I came to work for The College Network: make sure you know if the school you're planning to attend is regionally or nationally accredited. There's a big difference.

For one thing, nationally accredited schools will often accept credits from regionally accredited schools, but regionally accredited schools typically do not accept credits from nationally accredited schools. This could be a big deal if you decide to take undergrad classes at one type of school and want to transfer to a different school. Students who have neglected to thoroughly research their options have found themselves stuck without a degree and in debt because they weren't aware of the differences before signing contracts.

Nationally accredited schools tend to offer cheaper tuition, but keep in mind that with scholarships and financial aid, regionally accredited schools can become much more affordable.

No one choice is right for every person, but students should be sure to do their research before determining which type of accreditation is right for them.

With The College Network you can be sure that the education you're receiving is affordable and safe. We only work with regionally accredited schools so you can be sure you're getting the best education possible. The College Network offers online degrees from leading universities including: inexpensive nursing degrees, RN to MSN bridge programs, accelerated RN to BSN, and even LVN to BSN programs.

Acute Care Nursing

Saturday, September 4, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

If you are an LPN or an LVN, and are looking into Schools for Registered Nurses, then you might be interested in getting into some of the specialty disciplines that RNs are involved in.

One is Acute Care Nursing.

Acute Care nurses help to assess and provide care for patients that have acute conditions. Acute conditions include heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome or shock.

Acute care nurses might also care for pre-operative or post-operative patients. They might also be involved in performing advanced, invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Acute care nurses may serve as:

administrators
case managers
patient and staff educators
policy makers
researchers

Schools for Registered Nurses will help you learn more about acute care nursing. There are a number of good nursing schools that offer inexpensive nursing degrees to enhance your career.

Are you an RN? Do you specialize in acute care nursing? Leave a comment below and share it with our readers!

Make the Leap from LVN to ADN

Friday, September 3, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

Many state, that education is the single most poweful predictor of success. An advanced degree can heavily influence your current and future earnings.

LPN and LVN nurses surveyed by human resource professionals indicated family and work obligations are barriers to advancing their education. Most adults can not financially afford to stop working and go back to school. We have mortgages and responsibilities that we can not put on hold; however, we know that a better education is the key to earning a higher income.

A promotion from a LVN to ADN is very attractive to almost every nurse; however, the time needed to invest in an advanced degree is a limited commodity. Nevertheless, The College Network works to eliminate many of the challenges nurses face. Your transition from a LVN to ADN is closer than you think. It is possible to achieve an Associate Degree in Nursing through The College Network program.

LVN's do not have to disrupt their whole life to advance. You have the control over your education. The flexibility and portability of the online courses are designed to fit into your lifestyle.

The possibility of an inexpensive nursing degree is here. You do not have to fear the high cost of online classes for nursing. The College Network Online makes your education affordable, and The College Network support is hard to beat.

Once you enroll in the program, there are academic advisors to help you through your program. Thus, you can receive help from a trained academic advisor anytime. Our goal is to be here for you through every step.

The next step is checking out our website for more information. There you can find nursing success stories from actual graduates of the program. Let the College Network help you achieve the success you deserve.

Excelsior College in Florida...Update!

Thursday, September 2, 2010 by James Jaus

Excelsior College is in full force in the state of Florida. Wow, Governor Charlie Christ recently signed HB 1337 into law. This law makes it possible for LPN's AND PARAMEDICS (incuding Naval Corpsmen and Army Medics) to enroll and recieve an Associate Degree in Nursing from Excelsior College.

This is a drastic change to the "old" policy the Florida Board of Nursing was implementing. Before, LPN's had to apply and recieve a license from another state and then apply to Florida for endorsment in order to recieve their license. This is no longer my friends.

Also, paramedics had to complete the program and then work out of state for TWO years. Then and only then could they apply for endorsement. Again, this is only a memory.

Needless to say, I have been overwelmed with questions about The College Network, Distance Nursing Programs, and completing prerequisites online.

All I can say is that with the combination of inexpensive nursing degrees that are offered completely online and through distance learning, The College Network offers everything could possibly need when it comes to nursing.

Hope for the best...plan for the future

Sunday, August 29, 2010 by Henry Mosley

The word hope suggests the anticipation of a desired outcome or something you look forward to; or possibly anticipate. Many nurses have hoped for more. More money, more opportunity, more time, more progress and more success.

It is said the nursing careers are listed as one of the top jobs in the US. The College Network can help you plan for your future hopes with a degree focus toward your Associate science in nursing, bachelors or masters in nursing.

If you have the confidence, and the motivation to take the next step , then check in to check out how promoting your hopes works. hmosley@collegenetwork.com

Inexpensive nursing degrees
Quality nursing schools
Learn online with accelerated courses
Associates, Bachelors and Masters degrees
The college network can assist your plans for the future

Hank,