Hi! My name is Tracia Fernkas, and I am a Marketing Specialist at The College Network. My background is in marketing and communications, and writing is a passion of mine. I am a voracious reader and always carry a book with me.
While originally from Philadelphia, PA, I have grown up in Indianapolis and consider it home. I live in an historic district that I love and am active in. I am the youngest of five children and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English. My family always encouraged us to value education for the diverse experiences and personal growth it brings.
I will be speaking to many of you about your experiences with The College Network and encouraging you to share your story. As well, you can further your success by referring someone who you think would benefit from the same valuable learning opportunity you experienced with us.
I look forward to hearing your feedback and learning more about your experiences. Please reach out to me at any time. Thank you.
Tracia
(317)566-2647
tfernkas@collegenetwork.com
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important that any other.” Abraham Lincoln
“Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.” Khalil Gibran
Many LPNs dream of moving forward and becoming a registered nurse someday. And the majority of people decide that the best way to do this is by earning their Associate of Science in Nursing degree. But, did you know that you also have the option to earn your BS in Nursing as an LPN?
The College Network partners with Indiana State University to offer an LPN/LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. You can fulfill your dream of becoming an RN while earning your Bachelor's at the same time.
This might sound like a daunting prospect, but it is very doable and you can be successful in this program. Would it help to hear from other LPNs that achieved their degree?These are nurses just like you that worked hard and overcame obstacles to reach their goal. You can check out their success stories to give you inspiration. Just
click here to find their stories.
If you would like to find out more about how you can best reach your goal--please give us a call at (800) 39-LEARN. We will make sure that we find the right program to help you become an RN.
As you saw in a recent blog post,
U.S. News and World Report recently published a report on rankings for top online education programs.
Bellevue University was ranked number one in student engagement and assessment.
Bellevue has been offering online bachelor's degree courses since 1996. There are so many degree programs that Bellevue offers, I can't think of a better way to highlight them than listing a few here.
Bachelor Degree Programs at Bellevue:
- Business
- Business Leadership
- Information Systems
- Management of Human Resources
- Marketing Management
- Management
- Legal Studies
- Project Management
- Software Development
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Corrections Administration and Management
- Security Management
- Healthcare Management
A very impressive list, if you ask me. We offer many options to those seeking their degrees. Please reach out to us at 800-39-LEARN so we can further highlight your options.
Most of you have heard that the Super Bowl will be in Indianapolis this year. The city is buzzing with excitement and there is such a feeling of anticipation. There are even live countdown clocks in numerous locations to remind everyone of when it will start.
Now, this didn't come together overnight. Indianapolis was awarded Super Bowl XLVI in 2008 and started preparing for this even before the decision was official. The city wants to surpass expectations and host one of the best Super Bowls ever.
It all comes down to being prepared. There are several times in your online education that you need to prepare in order to be successful. When you start your degree program, you have to excel at time management and be prepared to study. You are working at your own pace and have to stay focused and motivated. You can do this by thinking about the end result, obtaining your degree.
Secondly, you have to be prepared to take your exams. You need to not only know the material, but how to apply it. Passing your exams is another vote of confidence for you in your progress towards your clinicals. It proves that you are on the right path. But at the same time, if you don't pass an exam, look at that as an opportunity to re-focus and don't get discouraged.
Give us a call at The College Network (800)39-LEARN. We are prepared to work with you, if you are in your program or thinking about getting started.
For those of you who are established in your career, the idea of continuing your education can be something that you might not see the importance of pursuing. You have experience and years on the job. But, did you know that 31 states require registered nurses to obtain continuing education in order to keep their license current. You can
click here to see a full state list.
Did you also know that The College Network offers accredited continuing nursing education contact hours to help meet those licensing requirements? Continuing nursing education will enable you to increase your knowledge base, achieve ongoing competence and stay current with the rapidly changing health care industry.
We currently offer three courses:You will earn 2.5 contact hours per course completed that will count towards your state requirement. And, as with all of our courses, you can complete these online, at your convenience. So, call us today at (800) 39-LEARN to find out more about how we can help you stay up-to-date with your education. We're focused on you, so you can focus on your patients.
I was really hoping for a snow day today. The weather forecasted inches of snow and that the roads would be impassable. But lo and behold, I woke up and there was very little snow. The feeling of disappointment I had was tremendous. I thought, “wouldn’t it have been great if I could have just spent the day doing what I wanted and didn’t have to work?”
I don’t think I’m alone in this line of thought. As adults, our time is at a premium and we are committed to doing what we have to do—over what we would like to do. Sometimes we commit to something and then when it is time to deliver, we question why we ever agreed to do it in the first place.
Being in an online degree program can feel that way at times. Your time is always at a premium because most likely you are working full time and probably have a family as well. You have to make time to study, even when you feel like you just want to have your own "snow day" and do whatever you would like.
You might even be questioning why you made the commitment to obtain your Associate Degree in Nursing or your Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. But you did--and you made the right choice. And, just like I am at work today (and as it turns out I am enjoying sitting here writing to you and glad that I am here) you just have to log on and start through your comprehensive learning modules. You will be motivated the more work you do and the further along you get in your degree program.
And, if you need some motivation just give us a call at 800 39-LEARN. We are at The College Network to hear about your day and make you glad that it's not a snow day.
How many of you out there buy a lottery ticket every week?
It’s fun to think about what you would do with all that money. We might dream of a new house, a new car, world travel or perhaps to pay off bills. The pay off bills is the practical side of me coming through. And, I’m sure you notice the pay of the bills was at the end of the list for me, as in, I would concentrate on practical after fun.
Do you know that at The College Network, we can offer you a practical, fun way to pay your bills? You don’t have to buy a ticket and take a chance your numbers will be selected—it’s much easier than that. All you have to do is talk to your friends and coworkers about what you have accomplished with your online education. It really is that easy.
As a customer in an online degree program through The College Network, by utilizing our EARN program, you will receive $200 for every person you refer that enrolls. After 5 referrals, or $1,000 if you are counting, when you obtain your 6th referral, The College Network portion of your program is paid for. (Click here for EARN rules and guidelines) Isn’t that like winning the lottery? Because you then can use the money you saved for your education to plan for something else, or pay off those pesky bills.
So, just like you would buy a lottery ticket, get out there and resolve to talk to someone at least once a week about they can earn their degree online at The College Network. I bet you that you will feel like a winner if you help them succeed too!
I spoke with one of our customers to interview him for a success story recently. He left me with quite a bit to think about and inspired me at the same time. This customer is a father, a student, a manager and a planner. He just obtained his Project Management Certificate online from Boston University Corporate Education Center.
He looked at the current needs of his job, and decided for his own personal development to obtain more education. It isn't something that his employer is asking of him. He thinks that it will benefit him in the future and decided to make time for it now. The remarkable thing about this to me, is that he is also working on his MBA at the same time.
So as a working manager, MBA student with a wife and four children, he decided to further plan for his future with a PMP certification. He told me that time will never present itself to you, you have to make your own time. He also said that everything is possible, regardless of what it is. And you know what? He actually inspired me to get to the gym. I always say that I don't have time...but I just really need to follow his advice and make the time.
The College Network offers working adults so many options to advance in their careers, or their personal development.
Click here to learn more about Project Management , Lean Six Sigma or Paralegal Certificates.
I hesitate to bring this subject up--but we're all thinking about it. It's time for our New Year's resolutions. I know, groan, groan, groan. But, it really does give us a great opportunity to take a hard look at our lives and see what is working for us and what isn't. You can think of it as cleaning house, starting with a clean slate or a resolution. Resolutions somehow seem more daunting to me, so I prefer to think of it as cleaning house.
In 2011, we had thousands of people sign up with The College Network to compelte a program with one of our partner universities. That means these people made the decision to move foward in their careers by advancing their education. The majority of people we work with are nurses who want to earn their Associate Degree in Nursing. They are LPNs who want to become RNs to face new challenges. We also work with RNs pursuing their Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing.
Included in that number are those professionals who also earned their Lean Six Sigma certificate. We offer green belt and black belt certification through Purdue University. Also, there are Project Managers who became experts in their field by obtaining their project management certification. And not to be forgotten, those that received their paralegal certificate from Boston University.
So, it's soon to be 2012. What changes are you going to make? Let me tell you an easy first step if you are considering your next career move. Call us at 800 39-LEARN. We can give you the information you need to make a change.
More and more people are deciding to pursue their higher education online. The self paced education and training appeals to many adults that work full time. There still exists the inevitable comparison between eLearning and classroom learning--which is better? The biggest question is which one is best for
you?
The infographic below compares the two. If you feel that eLearning is for you, give us a call at The College Network (800) 395-LEARN to find out more about our programs.
I will admit to you that I can be somewhat of a Grinch at this time of year. All the hoopla about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, just seems to sink me lower into my "Grinchness." What are we really focusing on here? Christmas should be about giving of yourself--not giving until your wallet is empty.
I started thinking about those that give of themselves selflessly and focus on bringing joy and comfort. Of course, I thought of our great nurses out there on the job everyday. Nurses work 365 days a year, keep that in mind when you are celebrating the day with your family. It is nurses that answer when you call and they are the ones that are there when you are in pain or need someone to help you.
This holiday season, I am going to think about what I can give to those that I love. I am not going to think about where I can buy it, where to order it, where to fight the crowds to find it. I am going to give myself in service. I will be a babysitter, drive someone to their appointment, grocery shop, house-sit during a trip. I am going to be there when they call and need me.
Happy holidays from The College Network. You are a nurse--someone that makes a difference every day. Whether we have worked with you this year on your Associate degree in Nursing, Bachelor's degree in nursing, or if you are considering one of our your online degree programs, I wish you the happiest of days. This Grinch finds herself with a heart that has grown three sizes larger.
Networking. To some, this is dirty word. I admit that while I don’t consider it that, it is something that makes me cringe a bit. I am an outgoing, friendly person, but the idea of being in a room with the sole purpose of marketing myself, is a bit daunting. If you told me the purpose was just to connect with people and share what I do while learning about them—then I would be fine. It seems to be the word itself that gives me pause.
But, if you
look up the definition of networking (a supportive system for sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest (
Dictonary.com) it doesn’t seem too bad. In fact, it sounds like something I would enjoy! So for those you out there that would love to take advantage of the EARN program at The College Network, but might be uncomfortable referring someone, reframe your thought process about it. You aren't really asking for anything. You are sharing your goals and experience with those around you. You are creating your own network of people like you who want to move forward in their lives by obtaining their Associate of Science in Nursing degree or their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Remember that like you, everyone wants to feel connected and it’s easy to do when you have a shared commonality. By creating your own network of people working toward their online degree you can also help to support your education with your referrals. So, get out there and network. It’s easier than you think.
I spoke with someone this morning whose friend had referred her to The College Network. She has been an LPN for just over six years, and she was very eager to get started in her Associate of Science in Nursing program. I connected her to her Program Advisor and wished her all the success in the world as she started her journey to get her degree.
Do you know that feeling when a new opportunity presents itself? You can't wait to find out everything you can and dive right in. You remember what it feels like. At this stage, we don't have to worry about finding motivation; we have it in spades.
After a time, we may find our resolve lessening while we let our everyday schedule interfere with our intentions. It is at this time that we need to refocus, make a list, make a plan, do whatever it is that works for us, but you have to regain that same level of enthusiasm and motivation as you had at the beginning of your goal.
Speak about what you're reaching for with your online degree program and what you will do once you have that degree to someone. You will find that in voicing your goal, it will reconnect you with that enthusiasm and excitement you once had. Plus, you might just inspire that person to change their life too.
"Enthusiasm is the energy and force that builds literal momentum of the human soul and mind." Bryant H. McGill
I was in the hospital this past week. It was nothing serious, just a scheduled procedure that only took 20 minutes. In fact, as is usually the case, I spent more time with the nurses who were getting me ready for the procedure than I did with the doctor.
I think this is very typical. The nurses are the ones that are in charge of your care while there. The doctor’s focus is on treating your symptoms and the results. I had two nurses with me very early in the morning who were cheerful, funny and kept my mind off of the upcoming procedure. When I left, I thanked those nurses for making what could have been an unpleasant experience, one that was relatively painless and dare I say it—pleasant.
My mother was my designated driver as I could not drive afterward. When she dropped me off at my house, she gave me my discharge papers and also a card. I thought the card came from her but after I opened it, I found it was from the nurses who were working that morning. The card thanked me for choosing their hospital and allowing them to care of me during my time there. It was personally signed by each of the nurses.
As a patient, I have never experienced a thank you from caregivers. It is I that am grateful for their care. Not only did I appreciate the personal touch of a signed card, but also the fact that as a patient I felt like it mattered that I had been a part of their day.
It made me think about how easy it is to offer a thank you when someone least expects it. When you offer a service or kindness to someone, you usually get a thank you. But, how many times do we thank that person for allowing us to positively impact their day? It is something I am going to be much more aware of—as I move through my life.
So, say a thank you to your patients when you can. They are the reason that you are there. They will be a bit shocked but very touched to know that you really do appreciate them, and that they are more than just a room number.
We here at The College Network would like to say thank you to everyone who is in their online degree program. We are here because of you. You allow us to be your educational caregivers, providing assistance whenever we can. Contact us at (800) 39-LEARN if you need us, or want to find out more about our degree programs.
Every
where you look right now stores are getting ready for the holidays. (Already) It does seem as if this occurs earlier and earlier every year. There was something so inherently wrong about seeing red and green decorations next to the orange and black of Halloween.
But since I am faced with the prospect of the holidays being here before I know it, I am now planning my gifts. As usual, I am considering what I have to spend, what I want to make and putting thought into exactly what I would like to give.
Speaking of gifts, I view education as a gift you give to yourself. Did you know that at The College Network, you can also give yourself another gift when you refer your friends and colleagues? Not only will you help them move forward with their educational goals, you will also help yourself by earning money towards your education.
In the EARN program, when you make a referral and that person enrolls, you receive $200 if you are an existing customer in your Associate of Science in Nursing program, for example. On your 6th referral, we will pay the outstanding balance for The College Network portion of your program. (For all EARN rules and guidelines, click here) And even after that, you can continue to inspire others to change their lives with additional education by referring them.
Put yourself on the gift list, and get started with your referrals today. Feel free to call me and I will get those started for you. You can reach me at 317-566-2647.
When I first started at The College Network—I must admit there was a bit of a language barrier. And, probably not in the way you are thinking; so many of the terms and abbreviations were ones that I had never heard before. I was able to understand the terminology only after I studied about the online programs offered, and how our customers learned the materials.
I approached my new job like a class. I researched terms, their significance and meaning, in order to give myself a foundation. As a marketing person, I cannot speak to others about that which I don’t understand. Some of my questions were: What exactly is Lean Six Sigma? Bloom’s Taxonomy? Who knew that I was an auditory learner? And, I had never heard the word asynchronous before.
A vast majority of information came from The College Network’s online Resource Center. In the Center for Learning Empowerment, I was able to learn about Bloom’s Taxonomy, defined as a classification of learning objectives within education. I also took a short quiz to find out that I am an auditory learner. And well, asynchronous is a student-centered teaching method that uses online learning resources (comprehensive learning modules) and is for example, self-paced.
The easiest way for me to understand more about Lean Six Sigma was to write a blog about it—much like you would write a paper or study for an exam. I researched the definitions, history and practical applications. I was also able to speak to some of our customers who obtained their Lean Six Sigma certificate. I then sat down to write a blog, in an attempt to help others like me who needed a better understanding of it.
I like to consider myself a lifelong learner. I truly enjoy the process of learning. While I am not in a position where I have to take exams, I do have to be able to be an expert in my field. This time that you spend right now in your Associate of Science in Nursing program, BS in Nursing program, or in your certificate program is adding to your foundation and making you a stronger, smarter person. It isn’t just about the material; it’s about how you use it.
I live in an historic neighborhood named after author Washington Irving for its resemblance to his litera
ry locale, Sleepy Hollow.
Halloween there is a huge celebration, with week long activities ranging from house decorating to spooky stories.
I have volunteered on the planning committee for the last three years.
And, have met some fantastic people while expanding not only my circle of friends but also my place in my community.
I think for some who are considering an online degree program, they can have trepidation that they won’t have a community to share their successes or check in with for support. As I found in my neighborhood, you just have to create your own community by finding others like you that are united in the same goal.
At The College Network, our online Resource Center is a great tool that you can use to join a community. The Academic Support Discussion Board provides a place that you can find others who have posted questions and answers on modules. Also, you can find a study partner in your area by posting a request.
There is another community that you are a member of, albeit you might not realize it. The Academic Support team is a thriving, relevant community that you are only a phone call or mouse click away from joining. They will gladly welcome you to the learning neighborhood and invite you back anytime.
There are millions of adult learners today. You can join a huge community of people, like yourself, who are obtaining their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing, or other degree. Click here to learn more about The College Network programs and customers.
I am a Colts fan. And, usually in our season we are 6-0 or 5-1. But this year, we find ourselves at 0-6. We have had a season so far plagued by injury and a roster that seems to keep changing. This season is requiring all of our loyalty and faith to believe that we will win a game and turn things around.
I would bet you the team members of our Colts know what odds they are facing but still have the drive and heart to get on the field and give it their all to try and get a win. And yes, you can argue that they get paid well for what they do. I believe that the majority of those athletes are truly passionate about what they do.
Remember that you, like these players that take the field every week, have to suit up and get into the game. If you have been talking about getting back to your Associate of Science in Nursing degree because you have set it aside to: give birth to a child, get married, help to care for a loved one, move, work overtime or simply take a break; there is no more time for talking. Suit up and get back into the game.
If you are considering trying on one of The College Network's jerseys for an online degree, we are excited to welcome you to the team. You will find coaches, playbooks and cheerleaders here, waiting to huddle up and get you to the end zone. All you have to do is
click here to check out a program that interests you.
Did you know that a Bachelor of Science in Business is one of the top five in-demand degrees right now? Surprised? But, when you think about the broad scope that this degree encompasses, it isn’t surprising in this changing global economy, that employers are looking for those people that can adapt and have the ability to manage multiple areas in their company.
The College Network partners with Bellevue University and offers several options when it comes to a business degree. You can concentrate on a Bachelor of Science in Business Analysis and Management, Bachelor or Science in Management in Human Resources and other business management areas of focus.
With Bellevue University’s cohort approach, you will be assigned to a group of peers like yourself, with similar professional and work experience. You will work through the entirety of your program with this team. You will be able to draw upon their experience, while sharing yours. This will create a strong foundation and help to mirror a real-life work experience; a practical application that will be used upon graduation.
Obtaining your degree online gives you flexibility, convenience and the choice to work at your own pace. If you are an adult that is working full-time, an online degree is something that you can fit into your busy lifestyle. Call us today at 800-39-LEARN to find out more about business degrees and how you can get started today on a new career path.
Nursing is a growing industry—that is well documented.
But did you know that the demand for nurses with their Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree is also growing?
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) published report, The Future of Nursing in October 2010 outlined that objectives set forth in the 2010 Affordable Care Act will mean that nursing must change in order to meet the expanding responsibilities nurses face.
They also deliver the supposition that a more educated nursing workforce would be better equipped to meet the demands of an evolving health care system as nurses are required to serve as more of a primary care provider.
Additionally, the report calls for increasing the number of baccalaureate prepared nurses in the workforce to 80% by 2020. Currently 50% of nurses today have their BS in Nursing. The IOM also recommends that a health care organizations encourage their nurses who currently have an associate’s or diploma degree to enter a BSN program within five years of graduation.
Are you an RN who is contemplating moving forward to earning your BSN? Or perhaps you are an LPN/LVN who is considering obtaining your BSN? The College Network can help you in your pursuit of a lifelong dream, or the next step in your education goal. Call us today at (800) 39-LEARN to find out more about your future.
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