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.
As with everyone in America this week, my thoughts are on the anniversary of 9/11. I watched with my co-workers with 
unbelievable shock and the feeling that as a country, our innocence was lost. Certainly no one expected that we could be attacked on our own soil with such devastating results.
My brother lives in New York, and my sister lives in Washington, DC. My mother, who had been visiting my sister, was flying out of National on her way back to Indianapolis the morning of 9/11. I could not reach any of my family members and hearing that a plane leaving DC was hijacked was almost unbearable. I was very lucky that no one in my family was lost that day.
One of the most poignant moments for me was watching the tribute Concert for NY after 9/11. Five for Fighting was performing Superman (It’s Not Easy); which the lyrics seemed written for that moment in time. As the camera panned through the audience, firefighters, policemen, men and women were singing along and crying. I was crying right along with them at home.
As I wrote about with the recent Indiana State Fair state collapse, we are lucky enough to have people that run towards the danger and trouble. It takes a very special person to be firefighter and a first responder. I like to think that we, at The College Network are helping in a small way by offering people the education they need to become a firefighter or to move forward if you are a career firefighter. It’s what we can do to help those people who we call upon to keep us safe and rescue us when we are in danger.
I like the idea of
EARN vs
. earn.
For most of you, you will probably be wondering what I am referring to and why I have highlighted the two words in this way.
Read on and I will explain what I mean.
First, let’s talk about earn. Dictionary.com defines earn as: to acquire through merit. Merriam Webster defines it as, to come to be duly worthy of. I understand why now the expression is that you have to earn your degree. It is about putting the effort in and working hard to reach that status. We work hard to help our customers earn their online degrees, and we also hope that we earn their respect by doing what we can to assist them along the way. Whether they are obtaining their Associate Degree in Nursing or their Lean Six Sigma certificate.
Now, here is what EARN also means at The College Network. Did you know that you can receive a reward for inspiring your friends and colleagues to continue their education when they sign up with us? It is a great way to help support your education and also inspire others to move forward with their education.
Keep in mind, it is easy to EARN at the College Network. You simply share your excitement and enthusiasm with people you work with or hang out with. Chances are they will want to find out more about what you’re doing and then will decide if it sounds like something that would work for them.
If you would like to refer someone to the EARN program, feel free to contact me at 317-566-2647. If you would like to get started today and learn how you can earn your degree, contact us at 800-39 LEARN.
Are you looking forward to the Labor Day holiday? I know I am. I will spend the day visiting family and lounging by a pool. Not a bad way to enjoy a day off from work, i.e. labor.
Labor Day is an American holiday that first started in 1882 by the Central Labor Union of New York. It became a federal holiday in 1894, when it was unanimously signed into law by Congress. To be honest with you, I have never really thought about the origins of Labor Day—I have just enjoyed having an extra day to relax.
But, I started pondering the meaning of labor. You can be in labor, be laboring under a delusion, or do physical labor, to name a few. Dictionary.com defines labor as productive activity, especially for economic gain.
If you are currently enrolled in your online Associate Degree in Nursing program with help from The College Network, on your way to an MS in Nursing, or perhaps on your way to obtaining your Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, you exemplify the definition of labor!
So, kick back on Monday and relax. But, get back to it on Tuesday and put your hard work and labor to good use—by moving forward towards your goal.
We here in the state of Indiana were stunned last Saturday evening when a stage collapsed at our state fair, killing five people and injuring dozens more.
It was horrific to watch and surreal to think something like that could happen.
We learned in the days that followed that the nation shared in our grief and shock.
Amidst the devastation, came images of people running towards the stage to help those that were trapped and those that needed medical help.
They did not think about potential injury to themselves, but were only concerned with other people.
I saw a news story about a nurse and doctor who were at the concert and when the tragedy struck, they went to work. A nurse took care of a three year old girl whose arm and leg were injured, a doctor stepped in to try and stabilize people until paramedics could reach them.
You see pictures of those nurses, doctors, EMTs and paramedics, calmly helping people and doing what they could to provide care. While I have certainly thought it before—this event made me more thankful for them and the fact that they run towards trouble, not away from it.
If you are one of those people, know that you have my appreciation. At The College Network one of the things we do is to help those that want to move forward in their education and become a Registered Nurse, obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing or receive an MS in Nursing degree. You can find out more about what we do and how we can assist you obtaining your degree by visiting our website www.collegenetwork.com.
If you have been following the news this week, you know that it has been a week full to turmoil.
Riots in
London, the stock market doing a roller coaster imitation, while your stomach flip-flops.
It makes you less and less sure about what is happening in the world today.
I spoke with one of our customers this week who is working towards her Associate Degree in Nursing.
Her personal life is on a roller coaster ride of its own right now.
She is struggling with continuing to move forward during this difficult time.
During our conversation, I was struck by how the external events in our life, like the economy or maybe family issues, can easily derail us from our path.
It’s very difficult to not be pulled away from your focus when you have pressing matters that demand your attention.
But the truth is—life is never going to slow down to let us focus on one thing at a time. It just doesn’t happen that way.
One thing you can always count on, even in the toughest of times, is your education. It is something that once you have it, can never be taken away from you. It will push you forward even if you feel like you’re standing still. If you need inspiration, read about how others at The College Network have kept moving forward. Click here to go to their success stories. And remember, hang on and enjoy the ride.
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