There seems to be a strong stereotype that follows the Nursing profession around. People tend to think of nurses as women 
and men are not prevalent in the field.
While in the past it may have been common to see very few men in the field, it seems as if that is all about to change. In an article that I recently read, it explains how with increased lay offs more men are now finding themselves gravitating towards the steady, secure field of healthcare.
While many may find the transition to a new career/new field of study to be very daunting, it certainly is not impossible. There are many accelerated LPN programs that will allow you receive your license as a practical nurse within a year. While any nursing program is not going to be easy, these courses at least allow you make the change as quickly as possible.
For most men transitioning from a labor intensive job, not only does the nursing field provide a secure career but in most cases a significant pay increase follows as well. In the article, a former warehouse employee receives a $20,000 pay raise!
Not only is the switch beneficial for the men, it also appears to help the whole department. An administrator, LaKeshia Bell is quoted as saying "At 5 feet 9 inches tall and 220 pounds, Mr. Edwards lifts patients as easily as he stacked boxes."
So while males are still not abundant in the nursing field, it is definitely a growing trend that seems to benefit everyone involved.
So whether your a male or female interested in finding out information about RN nursing programs that provide you with self-paced education and training, give us a call today!
Ein Peck
(800) 307-1006 ext 4786
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) that is. Do you have a nursing degree-perhaps an associates degree, but aren't really sure what your next move should be? If you're like many other nurses you probably love what you do, right? So, how can you stay in the nursing field, but also make a career change? It's simple, earn your bachelors degree in nursing and enjoy the opportunities that will come along with that.
By earning your bachelors degree in nursing you are putting yourself in a category of nursing that will earn a higher salary, have more responsibility and be exposed to more specialized work. Below is a chart indicating the average salary, broken down by years of experience, that nurses who have their BSN make annually.
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Some of the job opportunities available to BSN nurses are Clinical Nurse Manager, Nursing Director, Nurse Case Manager, Emergency Room RN, Operating Room RN and Nurse Educator. Nurses who have their bachelors degree typically have more job security due to their advanced education and knowledge.
At
The College Network we work with several top universities to offer convenient and affordable Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree programs. We have an
LPN to BSN program and an
RN to BSN program. With our self-paced programs, you can begin working towards your advanced degree with little interruption to your daily life. Most of our customers continue to work full-time, raise a family and still do all of the things the enjoy all while earning their degree.
If would like more information on our online Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, give us a call today at
1-800-395-1014.
A recent article from
U.S. News University 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.
With the growing desire for more nurses to obtain their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, programs are filling up very quickly.
According to an
article from the US News University Directory website, "Preliminary data from the report [completed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing] shows that in 2011, about 51,082 qualified students were turned away from 503 entry-level bachelor's degree nursing programs."
Why are these programs filling up so quickly?
Job security.
According to the same article, which can be found
here, "The report shows that students who hold bachelor's-level credentials in nursing are more than twice as likely to have a job at the time of graduation than students who earned degrees in other fields."
In case you skimmed the article and my blog (shame on you!), it states that BSN graduates are more than
TWICE as likely to have a job at
GRADUATION.
So this is great news right? Well, potentially. Keep in mind these programs are filling up quickly if not already overflowing.
So you ask, "Ein, how can I get my BSN with no fear of being turned away?"
I'm glad you asked. The College Network not only offers a program for LPN to BS in Nursing from Indiana State University but we also offer RN to BS in Nursing programs from Regis University and Indiana State University.
Would you like some more good news?
We have NO waiting list.
Would you like more information about how you can earn your BSN degree?
Call 1-800-39-LEARN today to learn about all the programs we offer!
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that there was a 3.9% increase in enrollment for BS in Nursing programs this year. Since the year 2000, there has been an annual rise in nursing school enrollment. from 2009 to 2010, there was a 5.7% increase!
“With the Institute of Medicine and other leading authorities calling for significant increases in the number of nurses with baccalaureate and graduate degrees, moving to prepare a more highly educated nursing workforce has become a national priority,” said AACN President Kathleen Potempa,
quoted on ModernHealthCare.com.
What does this mean to you? If you are an LPN--go for RN status! Associate prepared or Diploma RN? Think about the online BS in Nursing or the RN to MSN program! BSN Nurse? Time for the MSN! The demand for nurses continues to increase, but so do educational expectations. Research The College Network and see how we can help you to become more competitive in the ever-expanding nursing field!
There is an extremely high projected nursing need to account for the baby boom generation's aging and the healthcare system's expansion, and young people are increasingly stepping up to fill the gap. According to a study mentioned in an
article on LATimes.com, the number of RNs aged 23-26 was at 165,000 in 2009, as compared to only 102,000 in 2002. The number is only going up, and if it continues the need for nurses may possibly be filled. California is certainly a hotbed of activity for new RNs--2002 saw only 5,300 people graduate from nursing schools in the state, whereas the 2009 number was over 11,500.
I talk to people in California on the phone all the time, and they tell me that the wait time for entrance into local nursing schools is very long. If you live in California and you want to become an RN, your options are not limited to local schools with swelling student populations. The online LPN to BSN program, offered by Indiana State University in partnership with The College Network, is a smart route to becoming a BSN Nurse that allows you to work and/or raise your family and complete your education when it is convenient for you---without the wait time!
If you are interested in learning more, give me a call at 1.800.378.8515. extension 4768, or checkout
collegenetwork.com!
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
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.
In a recent article published in the Middletown Journal it was announced that Miami University which is one of Ohio's top nursing programs is ending its two year nursing degree programs to concentrate on four year and bachelor's degree completion programs. This is big news considering the fact that Miami University reportedly provides many nurses to surrounding hospitals such as McCullough Hyde in Oxford, Atrium Medical Center in Middletown and The Fort Hamilton Hospital.
This change is also going to impact an existing problem with waiting lists due to the limited number of NLNAC accredited universities with online nursing programs.
"The shift has implications for the region and the state’s most popular type of higher education that enrolled nearly 30,000 students in 2009, according to the most recent Ohio Board of Nursing data.
The demand for all types of nurses is expected to grow in coming years as older professionals begin to retire while new students often face waiting lists of up to two years because of a shortage of educators and clinical training sites."
The good news is that there are options for nurses in Ohio and everywhere even those with minimal nursing school prerequisites. The College Network partners with leading universities to provide nursing education programs that can be completed entirely through distance learning. Best of all, The College Networks programs are designed for busy nurses looking for flexible nursing education with no waiting lists.
Visit www.collegenetwork.com to learn more about LPN to RN, LPN to BS in Nursing, RN to BS in Nursing, and other advanced nursing education programs.
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
I knew I wanted to be a nurse in the 9th grade. I loved helping people. Two weeks after graduating high school, I proceeded to enter an LPN program with the help of an academic scholarship.
One of the most rewarding experiences is helping someone that can't help themselves. While in OB clinical assisting, an unexpected delivery solidified my choice to become a nurse. Providing nursing services is rewarding, humbling and it also makes us realize that life is so precious with joyful births or giving care at dignified end of life experiences.
I realized that every day nurses provide a service to those in our care is a day we should be thankful that we're able to. That the service we provide will benefit clients and their families for the rest of their lives.
Name:
Melanie Maddox Olson
From:
Hawaii
When my son was small, I needed a part time job, and I began work in a small neighborhood skilled facility as an aide. The 3-11 charge nurse there, Lydia, guided me as a supervisor but also as a mentor. She taught me how to care.
Day after day we would have supper together, and she kept telling me I needed to find a way to go to nursing school. Eventually, I was able to go to school full-time.
I finished my LPN program successfully and gave the keynote speech at graduation. This was the same day, my son, now 5, came down with chicken pox!
Since my graduation, I have worked as a charge nurse, director of medical records, business office manager and even trainer for a medical software company. Currently, I am the Director of Admissions at a 180 bed skilled facility.
Although Lydia is no longer with us, I think of her often as I pursue my RN with The College Network. I hope I will have the opportunity to guide and teach as Lydia did.
Name: Cathie Fly
From: Pennsylvania
Our son was born with a condition that will affect him for the rest of his life.
I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks before graduating nursing school. We had been trying to conceive for almost 2 years and had taken fertility drugs in order to get pregnant.
After our son was born, I had the medical knowledge and references to find him the best possible care. This is why I became a nurse and why I am continuing my education today in the RN/BSN program.
Name:
Tracy Wishon
From:
Missouri
I have always wanted to be a nurse, my hopes were struck down at a young age by an instructor who was a 20-year veteran of nursing.
She told me that I would not make a good nurse because it is not about caring! It is about paperwork and doing exactly what the MD says to do. Finally, I found my calling...
At 37, I have graduated from an amazing LPN program. I LOVE my job regardless of the hoops the state board is making me jump through, love my patients, the MD's I work for, and my peers. Being a nurse has made me a better person, friend and mom.
Name:
Jana Straup
From:
Arkansas
It has taken me 20 years to become a Nurse. I finished high school in 1979 and was a CNA when I graduated. My teacher encouraged me to be a nurse due to my good grades/clincial in her class past two years of school.
Nursing class was full so I entered the ORT program and graduated. I got married had three children and could not go back to school until I was divorce in 1993. I got my CNA II in 1993, and my salary increased a little. My employer was always pushing me to go back to school, but I just had to find a way to make it happen. I worked hard being a single parent, but I knew I had to go on to school.
When my oldest child graduated in 1999, she said mommy you can get into school now. I started to school in 1999-2000 and in 2004, I was being pinned as a LPN graduate. WOW!!!
I said,"I'm finish now". But, I just could not stop. I still had others pushing me to go on to be an RN. In 2008, I graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing (RN)working full time with a new grand baby joined my family all at home with me and one in college. GOD is GOOD!!!
Now, I'm thinking about or trying to make that BSN bridge to MSN. My granddaughter is now 10-years-old and still at home with mema. I LOVE NURSING!!!!
Name: Gloria Martin
From: North Carolina
When I was a child, I wanted to be a nurse to help others get well as my grandmother's sister had done. When I was a teen, as a volunteer, I assisted RNs of the day render basic care for the vulnerable ill both young and old. As I worked among the RNs, I could not imagine a better profession to serve humanity in a more altruistic fashion.
When I was a nursing student, one professor asked me why I wished to become an RN and I replied: "To help people." She responded that this was not a good enough reason. In my mind then, I begged to differ, as for me, helping others was a passion.
Since my graduation and initial RN registration in 1980, I held on to my ideals and throughout my long career have strived to have make the lives of so many more meaningful in life, dignified in death, more wholly healed, more informed to make good health decisions or meet goals of self care, more able to adjust to the difficult consequences of illness, and to promote and support better health and to return others to the highest level of functioning.
I just finished an RN to BSN program early this year. It was hard but worth it. My studies, I believe, have extended my professional options and have made me a better citizen. RN skill sets are evolving to higher degrees of complexity requiring more advanced levels of education. I noted during my BSN studies that the life work of many great nursing leaders past and present remind the student that there is always more that needs to be done to promote health-related change at the organizational, professional, scientific, local, state and national levels.
I believe that nurses need to advocate at the health policy level to enact meaningful change, to contribute to the scientific database from a nursing perspective and educate new generations of nursing leaders given the shifting priorities of healthcare towards health promotion and prevention. There is so much to do.
I am still a nurse for the right reason today, as I was when I began years ago. To passionately and altruistically serve humanity as a whole person healer, a leader, a scientist, activist, an educator and advocate honor that commitment I made as a child long ago to help others.
That is me on the right, RN to BSN grad with Barb, another nurse who will soon graduate with a Master's degree in nursing education.
Name:
Jagjeet Kaur Khalsa RN, BSN
From:
California
I am choosing nursing as a career because being a caring, nurturing person is who I am. I have enjoyed working in the health field for the past 5 years. Now, I know I would like to take on more of a leadership and teaching role in nursing. The health sciences are a big part of my family history. I know that being a nurse, a voice for my patients, is what I am destined to be.
Nurse assistants, midwives, LPNs and RNs dominate my family tree. My mother, my grandmother, my great grandmother, a great aunt, my sister, and a niece have all enjoyed working in the health care field in various parts of the US and in Ireland as well. When my family and friends have a gathering, the topic always ends up being related to the health sciences.
As a mother of two children, I already make a difference in someone’s life. As a nurse, I have already made a difference too. I completed the CNA program in 2005. While working closely with the nurses, I was able to help my patients heal mentally and/or physically. I truly enjoyed working hard to take care of so many people who were grateful for my choice to go into the health field.
The rush of saving a life as a team and having the patient personally thank us a week later was when I knew that I must continue on in the healthcare field for more education. I went on to graduate from the LPN program in December of 2007. I have been working as an LPN since April of 2008. I enjoy teaching the CNAs that I work with, new things every day.
I do believe that I am an excellent asset to the nursing field. I am a very dedicated and dependable LPN. I am willing to help anyone at anytime and especially in times of need. By continuing my education, I can then be a better advocate for my patients. Then I will be able to take on more responsibility and educate others in the healthcare field. It is a privilege and an honor to continue in so many family members’ footsteps as well as all health care professionals. I not only hope to increase my personal satisfaction in my work but also to be a better nurse.
Name: Tara Sultzbaugh, LPN
From: Florida
Growing up I remember hearing the stories of my grandmother and her nursing career. She graduated from nursing school in 1940 and spent time as a Navy nurse.
I started nursing school back in 1996 but at that point, I still did not know that it was supposed to be my career. I went through so many life changes in a short time period, that I quit school. In 1998 my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. It was then I realized that I was supposed to be a nurse.
My path to nursing school took me the long way around. I became an EMT, and also a veterinary technician before going to nursing school. At the age of 33, I finally went to school. I attended my LPN training in Tampa, FL at Erwin Technical Center. When I told my grandfather that I was starting school he gave me a box of books that belonged to my grandmother when she was in nursing school. The note in the box said this " hopefully you won't have to buy books now".
I graduated and was licensed in 2008 with my LPN. The day I found out I passed my NCLEX, I purchased a RN NCLEX review book and started studying. Again, life takes us where we don't realize we need to be. I moved, and adopted a teenager in the process of working toward my RN. The College Network has given me the freedom to attend school from my living room on my own time. I don't have to miss family events, or plan vacations around a class schedule. I am currently working on the LPN to ADN program. My plan from there is to continue on and get my BSN, then NP. If it weren't for my grandmother, I would have not realized what I was supposed to do in life. Thank you Grammy, and I miss you everyday.
Name: Allison Elmore, LPN
State: Louisiana
New LPN/LVN to BS in Nursing ONLINE
LPNs/LVNs and RNs earn Your BS in Nursing Online! NLN-accredited/Top Ranked Indiana State University offers the nation's ONLY Online LPN to BSN, LVN to BSN or RN to BSN. Get started now with no waiting list.
Enjoy locally precepted clinicals with NO clinical testing. Earn your degree in half the time at half the cost of traditional programs with the help of The College Network.
Our leading partner universities offer online nursing degree programs, distance learning associate degrees in nursing, LPN to ADN programs, LVN to BS in Nursing and LPN to BS in Nursing degree programs.
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