There is quite a bit of data out there that shows that the healthcare field is one that is not only stable, but one that is growing.  And while you might be interested in working in this field, you don't feel that becoming a registered nurse would be a good fit for you.

Have you considered a Medical or Health Services Manager?  As a manager, you plan direct and coordinate medical and health services.  You might manage an entire facility or a specific clinical area or department.  Some also manage practices for groups of physicians.  

And while the majority of these jobs are located in a hospital setting, you can also work in long term healthcare facilities or even insurance companies.   You will be working with physicians and surgeons, registered nurses and possibly medical and clinical laboratory technicians.  

So, what is entailed in becoming a Health Services Manager?  You can work through The College Network to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Regis University.  Because of the convenience of an online education, you can continue to work and gain professional experience at the same time.

This program also requires an internship at an approved health care facility of your choice.  When you graduate with your Bachelor's degree, you will have practical experience and the comparative knowledge that you need to be successful.  There are many exciting options available to you with your degree.

Please reach out to us today at (800) 39-LEARN to find out more about your future in Healthcare Administration.   

I have been speaking to nurses this week to help write success stories for those that have earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing degrees.  These nurses are graduating with degrees from Regis University.  

One of the nurses I spoke with had been a registered nurse for 20 years and never planned to go back to school.  She worked in a hospital and was on the floor, taking care of patients.  Her employer came to her and offered her a new position that required her to have her master's degree.   She took the new job but it was contingent upon her obtaining her degree.  

Once she enrolled, she was very surprised to learn how much she loved learning and how many doors it opened up for her personally and professionally.  In fact she enjoyed the experience so much, she is moving forward to start on her doctorate in the fall.  

Not to say it wasn't hard.  She will be the first to tell you that she worked full time while earning her degree and had to find time to study and stay motivated.  But, it is definitely achievable.  She will proudly walk across that stage in Denver, Colorado at Regis University to receive her diploma.  

Wherever you are in your career and education, we may be able to help you move to the next level.  At The College Network, we work with nurses who are just starting their careers and those that are established and want to take on new challenges.  With some hard work and dedication, you too can look forward to walking across the stage, being handed your diploma and starting the new chapter in your life.  Call us today at (800) 39-LEARN, and we'll help you get there.  

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES AND THE COLLEGE NETWORK PARTNER TO PROMOTE ADVANCED NURSING EDUCATION

The College Network would like to extend a special Thank You to all nurses in honor of National Nurses Week! We know how hard you work every day of the year to help other people in need, and your acts of kindness and compassion are truly selfless.

At The College Network, we take pride in helping people work towards their dream career in nursing. Whether you're looking to become an RN or earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing degrees, we've got a program for you.

We work with reputable universities to offer convenient, online nursing degree programs that are fully accredited. When you sign up to earn your nursing degree with help from The College Network, you can begin right away, because with our programs there is never a waiting list.

Thank You, again, to all of the nurses out there for your hard work and dedication to improving the quality of life of so many people. And, for those who would like to join the more than 150,000 nurses who have chosen to advance their education with help from The College Network, we look forward to helping you!

There is a great debate between those who see the value of a college degree and those that feel you will never get your money's worth by having your degree.  It is an ongoing discussion, but here are some facts and opinions about having a college degree.

If you look simply at your earning potential by having a degree, the median weekly salary for someone with a college degree is $1053 versus someone with some college but no degree as $719.  If you add that up, there is a difference of almost $17,000 a year.  You also have to keep in mind that you will probably have better benefits offered to you in a salaried position.  

Unemployment has been high in the last couple of years as we all know.  If you look at the difference between someone with a degree, the more educated you are the lower the employment rate, and someone with a diploma you will also see that having an education does help.  If you look at the chart below from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you will see both points illustrated.  

At The College Network, we can help you with your online education so you can gain your degree.  Whether you are pursuing your Bachelor's, Associate's or continuing your education by obtaining a professional certificate.  We offer you so many options.  You can graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business from Bellevue University, or become a registered nurse with your Associate of Science in Nursing.  You can even become a certified Project Management Professional. 

The truth is that with a college education, you are going to have more options.  To me, it really doesn't seem like there is much a debate.  So, call us today at (800) 39-LEARN to find out more about how to earn your degree.  

There are many reports that talk about the increasing need for registered nurses.  With the aging baby boomer population, planning for changing healthcare needs will be at the forefront of hospitals and providers across the country.

The registered nursing field is going to grow by 26% by 2020.  If you break that down, it means that there are currently 2,737,400 jobs for registered nurses in the United States.  And, by 2020, that number will be 3,449,300, showing an increase of 711,900.  In comparison to other occupations that are growing by 14%, this field is far and away one that is at the top percentage of growth.  (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition, Registered Nurses) 

So, let's talk about pay.  Registered nurses, on average, make $64,690 a year. When you compare nursing to other occupations that have an average salary of $33,840,  you can see that becoming a registered nurse will offer you a secure, comfortable future.  (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition, Registered Nurses)  

You can easily plan to be a part of the 3,449,300 working registered nurses.  There really is not a better time to gain your Associate Degree in Nursing.  Working through your online program with The College Network is doable, and you can continue to work full time.  Also, you can work at your own pace, on a schedule that fits into your life.

Learn more about our nursing programs here or call us today at (800)-39-LEARN to reach one of our Program Advisors and plan for your future.  

So, you've enrolled in one of The College Network's distance nursing programs, and you're already to get started. Before you jump into your program, take some time to reflect on why are are doing this and what you hope to accomplish by doing so.

Setting goals is a great way to keep your focus in mind. When you are thinking about what your goals are, try to set SMART goals which will help you define more specifically what you are trying to accomplish and help you get the task done.

SMART goals should be:

Specific—Make sure your goals are specific and well defined. Set a goal to complete your degree in a specific amount of time. For example, set the goal to be finished by two years from your enrollment date.

Measurable—Set a specific time frame for your goals. For example, set a goal of completing one course per month, so at the end of each month you can measure your progress.

Attainable—Be sure the goals you are setting for yourself are realistic. Don’t set a goal to study for three hours every night when you have a full-time job, are a parent and have a home to manage. This is not a goal that would be possible to complete, therefore you would be setting yourself up to fail.

Relevant—Choose goals that matter. If you’re ultimate goal is to become a Registered Nurse, set a goal to earn your Associate of Science in Nursing degree or BS in Nursing degree, now, rather than "some day." You will be that much closer to reaching your goal and having your dream career.

Time Bound—Once you set your goals, commit to a deadline. This will help you stay focused so that your goal does not get lost in all of your other daily responsibilities. If you want to finish one course per month, set a goal to study every evening, Monday through Friday.

Procrastination - where I'll do it tomorrow becomes I'll do it next week - becomes I'll do it next month - becomes I never do it... Ever. 

You may have noticed that my posts have been lacking lately. Yes. I'm human, and I'm just as much of a procrastinator as the next person. It's something that most (if not all) of us deal with on a regular basis. 

Procrastination can affect us in many ways: We can fall behind in our careers, in academics, or even in our personal lives with family our friends. For as many of us as there are that do procrastinate, you would begin to assume it was actually a good thing.

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. WRONG!

Procrastination is a killer. Not always a physical killer (unless you procrastinating your meals or crucial vitamins), but it is almost always a killer of dreams and goals.

You've wanted to become a registered nurse your entire life but now               (insert random excuse) is keeping you from doing it? Do you think there will ever be a perfect time to go back to school and fulfill your dreams? 

NO!

You have to make the time. If you do not work towards your dreams, I'm sad to say that you will probably never see them come true.

So sure, maybe now isn't a great time, but let's realize how small changes in your daily routine can lead to exponential results and help you achieve your lifelong goals.

The College Network offers top online nursing programs that can be completed at your OWN pace. There are no required log in times, no due dates, no penalties for moving too slowly or too quickly. So what's stopping you? Sure, it would be great to devote 6 hours a day to studying but even a half hour will get you to your goals eventually.

Make the change today! Call The College Network to learn how you can achieve your goals at your own pace.

Ein Peck, Program Advisor 

(800) 634-1443 ext 4786   mpeck@collegenetwork.com

So you want to become a registered nurse. But how do you do it? It seems like it might be an impossible goal. You work, take care of your family--when are you going to find time to go to school?  Here are 10 easy ways you can become an RN with help from The College Network.

1. Call the The College Network to learn more about online nursing degree programs.
2. Set an appointment to meet with one of our Program Advisors. They can answer all your questions and set you up with a program that is right for you.
3. Make the decision to move towards your goal of becoming an RN and get started in your program.
4. Take our Learning Styles Survey to find out how you learn best. 
5. Complete your Academic Guidance call with our customer support team to review your learning style and develop a study plan for your Comprehensive Learning Modules.
6. Start studying.
7. Schedule your first TCN Exam.  Then go ahead and schedule the rest of your exams on your calendar.  This will help to keep you on track and give you a timely goal to work towards. Keep studying and passing your exams. 
8. Enroll with the university and complete any other requirements for your program.
9. Graduate! Plan to walk with your fellow nurses in the graduation ceremony.
10. Take and pass the NCLEX exam and receive your new RN License!

It really be done in these 10 steps.  You just have to make a commitment, set your goals and take action.  We are here to help every step of the way.  Call us today at (800) 39-LEARN and check your first item off your to-do list.  

Setting your sights on becoming a CRNA, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, is another great reason to become an RN. CNRAs typically earn $150,000 and up per year due to their specialized training. "The cost of educating and training a nurse anesthetist is a fraction of the cost of educating an anesthesiologist and they provide the same safe care," said attorney Philip Recht, quoted in a recent article. The expanded role of trained "advanced-practice nurses," he said, is part of modern medicine's effort to "provide more services more cost effectively."

CRNA is the oldest nursing specialty, with 150 years of history in the USA. The CRNA role is becoming increasingly important as cost-effectiveness becomes a constant buzz word in the healthcare industry. There are currently about 40,000 nurse anesthetists in the USA.

As we have been mentioning recently on The College Network Blog, nursing is a secure and growing profession that is seeing more men take an interest in a field traditionally dominated by women. I found another article this week that confirms the trend.

Something interesting that I learned in this article is that almost half of male nurses go on to become CRNAs, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. CRNA salaries are generally $160,000-180,00 annually. Stigmas about male nurses are evaporating as both nursing candidates and patients become acclimated to men in the nursing field. Trevor Potts, a nursing student, explains “There are always times when someone says, ‘Oh, another male nurse,’ but it’s usually a positive reaction or more of a surprise than a negative reaction.”

Gentlemen, don’t let opportunity pass you by! If you are thinking about becoming an RN, research The College Network!

A recent article in the Herald-Tribune addressed a forecast for the upcoming Florida nursing shortage. "A workforce survey by the Florida Center for Nursing shows that vacancies and turnover began to accelerate in 2011 after a four-year slide. The nonprofit center predicts that Florida will run short of registered nurses by 11,000 openings in 2015 — and by 50,000 in 2025."

Nursing homes, a stronghold of LPN jobs, may become progressively less so. Illinois, for one, is attempting to instate a new law requiring 20% of nurses in nursing homes to be RNs. The change would cost the state $122 million annually, but Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, as well as local advocacy groups, are pushing for the change because they believe that care from RNs prevents hospitalization. This information comes from an article on the Progress Illinois website.

If you are an LPN and you want to take action now to avoid worries about job security, do not fret. Give The College Network a call at 1-800-39-LEARN to find out how you can work towards obtaining RN status while continuing to work full time as an LPN through our online programs from top universities. 

A love for learning is what motivated Michelle to advance her education. “I love the fields of nursing and education.  I enjoy learning more about medicine and how it applies to life so that I can educate those around me also.  Since earning my practical nursing degree in 2007, I have wanted to continue my education in order to obtain my RN license,” she explains.

Michelle wanted a program that would be convenient for her lifestyle, which is what led her to The College Network™. “I did a search online for programs that did Licensed Practical Nurse to RN online without a lot of clinicals.  I needed to be able to continue working while going to school.  The College Network provided that for me through Excelsior College.  My TCN representative helped me pick a program that worked with my schedule and finances,” Michelle comments.

Michelle has completed her online nursing degree program and has had great success since. Read more about Michelle's journey earning her degree and the changes it has brought to her life, here. 

Congratulations Missy! 

The College Network would like to congratulate Ottamissiah (Missy) Moore for receiving the Black Nurse of the Year award from the Black Nurses Association of the Greater Washington, DC area. 

Missy is a bachelor's prepared, Licensed Practical Nurse with specialty certifications in wound care, IV infusion and hospice and palliative care. Active in nursing education and policy, she is a clinical care nurse educator and staffing specialist.

She serves in elected or appointed positions in a number of national associations including president of the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN), the largest organization of LPNs; LPN Committee member of the Commission of Graduate Foreign Nurses International; board member of the National Alliance of Wound Care; and the D.C. Board of Nursing. She is also a member of the Infusion Nursing Society; the Association of Hospice and Palliative Nurses; and the National Black Nurses Association.

Knowledgeable of clinical practice, she regularly conducts lectures and seminars on clinical practice nationally, and she is recognized as an expert on LPN practice. (biography information from http://www.carsonco.net/Partners/Partners.html)

In addition to all of her amazing accomplishments, Missy is also a current customer of The College Network working on an LPN to BS in Nursing program from Indiana State University. 

A recent article from marketwatch.com stated, "With more than three million nurse professionals in the United States alone, nursing is the largest segment of the healthcare industry and touches every facet of care from the doctor's office to home care to hospitals." With all of the praise that doctors and physicians receive for all of their hard work, it's easy to forget the significant influence nurses have in the healthcare field.

With the advent of improved healthcare technology, the expanding role of the registered nurse has become essential to the functionality of any hospital. "Nurses have been championing quality-of-care improvements, spearheading research innovation, advocating for patient rights and generally challenging the status quo. Simply put, their impact has been enormous and will continue to be so over the coming decades." 

If you're considering the field of nursing, there has never been a better time to obtain the education and training necessary. There are myriad nursing schools and online degree programs to accommodate just about anyone's schedule, but there is only one that combines online, self-paced learning with online degrees from top universities.

Since 1992, The College Network has helped hundreds of thousands of people earn certificates and degrees, including thousands of people who wanted to earn or further their nursing degrees. Visit The College Network's web site to learn more and begin the journey to becoming a registered nurse.

U.S. News & World Report has issued its picks for the top ten jobs for 2012. Perhaps not surprisingly, Registered Nurse came in at the number one spot! Economist Michael Wolf, quoted in the article, says that in the next decade nursing will grow 26% and add 712,000 positions.

What are you waiting for? Take charge of your future today. In addition to the service RNs provide to others, their median salary is $64,690. Since 1992, The College Network has been enabling people to advance their careers in nursing through our online programs with top universities. If you think you can handle the #1 job, call 1-800-39-LEARN today.

For more information from U.S. News & World Report on the Registered Nurse job, click here; the entire list of top jobs appears here.

While it is a fact that the nursing field is dominated by women, there are many great male nurses as well. 

The Delaware Chapter of the American Assembly for Men in Nursing(AAMN) has set out to lessen the gender gap between men and women in the nursing field with their "20x20: Choose Nursing" campaign. The goal of the campaign is to have 20% of the nursing workforce consist of male nurses by 2020. The efforts of the campaign include local chapters of the AAMN reaching out to junior high and high school students to try and encourage more men to go into nursing. 

Currently, in the United States, male nurses make up about 5.8% of all nurses which is about 168,743 total nurses. This number is growing about 2-3% each year and if it continues to do so, that would make the total population of male nurses more than 20% by 2020.

If you're a man who is thinking about a career in nursing, I encourage you to purse your dreams. As we know, the future outlook of nursing is extremely positive with job growth expected to skyrocket over the next several years. Nursing also has a reputation for paying extremely well with starting salaries averaging between $25-$30 per hour for registered nurses.

If you are already in a nursing career but it's your dream to advance to a higher level, The College Network can help! We offer online degrees from top universities. Our nursing degree programs are accredited, and there is never a waiting list to get started. Plus, they are all self-paced so you can earn your degree while continuing to work. For more information, visit our website, or call us at 1-800-395-1014.

Sources: nurse.com, malenursingscholarships.com

As the nursing career field expands, the niches nurses fill expand in turn. The number of nurse researchers present in hospitals is increasing as of late. Establishing best practices and improving standards of patient care are key tenets of nursing research programs. The research topics are relevant to nurses working in the field because they often come directly from nurses curious about certain areas of inquiry. "It's nurse-driven," said Pam Ginex, RN, EdD, OCN, a nurse researcher. "[The nurses] come up with ideas or problems they want to look at and work collaboratively with members of the team to address a specific problem." Findings are published so that data can be shared with other healthcare providers.

When considering the nursing career field, opportunities such as this make becoming an RN seem even more appealing because they provide alternatives to the traditional role of a registered nurse or nursing manager. Growth within the career field of nursing is occurring not just in numbers, but also in responsibilities and opportunities. Information obtained from an article on nurse.com.

 

“I thought it would be a great way to earn my BSN that would be a lot more convenient as a working, divorced mom. I need to earn more income, and becoming an RN is the way to go for me since I love the nursing field and have been an LVN for 27 years now,”  Elizabeth explains.

Not only does Elizabeth like the convenience of earning her nursing degree online, she also says this is more affordable than some of the traditional colleges she looked into.

Find out how Elizabeth stays motivated to earn her degree by reading more of her story, or call 1-800-395-1014 to find out how you can begin your online educational journey.