LPN/LVN and RN to BS in Nursing Degrees

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 by Shane Best

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.

Veni, vidi, vici

Monday, November 15, 2010 by José María Roldán III

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

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

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

LVN Jobs in South Texas

Saturday, November 13, 2010 by Eddie Perez

The Rio Grande Valley is a group of towns on and near the south Texas border. It has been a great area for nurses to find work. The job opportunities have been generous to both RNs and LVNs over the past years.

However, in recent months, the main conversation among LVNs has been about job security. Nurses have seen a gradual decline in the job market for LVNs for the past year. It has become even more competitive than ever before. Some healthcare employers have stopped hiring LVNs. It used to be that there were plenty of jobs in home health, but there have been some home health agencies that have laid off LVNs and gone to RN staff only. Several nurses have commented that they believe the changes in government and healthcare have been a significant contributing factor.

As a Program Advisor for The College Network, I meet with nurses every week who are looking to explore their options in continuing with their education. With The College Network’s partner universities & colleges, I am able to present to them with distance education programs from fully accredited schools. Lately, I have been meeting with more LVNs who are looking at their options in earning an associates degree in nursing. Although we have several good campus based programs in our area, most nurses do not want to sacrifice work or family at this point in their lives. They know they need to secure their careers and they are exploring alternate options in distance education.

My wife Rosie joins me in meeting with nurses here in the Rio Grande Valley and we love to be able help with their goals for ADN, BSN, and MSN degree programs. 

My name is Eddie Perez and you may contact me for more information at eddie.perez@collegenetwork.com
 

The Smile on the Nurses Face

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 by José María Roldán III
Lately, as I drive around Central Texas working as a Program Advisor for The College Network, I have realized what an impact my job has on the lives of the nurses I meet with on a daily basis. 

Most nurses are ready to advance their education for various reasons, some for monetary gain, some for career opportunities, and some for personal satisfaction.  Whatever the reason, all nurses share the same passion for nursing, and for wanting to better themselves. 

Most working adults however, find it hard to drop everything to go back to school, which is where I come in.  When I’m able to offer an alternative to conventional “classroom-based” LVN to ADN programs, that are Regionally Accredited, and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission I am instantly rewarded by a smile on the nurse’s face.  I see hope for their future in that smile, and I know that I am also making a difference!

Make the Leap from LVN to ADN

Friday, September 3, 2010 by The College Network Web Team
Many state, that education is the single most poweful predictor of success. An advanced degree can heavily influence your current and future earnings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LPN to BSN Degrees Online anytime

Friday, August 20, 2010 by Shane Best

The nation's ONLY online LPN/LVN-to-BSN program allows you to earn your bachelor of nursing degree in half the time and at half the cost of traditional distance nursing programs with NO WAITING LIST. 

Indiana State University's School of Nursing is NLNAC accredited with local clinicals and NO clinical testing.  Nurses can increase their pay and secure their positions by adding RN to their name badge.

LPN to RN (associates degree in nursing online -ADN), LVN to BSN, and RN to BSN programs are available via The College Network and its good nursing school partners. Nurses can earn their nursing prerequisites online. 

Visit The College Network online at: www.collegenetwork.com/blog for more information about inexpensive nursing degrees and online courses in nursing.

 

 

Want To Be A RN?

Thursday, July 29, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

Have you been pondering the idea of becoming an RN?

If you are an LPN or an LVN, then you are already half way there and all you need to do now sign up for one of the distance nursing programs where you can get one of the inexpensive nursing degrees to become a RN.

As an LPN or LVN, there are two different types of degrees that will qualify you to sit for RN licensure. You can go back to school and earn your Associate Degree in Nursing ADN or complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

It is important to realize that many traditional nursing schools have waiting list for acceptance into their RN programs. However, The College Network offers online degrees from leading universities with no waiting list.

If you're interested in becoming an RN then you might look into good nursing schools where you can get your RN degree.

Are you a registered nurse?  What are some of your responsibilities?  What sort of advice can you give to someone who is interested in being a registered nurse?

Clinical Research Nurses

Monday, June 28, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

If you are an LPN or an LVN and like working in the health care industry, but would like to get more involved in the experimental side of things, then you might be interested in going into clinical research.  Of course, you'll want to get an advanced nursing degree through one of the good nursing schools that offer distance nursing programs so that you can get your ADN Nursing Degree and get into the field quickly.

Some of the responsibilities of Clinical research nurses are:

  • conduct research
  • analyze data
  • solve clinical problems
  • write grants
  • share findings with the larger health care community

Clinical research nurses help to translate their research findings into practices.  They end up providing nursing care and monitoring their research subjects throughout the studies.  They also have the responsibility of ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

Are you a Nurse that works in Clinical Research?  How long have you been one? Do you like it? What would you say to someone that is thinking of getting into Clinical Research?  Leave a comment below and tell us about it!


Case Management Nurses

Sunday, June 27, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

As technology improves, so has health care.  When it comes to terminally ill patients, this is even more important so that they can be home with their families before they pass.

Case Management Nurses help to coordinate the continuity of care for patients so that they get the proper treatment at the proper time so that the patient can maximize his or her health care and minimize the time for future hospitalizations.

Case Management Nurses don't only work with patients that are terminally ill.  They also provide care to patients of all ages and diagnoses.  For example, they might be involved in acute care, HIV/AIDS or rehabilitation.

The goal of these nurses is to get the patient to a point where they can do self-managed care, so as to maximize efficient and cost-effective use of health resources.

Case Management Nurses can work in any of the following health care facilities:

  • health care organizations
  • long-term care facilities
  • HMOs
  • community health organizations
  • behavioral health programs
  • rehabilitation centers
  • schools
  • case management companies
If you are a LPN or a LVN interested in being a Case Management Nurse, you'll want to get an advanced nursing degree through one of the good nursing schools that offers distance nursing programs so that you can get your ADN Nursing Degree and get into the field quickly.

Are you a Case Management Nurse?  How long have you been one? Do you like it? What would you say to someone that is thinking of becoming a Case Management Nurse?  Leave a comment below and tell us about it!

Cardiovascular ICU Nurse

Saturday, June 26, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

If you are interested in matters of the heart, then you might be interested in being a Cardiovascular ICU Nurse.

Cardiovascular ICU Nurses take care of patients that have gone through cardiac related surgeries.

Because cardiac procedures are high risk, patients that have gone through such a surgery require constant observation and high-acuity care.  Typically patients of Cardiovascular ICU Nurses have congenital heart disease, anomalies, acquired heart disease, heart transplants or even extracorporeal life support systems (ECLS).
 
Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU) Nurses also need to have an understanding of specialized intensive care equipment.

As a CVICU nurse, you'll work collaboratively with cardiovascular surgeons.  You deal with pre-admission through the operative and post-operative period.  You'll educate the patient, the family and sometimes even the staff.

As an LPN or an LVN interested in being a CVICU nurse, you'll want to get an advanced nursing degree through one of the good nursing schools that offer distance nursing programs so that you can get your ADN Nursing Degree and get into the field quickly.

Are you a CVICU nurse?  How long have you been one? Do you like it? What would you say to someone that is thinking of becoming a CVICU nurse?  Leave a comment below and tell us about it!

Cardiology Nurses

Friday, June 25, 2010 by The College Network Web Team
You guessed it.  Cardiology Nurses work with Cardiologists.

Some of the things that you do as a Cardiology Nurse are:
  • assess patient health problems and needs
  • develop and implement nursing care plans
  • maintain medical records
  • administer medications
  • administer pulmonary therapy
  • monitor vital signs through advanced telemetry and monitoring systems
  • educate patients and their families on health maintenance, disease prevention
  • manage cardiac medications. 
Of course, as a Cardiology Nurse, your duties will not end there.  Cardiovascular patients might have physiological, psychological, and social needs.

You may work in one of the following environments:
  • cardiac clinics
  • medical centers
  • hospitals
  • outpatient cardiac management programs
  • nursing homes
Of course, if you are an LPN or an LVN and are interested in being a Cardiology Nurse, then you know that you'll want to get an advanced nursing degree through one of the good nursing schools that offer distance nursing programs so that you can get your ADN Nursing Degree in no time.

Are you a Cardiology Nurse?  How long have you been one? Do you like it? What would you say to someone that is thinking of becoming a Cardiology Nurse?  Leave a comment below and tell us about it!

The College Network is a Blessing for many!

Friday, June 25, 2010 by Tom Lance
As a Program Advisor for The College Network here in East Texas, nothing is more fullfilling to me than being able to make a difference in someone's life.
We all know life gets so busy with raising a family, earning a living, and all the other things that make it difficult to pursue other interest such as achieving one's academic goals.  With The College Network, those challenges are made easier for most people, being they never have to actually step into a classroom.
The LVN to ADN program has been a blessing for so many.  The Distance Learning Programs, and the College Network support, has made achieving there academic goals a reality. Below is just one of the many people here in Texas who have benefited from choosing The College Network.

“Like so many people, I couldn’t quit my full-time job or even cut back to working part time in order to go back to school. With this program and the learning modules, I could continue to work full time and complete courses in a short amount of time. I can study anywhere at any time, and the material has to be right on because I’ve completed courses with almost all A’s and B’s. The most enjoyable part of The College Network experience is the sense of accomplishment. The College Network has given me the opportunity to take my career to the next level.” – Amanda from Slaton, TX – Associate Degree in Nursing

Online Nursing Coursework

Monday, June 14, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

Nurses are an essential part of the health care industry. There is generally a misconception that nurses work only in hospitals. But nothing can be further from the truth as there is a great demand for qualified and registered nurses across various sectors.  A vast majority of nurses are working in sectors other than the hospital and there are various career options available.

The Internet has enabled LPNs who wish to continue with their education, an easy option of doing the BSN programs online. Getting a nursing degree has become much easier due to the online programs available. These online programs are an inexpensive way to get nursing degrees compared to the traditional method.

What are nursing prerequisites online? The basic requirement for applying for an advanced nursing degree online is completion of a high school diploma and a LPN or a LVN program. You can then choose to do ADN nursing degree (Associate Degree Program in nursing) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

The online nursing coursework, which is similar to a conventional degree, includes physiology, pharmacology, anatomy, nutrition, emergency treatment and patient care techniques. The curriculum is the same for online and the traditional degrees.  Online nursing courses are ideal for people who are already working as nurses and would like to continue their education to improve their career prospects.

Training And Education Required To Be A RN

Saturday, June 12, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

In order to be an RN, you can already be an LPN or an LVN and then you'll want to take accelerated nursing courses to get your ADN nursing degree or equivalent, so that you can complete a registered nurse program. 

Most RNs follow three different educational paths - a bachelor's degree (BSN), an associate degree (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

Most BSN programs take about 4 years to complete and are typically offered by colleges and universities.

Many times, ADN programs are offered by community and junior colleges and take about 2 to 3 years to complete.

The Diploma programs are administered by hospitals and take about 3 years to complete.

While there are a lot of BSN and ADN programs, there are fewer diploma programs.  When a student graduates from a BSN, ADN or a diploma program, then they can usually obtain one of the entry-level positions in a hospital, for example, as a staff nurse.
 
Once you have your degree, then you will need to get your licensure and certification.  Licensure is required in all states, DC and in all U.S. territories and the licensing exam is known as the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. Once you pass it, you can get a nursing license. Depending on your state, you might have additional licensure requirements.  Be sure to check with your state as to the particulars.

Correctional Institution Nurse

Saturday, May 22, 2010 by The College Network Web Team
You may or may not be aware that there are nurses that provide medical care to inmates in jails, prisons, penitentiaries and juvenile offender homes.

As you might imagine instantaneously, there can be some drawbacks to working in a correctional facility - patients may be violent, there will always be guards around, you might have trouble establishing trust with your patients and of course, they may be hesitant to fully disclose what is going on with them.

However, there are some positives to working in a correctional facility.  You might make a difference in a patient's life and show them how caring for people is contagious, you'll establish long-term relationships and no doubt you will encounter patients that are very grateful for your care and medical expertise.

Positions Available As A Correctional Institution Nurse:
  • Staff Nurse
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Manager
  • Nurse Supervisor
  • Nurse Coordinator
  • Nurse Director
The educational background in order to be a correctional nurse requires that you go through a registered nurse program with an ADN nursing degree or a BSN.  You might look into LVN to BSN Programs, so that you fill the requirements more quickly.

Education can strengthen the pulse on your nursing career!

Friday, May 14, 2010 by Cory Eyler

Did you know that online education for nursing professionals is in such high demand that schools are turning away thousands of qualified applicants every year?  Well, it’s true and that is why The College Network partners with prominent universities to offer NLNAC accredited nursing education with no waiting lists.  They make it easier for busy adults to find distance nursing programs that will fit their busy lifestyle. 

 

The LPN to RN, LVN to RN, Paramedic to RN, and LPN to BSN online programs have the highest demand for accelerated nursing courses.  I know this is not just a nursing blog so I won’t go into too much detail but the reason for the demand is two-fold.

 

Hospitals and other prominent healthcare facilities are seeking out more nurses that have their Bachelor of Science in Nursing and/or have completed a registered nurse program.  Hospitals focus on their ratios of registered nurses to other nurses on staff because studies have shown links between improved patient outcomes to the increased ratio of nurses on staff that have completed state boards registered nursing requirements. 

 

The second biggest reason is the jump in salary that nurses can immediately receive once they earn their RN license.  Basically, LPNs, LVNs, and Paramedics who earn their Associate Degree in Nursing ADN or even a Bachelors of Science in Nursing BSN can start earning an RN salary immediately after they pass their boards.  Earning an RN salary is a life changing increase in earning potential that generally amounts up to $15,000 a year or more in earnings.  Becoming an RN generally provides the biggest jump in earnings; however, a BSN salary still represents a jump in pay that can be tied directly to education. 

 

In summary, there is great demand for nurses to continue their education but excessive waiting lists keep them from pursing their dreams, earning more money, and advancing their careers.  However, The College Network courses can help nurses earn an affordable RN license from the comfort of home.  With a combination of unique partnerships and affiliations with some of the most highly respected universities and associations across the country, The College Network online programs have become some of the most highly recognizable forms of self-paced education and training in the nursing industry.