After working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for a long time, Elizabeth Hill decided to begin working towards her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from
Indiana State University with help from
The College Network™.
“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.
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.
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 decided to become a nurse to help others. I love being a nurse. I care about other people. I feel a great satisfaction when I have the privilege to care for others, advise, & teach people.
I'm a caring, empathetic nurse, who understands & listens to patients. I love my job. I would not trade it for all the money in the world! I can't see myself as doing anything different! I'm working on my LVN to BSN, currently. One day I will become an OR Nurse!
Name: Anna Jaimes
From: California
After I became pregnant at age 17, I knew I had to find something to help support my family. I fell in love with nursing. I feel that it is a calling from God for me to be in this profession. I love serving, helping, and caring for people.
My future goals are to finish RN school and then go ahead and do my BSN.
Name:
Tiffany Robertson
From:
Texas
I had already had some past medical experience, but I lost my mother unexpectedly. She had just retired a few months before, and her sudden death really hit me hard.
It dawned on me that my three teenagers would be done with high school soon and without my mother to be with once they were out of the house and onto college, what would I do? I thought about all of the previous jobs I have had, and I remembered how much I liked the medical field, but I didn't want to do the front office part of it any longer.
I decided I wanted to become a nurse and give back to repay all the staff that tried to help save my mother's life while she struggled those last few days in the hospital. I took all of my prereqs at community college (even though I'm considerably older than the standard college student) and enrolled in the nursing program.
I am currently an LVN who is continuing on to get my RN with a BSN. I hope my mom would be proud of all I have accomplished... my kids are!
Name: Val Pohle
From: California
I decided to become a nurse when I was in high school, so I enrolled in the ROP program.
I became a CNA and began working at Doctor's Hospital in Santa Ana, California. It was there that I experienced the joy of having a part in the patients' road to health.
I was even allowed to assist in a code blue situation; in which case the patient survived. The task was daunting, but the reward was well worth it.
I am currently an LVN, and I am working on my BSN. I want to continue to care for the patients, and I want to be a support mechanism to their loved ones. I want to be a beacon of light just as Florence Nightingale was during her time.
Taken from Florence Nightingale's pledge: " I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care."
Name:
Daphne CharlesState:
California
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.
$18,720. That's a strange way of starting a sentence; isn't it? What does $18,720 have to do with anything? It could be the price of a new car. Down payment on a new home. That deluxe home theater system with 60" LCD TV you've been dreaming of. What could that mean?
$18,720 is the first year increase in your salary if you go from LPN/LVN to RN. On average, RN's make $9.00 more per hour than an LPN/LVN! Over the course of 10 years that's $187,200 in your pocket!
Did you know that being a Registered Nurse is one of the most in demand jobs in the U.S.? Look at any Sunday jobs listing in your local news paper or go online to any job search site and type Registered Nurse; look at the sheer volume of openings available. Some of them even offer sign on bonuses to entice you to work for them!
How do you get there? Easy, invest in you. You decide to buckle down, enroll in an Associate of Science in Nursing degree program online or LVN to BSN program online. The College Network has made it more convenient and faster for you to get your RN while you continue to work. You can do most of your program from from the comfort of your own home. We have some of the most inexpensive nursing degrees available from leading universities that you can find anywhere and you get The College Network support the entire way. We are here to help you realize your dream.
Are you interested? Do you have plans for the extra $$ you will make when you complete an online nursing degree program? We can help get you there. Call me and I will show you how to achieve your dream.
$18,720. What are you prepared to do?
1-800-307-1006 ext 2649 or
lbowlin@collegenetwork.com
Norma is an cheerful lady full of enthusiasm and passion for teaching nursing. A few years ago, Norma invited her local College Network Program Advisor to speak to her LVN graduates at her school in her rural community of Fresno, California about Indiana State University's online LPN to BSN program. While listening to The College Network's Program Advisor, she learned that The College Network has partnerships with a variety of leading universities from across the United States offering an eclectic mix of degree and certificate online programs. Upon learning that The College Network offers an online MS in Nursing program from Regis University in Denver, Colorado, she promptly enrolled.
Norma just finished all of the academic requirements and after doing so, received 4 job offers! She will attend graduation ceremonies (not required) on the campus of Regis University with her husband and daughter on 18 December 2010. She told me she wouldn't dream of missing it. Regis University has over 80 acres in Denver with the regal Rocky Mountains in the background. Regis University has been voted by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's finest schools in the West.
Helping nurses like Norma advance their careers is a very fulfilling experience for all of us at The College Network. To learn more about our degree program offerings, please contact The College Network online at www.collegenetwork.com/blog/msn or call 1-800-395-1014.
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
I am currently working on a project at The College Network which emphasizes our commitment to our customers' success. We offer an a plethora of courses for adults looking to continue their education.
Whether you are looking to earn a better salary by upgrading your EMT to RN (with the Online Paramedic to RN Program), RN to MSN, or even LVN to BSN programs with inexpensive nursing degrees from our partner universities. We also partner with leading universities to offer certificate programs such as: Project Management, Paralegal, or Lean Six Sigma Online.
With our programs you can earn online degrees and certificates from leading universities such as Regis University, Indiana State University, Purdue University, Boston University, and even eCornell.
But, The College Network support is what I am focusing on in this blog entry. Online classes can be daunting. You might start thinking: "How can I get help?" "How can I contact my peers?" "What if I am confused about a certain area of study?" The College Network has taken into account these aspects of online education, and we strive to make sure you know that online doesn't have to mean alone.
We have many systems in place to help ensure success. Online live chat with one of our specialists is just one way to get help. You may also contact us via telephone or email. We have specialists just waiting to help students having trouble. Being that we offer online courses, it is especially great that we have staff to make sure you are not alone in your studies. Online discussion boards are also in place to contact other students.
Remember, You Are Not Alone.
So don't be afraid to enroll in online education with the help of The College Network. We will be with you along every step of the way.
It is becoming more and more important to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN. According to
Yahoo! Education, a BSN degree is considered the 5th most valuable degree based on its potential for job security.
If you're an LPN, LVN, or Associate prepared RN who has ever thought about going back to school, now is the time. The nursing shortage is expected to grow throughout the next several years, and opportunities for jobs as a BSN are nearly endless.
With The College Network and our partner universities, you can complete LPN to BSN Nursing Programs and RN to BSN Nursing Programs with little interruption in your personal and professional life. We offer you a way to earn your nursing education with no waiting list and earn your degree while working full time.
Contact us at 1-800-395-1014 to speak with someone about the options available to you today or
visit us online. Our Program Advisors would love to discuss your goals and answer any questions you have about online education and The College Network.
There was an article this morning on
msnbc.com that talks about how a report done by the Institute of Medicine discusses how nurses should "take on a larger and more independent role in providing health care in America, something many doctors have repeatedly opposed, citing potential safety concerns. It calls for states and the federal government to remove barriers that restrict what care advanced practice nurses -- those with a master's degree -- provide and includes many examples of nurses taking on bigger responsibilities."
Part of the argument for this change in nurse's current responsbilities is to help with the additional multi-million Americans who are going to receive coverage thanks to the new health care law. "Experts predict that more physicians, nurses and other medical professionals will be needed to care for the 32 million additional Americans who will get coverage beginning in 2014 under the sweeping new health law. Nurses' groups say they can help ease a physician shortage. Last week, a report from the Association of American Medical Colleges said that in 2015, there will be a shortage of nearly 63,000 doctors across all specialties in America."
However, doctors argue that nurses don't have the same medical training and are therefore unqualified to perform the same tasks as doctors. "Doctors maintain that even with an advanced degree, these nurses do not have the same education that physicians get in medical school and residency programs and that patient safety could be compromised. They are also wary that their practices could see significant patient losses if the nurses were allowed to practice more independently."
But like it or not, changes are already happening across the country. "Colorado, for instance, recently became the 16th state to allow nurse anesthetists to work without a doctor's oversight. In Michigan, nurses are pushing for legislators there to allow advanced practice nurses to prescribe drugs. Other fights over scope of practice for registered nurses loom in Kentucky, North Caroline, Iowa and Minnesota."
The battle continues to wage and it will certainly be interesting to see how it plays out.
So tell me, how do you feel about about the topic? Would you be okay with an advanced practice nurse having the same role, or nearly the same role as a doctor?
The College Network offers several
online nursing programs through leading universities to help nurses reach their goal of advanced education while they work. If you are interested in learning more about earning an inexpensive nursing degree such as LVN to BSN programs, accelerated RN to BSN, RN to MSN bridge program and online paramedic to RN program,
contact The College Network at 1-800-395-1014 today.
Unlike many nurses, Stefanie Nickles didn’t dream of having a career in the healthcare field her whole life. “I actually got a business degree in college and started out in the business world. I found I didn’t like it very much. My mom was a nurse and I’d taken some anatomy and physiology classes in college that I really liked, so I decided to make the career change to nursing,” she said.
First becoming an LVN, she quickly decided that she wanted more education. “Being an LVN was not sufficient in my area of work,” she said. After researching options that provided what she wanted, she decided The College Network was right for her. “I was looking for something online with flexibility—something I could do on my own time. The College Network gave me all of that. I found The College Network affordable and readily available to start my education right away.”
Stefanie urges future students to make a realistic plan and stick to it. “I planned out exactly what my goals were and as I was going through the program, I frequently assessed my initial plan and compared it to how I was doing year by year. At the beginning of my program, I sat down with a counselor from Indiana State University. I wanted to see what I could do faster and what needed to be done slower. I ended up sticking to my original plan pretty closely,” she said.
Since receiving her degree, Stefanie has moved from an LVN role to an RN role. She also has big plans for her nursing future. “I plan to continue my education by taking the BSN I’ve earned and turning it into a nurse anesthetist certification,” she said.
Since the Affordable Care Act was passed in March of this year there have already been several changes that have taken place. Last week I talked about changes that went into effect on September 23. Here is the list of
changes that had already been made since the law was passed.
January 1, 2010: Providing Small Business Health Insurance Tax Credits. Up to 4 million small businesses are eligible for tax credits to help them provide insurance benefits to their workers. The first phase of this provision provides a credit worth up to 35% of the employer’s contribution to the employees’ health insurance. Small non-profit organizations may receive up to a 25% credit.
April 1, 2010: Allowing States to Cover More People on Medicaid. States will be able to receive federal matching funds for covering some additional low-income individuals and families under Medicaid for whom federal funds were not previously available. This will make it easier for states that choose to do so to cover more of their residents.
June, 2010: Relief for Four Million Seniors Who Hit the Medicare Prescription Drug "Donut Hole". An estimated 4 million seniors will reach the gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage known as the “donut hole” this year. Each senior will receive a $250 rebate.
Effective Now: Cracking Down on Health Care Fraud. Current efforts to fight fraud have returned more than $2.5 billion to the Medicare Trust Fund in FY 2009 alone. The new law invests new resources and requires new screening procedures for health care providers to boost these efforts and reduce fraud and waste in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.
June 1, 2010: Expanding Coverage for Early Retirees. Too often, Americans who retire without employer-sponsored insurance and before they are eligible for Medicare see their life savings disappear because of high rates in the individual market. To preserve employer coverage for early retirees until more affordable coverage is available through the new Exchanges by 2014, the new law creates a $5 billion program to provide needed financial help for employment-based plans to continue to provide valuable coverage to people who retire between the ages of 55 and 65, as well as their spouses and dependents. For more information on the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, visit
www.ERRP.govJuly 1, 2010: Providing Access to Insurance for Uninsured Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions. A Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will provide new coverage options to individuals who have been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing condition. States have the option of running this new program in their state. If a state chooses not to do so, a plan will be established by the Department of Health and Human Services in that state. This program serves as a bridge to 2014, when all discrimination against pre-existing conditions will be prohibited. Learn more about the
Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.
July 1, 2010: Putting Information Online. The law provides for
an easy-to-use website where consumers can compare health insurance coverage options and pick the coverage that works for them.
Keep following my blog to make sure you're kept informed of the changes!
Have you been considering going back to school, whether it be for a certificate or a degree? Let The College Network help you meet your goals!
The College Network works to offer online degrees from leading universities. Our
distance nursing degrees include MS in Nursing Management, LVN to BSN programs, Associate Degree in Nursing online, Online Paramedic to RN program, Bachelor of Nursing programs, RN to MSN Bridge Programs and more. Our certificate programs include:
project management and PMP preparation courses,
paralegal,
lean six sigma green belt,
hospitality,
human resources and more.
Shawn Camp knows a thing or two about becoming certified in his field. He already has his Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and his Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certificates. “I have a bachelor’s in computer information,” Shawn said. “I wanted to earn my Certificate in Project Management because that certification places you in the middle of everything that a corporation wants in an employee.”
Because he’s originally from Boston, Mass., Shawn found the opportunity to earn his Project Management Certificate from Boston University Corporate Education Center very enticing. The fact that he could earn the certificate completely online also caught his interest. “The nearest school to me that offers this program is four hours away. Online education was just a much better option for me in this case,” Shawn said.
With all the education that Shawn continues to accumulate, he hopes to one day be a network administrator or to be able to run his own computer firm. “I’m really excited to just get this experience and move on from there. I want to see where it takes me,” he said. “This certificate shows your willingness to learn, your ability to take on more responsibilities, adds more weight to your resume and, in some cases, even gets your foot in the door.”
Coming from a technology background, Shawn knows the importance of keeping up with trends in today’s highly technical world. “Technology changes every six months,” Shawn said. “If you can keep up with everything that’s changing in today’s world, you’ll be all the more valuable to employers.”
Have you been considering going back to school, whether it be for a certificate or a degree? Let The College Network help you meet your goals! The College Network works to offer online degrees from leading universities. Our distance nursing degrees include MS in Nursing Management, LVN to BSN programs, Associate Degree in Nursing online, Online Paramedic to RN program, Bachelor of Nursing programs, RN to MSN Bridge Programs and more. Our certificate programs include: project management and PMP preparation courses, paralegal, lean six sigma green belt, hospitality, human resources and more.
A popular TV show has that title Who Wants to be a Millionaire and attracts a large TV audience weekly to see who will win. It is a game of chance. When you look up the definition of the word millionaire it describes it as somebody with a net worth or income more then 1 million dollars or another unit of currency. It is also described as a person of wealth, and wealth is often thought of as a person with net worth. Why am I talking about money?
The College Network is in the business of influencing a persons net worth by helping them achieve success in careers as a RN or BSN or MSN in nursing through education. The difference is nursing is not a game of chance. One of the primary roles of a nurse is to provide care and wellness to those who are sick, ill or on the way to recovery.
There is no greater net worth. The registered nurse job is the #1 occupation based on average annual salary. About $52,000+ according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A person starting there nursing career early enough who works 20 years will earn over 1 million dollars. That is net worth without chance. There are not too many worthwhile careers that can boast that. A career as a register nurse is possible by using our online, inexpensive, courses.
Want to be a millionaire then call me today at 1/800-307-1006 ext 2604 to find out how? Ask for Hank...
Or email: hmosley@collegenetwork.com
LVN to BSN programs
RN to MSN bridge programs
LPN to RN programs
Accelerated RN-BSN
Good nursing schools
An article on
cnn.com last week reiterated what I'd been taught when I came to work for The College Network: make sure you know if the school you're planning to attend is regionally or nationally accredited. There's a big difference.
For one thing, nationally accredited schools will often accept credits from regionally accredited schools, but regionally accredited schools typically do not accept credits from nationally accredited schools. This could be a big deal if you decide to take undergrad classes at one type of school and want to transfer to a different school. Students who have neglected to thoroughly research their options have found themselves stuck without a degree and in debt because they weren't aware of the differences before signing contracts.
Nationally accredited schools tend to offer cheaper tuition, but keep in mind that with scholarships and financial aid, regionally accredited schools can become much more affordable.
No one choice is right for every person, but students should be sure to do their research before determining which type of accreditation is right for them.
With
The College Network you can be sure that the education you're receiving is affordable and safe. We only work with regionally accredited schools so you can be sure you're getting the best education possible. The College Network offers online degrees from leading universities including:
inexpensive nursing degrees,
RN to MSN bridge programs,
accelerated RN to BSN, and even
LVN to BSN programs.
It's Friday! Our training class has been with us for an entire week now. We have one more day of initial product knowledge training and then they will begin the next phase of their training: OTJ (on the job).
A review of the week and what information had already been gained was the first order of the day. Our intrepid crew of trainees showed that they are ready and eager to help our clients with their educational needs. A few last questions about the RN to MSN nursing program and the LVN to BSN made the discussion lively.
The wonderfully flexible Bachelor of Science programs offered through Bellevue University were presented next. Bellevue, a leader in online education, is a wonderful option for the person who wants to get a BS degree while continuing to work full time. Degrees in areas like Project Management, Criminal Justice Administration, Legal Studies and Software Development are "hot" areas right now and Bellevue allows a customer to get a degree efficiently and affordability. These degrees are a nice compliment to our on-line nursing degree programs.
So, a full week of product knowledge training is complete. We have covered all the online nursing programs we work with, including for the ASN, BSN and MSN. We have talked about nurses and nursing, policies and procedures, online courses and "brick and mortar" schools. We have provided an introduction to The College Network and provided a first step toward a life of learning for both our new Program Advisors and our future clients.
The sky is the limit!
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