My name is Melissa Gardiner, and I work in the Marketing Department at The College Network. I am thrilled to be a part of helping people reach their education dreams! I know the value of education, but I also understand the importance of finding a good balance between every day life and trying to earn your degree. I look forward to sharing my blog with you!
As we approach the holiday season many people will reflect on the joy they have in their life: a loving family, a roof over their head, great career, food on the table and so on. Unfortunately, this time of year is also a very sad time for many people. While some are indulging and enjoying life, many others are struggling and don't know how they are even going to put food on the table each day.
We, at The College Network, decided to help out some local children. We recently adopted Greenbriar Elementary School and held a coat drive amongst our employees and independent contractors. We set a goal to collect 200 coats for the children at the school.
As I mentioned, we didn't know how big the impact of this would have until we delivered the coats to the principle at Greenbriar. She shared a story with us of a student who had been in an accident and had to be taken to the hospital. This child was so upset but not because he was hurt, rather because the doctor was going to have to cut his "sweat shirt" off, and that was the child's only form of winter weather attire. We went on to learn that this is the case with many of the students at her school.
I am proud to share that our team really showed how compassionate they are by donating 229 coats and 291 hats and gloves for these children. If you are blessed this holiday season (which I hope all of you are) try to remember those who are less fortunate and find a way to help someone in need. Remember, a little giving can go a long way!
Although the unemployment rate increased slightly in October-going from 7.8% to 7.9%-the United States still added 171,000 new jobs. Amongst the top industries contributing to these new jobs was health care with 31,000 new positions added.
If you are unemployed or just looking for a more stable career, health care is an excellent choice, and The College Network can help get you started down this new path. We have several different programs for you to choose from to earn an online degree in the health care field:
Associate's Degree Programs
- LPN/LVN to RN
- Paramedic to RN
Bachelor's Degree Programs
- LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- RN to BS in Nursing
- Health Care Administration
- Health Information Management
- Healthcare Management
Master's Degree Programs
- RN to MS in Nursing
- MS in Nursing
The College Network offers academic support for our portion of these degree programs from leading universities, so when you enroll with us, you are never alone. Your success is just as important to us as it is to you, and we will work with you as much as you need our help to ensure that you master the knowledge you are learning. There has never been a better time to begin a career in the healthcare industry, so if you would like more information on our online degree programs call 1-800-395-1014.
As a new mom to a four month old baby boy, I have learned a lot about adapting to life with children. There is no longer such a thing as a set schedule in our house. We basically do everything on the baby's schedule-which all parents know, and pretty much changes on a daily basis.
I, like many of you, still have to work full time. So, between driving to and from the baby sitter's house in the morning and evening, spending my days in the office and taking care of our nightly duties of cooking, feeding and bathing our son and getting everyone ready for the next day, there really isn't a lot of "free" time. Can you relate?
This very scenario is the motivation behind The College Network's convenient online degree programs from leading universities. We know you're busy. We know you want to advance your education. And, we want to make it possible for you to do just that.
Our degrees are self-paced. What this means is you can earn your degree in as little or as much time as you need. You can work on your degree from any place you have access to the Internet and during any time of day. It really doesn't get any more convenient than this.
Keep up with your personal life. Earn your degree on your time. It's that simple. For more information visit our website or call 1-800-395-1014.
Are we connected on LinkedIn yet? With over 175 million members, LinkedIn is the world's largest professional networking site on the Internet. If you are a professional and you haven't signed up (it's free) for a LinkedIn profile yet, you should.
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with colleagues, potential employers and potential business contacts. At The College Network, we know the importance of networking, which is why we have created a profile on LInkedIn.
By following The College Network on LinkedIn, you will have regular access to industry related knowledge, information about our online degree and certificate programs and updates regarding our company.
So, if we aren't connected on LinkedIn yet, become a follower of The College Network and begin learning more about who we are, what we do and how we help hundreds of thousands of people advance their education.
If you're thinking of going back to school to earn an advanced degree, you are probably weighing the costs as part of your decision process. In addition to the expensive tuition fees associated with many universities, are also a lot of miscellaneous fees that people often forget to factor in their budget.
The good news is, with an online degree from The College Network, you will not have the majority of those extra expenses, making it not only convenient but more affordable to advance your education. The info graphic below shows many of the hidden expenses associated with attending an actual brick-and-mortar school.
If you're looking for a no non-sense way to earn your degree, The College Network can help you get started. We offer online degree from top universities. You can begin at anytime-no waiting lists to get started-and you can earn your degree in as little or as much time as you prefer. For more information, visit our website or call 1-800-395-1014.
Thursday June 14, the American Nurse's Association (ANA) hosted the 2012 Healthy Nurse Conference in Washington, DC. The theme of this year's one day event was "Nurses as Models of Wellness in Action."
The purpose of the event was to strengthen nurses' knowledge of healthy lifestyles so they may be inspired to integrate those habits into both their RN careers and personal lives. Registered nurses are continuously educating others on healthy habits, but often times they forget about the importance of implementing these behaviors into their own lives. The 2012 Healthy Nurse Conference and others like it help nurses remember to take care of themselves while they care for others.
If you are thinking about becoming an RN and would like more information on how to get started, call The College Network today and speak to a Program Advisor at 1-800-395-1014.
The College Network would like to extend a special congratulations to the recent nursing graduates from Regis University! 120 online students recently graduated from Regis's Loretto Heights School of Nursing with either a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
Out of the 120 graduates, 60 percent of these students began their education with help from The College Network. Regis University and The College Network have been working together to help people achieve their dreams of higher education for nine years.
Regis University has repeatedly been ranked as one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report. The College Network works with the university to offer the following online programs:
- BS in Nursing
- MS in Nursing
- RN to MS in Nursing
- BS in Health Information Management
- BS in Health Care Administration
If you would like to speak with someone about signing up for one of these online programs, call 1-800-395-1014.
Are you nearing the end of your nursing degree program? If so, you've probably began thinking about taking the NCLEX-RN exam. This is the exam that is required by all nursing school graduates in order to earn your license and practice as an RN. Because of the importance of passing this exam to your future in nursing, it is no wonder so many people are nervous to take their NCLEX.
Although there is good reason to be nervous, the pass rate statistics for the NCLEX-RN are pretty reassuring. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the percentage of first time US Educated students who passed their exam, so far in 2012, is 91.23%.
If you're unfamiliar with how the NCLEX-RN testing process works, the NCSBN lists the following steps to be completed before taking the exam:
- Apply to your board of nursing to receive an authorization to test (ATT) and then register with Pearson VUE. It is recommended you begin this process well in advance of your target test date.
- Locate your test site. Test centers may fill up quickly.
- Learn about eligibility and apply for licensure with your board of nursing.
- Register with Pearson VUE and pay the testing fee.
- Schedule your exam.
If you're planning ahead to take your NCLEX-RN exam, The College Network has developed a Comprehensive NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation Package to help our customers prepare to test. This is the only comprehensive exam preparation package that has been developed with the National League for Nursing. You will be fully prepared to take your exam because the package features cutting-edge technology and provides in-depth study resources.
For more information on our exam preparation package including a pdf and product demo, click here.
Many of you have probably heard the term "accredited." We use it a lot when we talk about accredited nursing programs, but many people may not truly understand the value behind that word: accredited.
When I hear the word "accredited", the first thing that comes to mind is excellence. When I was in college, it was extremely important for me that the program I was studying was accredited, because I knew that the education I would receive would be the best of the best AND would be reputable when it came time to look for a job.
Not every higher education program holds this status of accredited. It is something that must be both proven and earned. Those that have earned this level of excellence have gone through a long process of being reviewed by experts. The following is a list of benefits of choosing an accredited program:
- Program excellence
- Experienced faculty
- Respect from potential employers
- Ability to transfer credits more easily
The quality of the education you receive really does matter. At The College Network, we know the value of accreditation, which is why all of the universities we work with to offer online nursing degree programs are regionally accredited. You can learn more about online nursing programs here or by calling 1-800-395-1014.
Our partner universities nursing degree programs are accredited. When you enroll in an online nursing degree program, with help from The College Network, you will earn a fully accredited degree from one of the respected universities we work with. Every nursing degree is either NLNAC or CCNE accredited.
There is never a waiting list to get started in one of our programs. When you sign up to work with The College Network, you can begin working towards your degree immediately. Because our programs are online, you won't ever have to worry about waiting for space to open up in a classroom.
We offer the only distance LPN/LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, through Indiana State University, in the country. You can go straight from being an LPN/LVN to a Bachelor prepared RN entirely online and again, with no waiting list.
We offer unique financing options. The College Network has several different affordable payment plans available for our portion of your degree program.
Academic support is available. The College Network offers complete academic support for our portion of the program. You can call, chat online or email our Academic Support department, and you can view discussion boards for assistance.
The College Network has helped over 150,000 nurses begin an advanced education! And, we can help you too! Getting started is simple. Just call us at 1-800-395-1014 to learn more about how you can reach your dream of earning your advanced nursing degree.
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!
Do you know someone who seems to pass every test they take with flying colors and with seemingly minimal studying? You, on the other hand, study the material over and over and over again and never seem to do quite as well on your tests. Are you studying the wrong information? Do you just not get it? Maybe you weren't cut out for this after all? Don't go beating yourself up over this, because there could be a very good reason behind your test taking issues-you may have "Test Anxiety."
Test Anxiety is a very real issue that a lot of people struggle with. It is when your anxiety is so bad that it affects your exam performance. People suffering from test anxiety can experience physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms. Here are the main causes of test anxiety according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) :
- Fear of failure
- Lack of preparation
- Poor test history
If you think you suffer from Test Anxiety there are some things you can do to manage it.
Organize-Organize your time and develop a study plan. Give yourself plenty of time to study before you have to take your exam.
Prepare-Study, study, study.
Practice-Take practice tests or have someone quiz you over the material you have studied.
Ask Questions-If there is material that you have studied and don't understand, ask someone for help.
Take Your Time-When exam day arrives, take your time to read through the directions and each question thoroughly. If you don't know an answer, skip it and revisit the question once you have finished the remainder of the exam.
Always remember, whether you are preparing to take your NCLEX-RN or an exam for a specific module, The College Network is here to support you and help answer any questions you have when studying. Visit our Academic Support webpage to find out how you can get into contact with one of our academic advisors.
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.
There are three main types of learning styles: auditory, visual and kinesthetic. Since every person learns differently, it is important for you to understand which style or combination of styles works best for you so that you can be successful in the learning process.
Auditory Learners learn best by listening. These learners prefer to hear things being explained rather than to read about them. Reading material aloud often helps them learn better.
Visual Learners learn best by seeing things such as pictures, graphs and charts. They like to see things written out, but may have a hard time concentrating while listening to a subject being explained to them.
Kinesthetic Learners learn best through hands-on experiences. Touching things or participating in an activity helps these learners retain information. They also prefer to write things down.
If you are a customer of The College Network, I encourage you to log in to our Online Resource Center and take the Learning Styles survey, located within the Center for Learning Empowerment, to find out which style of learning best suits you. This will help you focus better and ultimately retain the information you are learning, which will help you have more success with your exams.
April has quickly approached us and probably has many of us thinking about planting our spring flowers, mowing our lawns and breaking out our grills. It's also a great time to think about ourselves and make sure our health is in check.
April 7 is World Health Day and reminds us just how important it is to take care of ourselves and live a healthy life. World Health Day is a global initiative that was founded in 1948. The theme of this year's campaign is "Good health adds years to life."
Taking simple steps can make a big difference in your overall health and well being. Things like adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, walking or taking the stairs more often and getting regular physicals all can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
At The College Network, our Human Resources department has put together a wellness plan initiative for the entire year for employees to partake in if we choose. The plan consists of a variety of different seminars that cover health, nutrition and exercise. We even have the opportunity to participate in events that focus on managing expenses and other aspects of our daily lives.
Setting up a voluntary wellness plan is a simple way to promote the importance of good health. Even though we should all be taking care of our health, everyday, sometimes we needs events like wellness sessions or World Health Day to remind us of this. So, on April 7, lets all join together and make a promise to ourselves to live a healthy lifestyle!
You may have heard about the nursing student education dilemma that's currently happening in the U.S. There are more student's applying to nursing programs at brick and mortar schools than these institutions can accommodate. As a result, many of the students are getting turned away.
Did you know that with The College Network's distance nursing programs, you can begin working towards your degree whenever you are ready? That's right, with our nursing programs from leading universities there is never a waiting list to get started!
Once you enroll, you can complete your degree in as little or as much time as you like. Our online nursing programs are designed with you in mind, and with the understanding that life happens. You should be able to earn your degree on your own time, and with our programs that's exactly what you can do.
We offer fully accredited online Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's in Nursing degrees from top nursing schools. If you would like to learn more, visit our web site or call and speak to one of our Program Advisors at 1-800-395-1014.
If you're thinking about earning an online nursing degree, you may have heard about The College Network, but maybe you aren't exactly sure who we are and maybe you aren't exactly certain how our programs work?
Well, let's start from the beginning. We are very seasoned in our industry as we have been around for nearly two decades. The College Network first began helping people reach their educational dreams in 1992, and since then we have helped more than 150,000 nurses begin their journey toward advanced education!
As for how our programs work, we partner with reputable universities to offer associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees, which are regionally accredited. With our online Comprehensive Learning Modules you can take equivalency exams to earn college credit.
Each online nursing degree program is designed with you in mind, and the programs are self-paced. You can complete your degree in as much or as little time as you choose so that you do not have to interrupt your daily life. The most important thing to remember is that you are your own boss here, so you are in charge of how long it takes you to earn your degree.
One of the best things about enrolling in one of our online nursing degree programs is that you won't have to deal with any waiting lists. You can get signed up and begin working towards your degree right away! If you would like to learn more about our online nursing degree programs, click here and follow the link the the video demo.
Are you currently enrolled in one of The College Network's distance nursing programs? If so you may be looking for ways to save a buck to help off set the cost of education. Here are some simple tips to help you cut costs and earn a little extra money to put towards your education.
- Brown bag your lunch and eat your breakfast and dinner at home. Often, people don't realize how much eating out, even if only a few times a week, adds up. You can save a lot of money by cooking all your own meals. I always set a weekly budget for groceries of $60 for myself and my spouse (that's for a weeks worth of breakfast, lunch and dinner). We are able to get fresh fruits and vegetables and do not eat frozen or processed food. It's all about buying what's on sale, making a list and sticking to it! AND, never go grocery shopping while you are hungry!
- Skip the expensive coffee shops in the morning and brew your own coffee at home. If you are set on a certain coffee shop brand, many times you can buy it in bulk at wholesale stores for less money.
- If you have extra stuff collecting dust at home (let's be honest-most of us do) sell in on eBay or craigslist. You'd be amazed how easy it is to sell items on these sites.
- Following along the lines of item number three, why not have a garage sale? It's coming up on that time of year again, and garage sales are great ways to clean out your space and make some extra money doing so.
- Limit your frivolous spending. If you're on a budget or trying to save money, don't go out and buy a new pair of jeans...no matter how good of a deal they are! Every little bit of spending adds up.
The bottom line...it's all about prioritizing. Your education is one of the most important things you will ever do for yourself, so why not make it a priority? That's the great thing about The College Network's online programs. You can earn your nursing degree from a top university, entirely online at a fraction of the cost of attending a brick and mortar school. You can learn more about our programs here.
March 19 is Certified Nurses Day and The College Network would like to send a special Thank You to all you certified nurses out there! Certified Nurses Day started as an initiative to honor nurses who hold national board certification in their specialty making them committed to bettering patient outcomes.
Nurses who hold this special certification have advanced knowledge, skill and practice in their specialty to keep up with modern nursing trends. Certified Nurses Day, designated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Nurses Association was first celebrated in 2008.
There is significance behind the chosen date-March 19. This is the birthday of Margreta 'Gretta' Madden Styles who was an advocate for nursing standards and certification. She developed the first comprehensive study of nurse credentialing and went on to implement these standards and credentials to nurses.
As a result of the certification process, the standards of patient care have greatly improved over time. So, this March take the time to thank those certified nurses who work hard, every day, to continuously provide the best care for patients all over the nation!
If you're enrolled in one of The College Network's distance nursing programs, that means you are probably used to being around all sorts of prescription medication on a regular basis from your previous or current healthcare work experience. Healthcare facilities have the capability to safely get rid of unused prescription medications, but what if you have unwanted prescription drugs lying around at home? You're not supposed to just throw them away-it's unsafe.
Fortunately, you're in luck! April 28th is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This past October was the third annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day and over 188 tons of unwanted prescriptions were turned in.
Take Back sites are available in all 50 states with several locations in each one, making it convenient to drop off your unwanted medicine. The upcoming April event hours are set for 10am-2pm with information on local drop off locations to be posted on The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day website (mentioned above) in March.
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