NOW!

If you've noticed a lot of red lately there's a good reason. Yes it's Christmas time, but there's another reason for that ruby shade showing up everywhere this month: December is AIDS Awareness Month.

The AIDS epidemic was first introduced in the United States in 1981. Since then, about 1.7 million people have been infected in the U.S. with 600,000 of them resulting in death. There are around 50,000 new cases each year in the United States, but the good news is this is on the decline. Worldwide, the number of AIDS cases has dropped by 20% since the late 90's.

The decrease in the spread of the disease can be largely credited to the massive AIDS Awareness campaign that has educated people, worldwide, on the prevention of the disease. Along with the AIDS Awareness campaign, another resource was developed: Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC).

The ANAC is a group of nurses and health care professionals that are dedicated to caring for HIV/AIDS patients. Their mission is to promote the health and welfare of persons infected with HIV/AIDS, improve the care of those affected, and promote social awareness of the disease. By doing all of these things, the ANAC's overall goal is to prevent further infection of the disease.

If you're one of the many people enrolled in one of our top online nursing programs, becoming an AIDS nurse may be a great avenue for you to consider. December is the month we promote AIDS awareness, however it is a disease that affects people 365 days a year and those patients need care year round. So, if you're ready to fulfill your dream of becoming a Registered Nurse, call The College Network at 1-800-395-1014, today.

Today the memory of one of my old nurses popped in my head, out of the blue. Her name is Karen and we met when I was very young-probably around the age of 4 or 5. I remember her vividly; she was pretty and had brown curly hair and was so kind and friendly. 

I remember her finding toys for me to play with everytime I visited the doctor's office. She was always genuinely concerned about how I was doing and how my family was as well. In fact, her and my mom developed such a bond that our families began to get together on the weekends.

Eventually Karen became pregnant, and to her suprise, with triplets. Needless to say, that was a huge undertaking and Karen left her job as a nurse to take on her new roll as a full time mom to three babies. Our families stayed in touch for several years, but like many things in life that friendship faded over time as everyone got wrapped up in their own responsibilities.

I never forgot Karen. She was the best nurse I've ever had, and it brings a smile to my face when I think of her. I can only imagine that there is someone out there feeling the same way about those of you RNs who are reading this. Karen did so much more than just care for me as a nurse-she forever impacted my life.

At The College Network, we pride ourselves in helping develop people into amazing nurses, just like Karen. A lot of time and careful planning go into developing our top online nursing programs. If you are thinking of earning your online nursing degree or are ready to sign up, give us a call at 1-800-395-1014.

This Thanksgiving, I have a lot to be thankful for: a loving husband, two great dogs, wonderful parents, good health, a roof over my head, my job, and I could go on and on. I am also thankful for the opportunity to be a part of helping thousands of nurses earn their degree.

At The College Network, we make it possible for people who have busy schedules and daily responsibilities to fulfill their education dreams. Our convenient online nursing programs offer degrees from top universities, all from the comfort of your own home, so you can spend more time with your family instead of in a car driving to and from class.

It is our mission to ensure that our customers' are satisfied and that their needs are met. When you enroll in one of our top online nursing programs, you aren't just a number. We personally assign you with your very own program advisor who will be there to help you throughout your education journey.

Our friendly, knowledgeable customer support team will also be standing by in case you have any questions about your courses. You can call, email or chat with them anytime you need assistance.

So, this year why not add something to your list of things to be thankful for-your education. If you're ready to enroll in one of our many online nursing degree programs, call us at 1-800-395-1014. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve you!

A flu shot that is...Every year around this time we all get hyped up about getting our flu shots, and every year there always arises the question of who should get the vaccine. The College Network is offering a flu shot clinic to our employees, and that got me thinking about how important it is for those of you who have RN careers to get vaccinated. You are exposed to people who have the potential to spread germs on a daily basis.

A flu shot is an inactivated vaccine which means it contains killed virus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people get vaccinated before December to ensure the protective antibodies are in place before the peak of the flu season. Here is a link to a flu clinic locator. Just type in your zip code to find locations near you.

If you're wondering who should get vaccinated, here is who the CDC says should get a flu shot:

1. Pregnant women
2. Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
   1. Health care workers
   2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
   3. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

It's important to remember that flu shots are not 100% guaranteed to be effective, but they definitely can prevent serious complications caused by the flu. So, if you are already an RN or are currently enrolled in one of our top online nursing programs it's time to start thinking about taking that shot. Your body will thank you!

What are you doing with your life right now? Where do you see yourself when you look five or ten years into your future? Do you have a job or a career? Like many others, you had plans of going on to earn your RN after LPN school, but then time got away from you, right?

Don't worry! Advanced nursing education is still in your future. Think of it as your future's insurance policy. Having that degree will ensure a brighter more promising career rather than just having a job for the rest of your life.

The College Network's top online nursing programs are designed with you-the busy, working, parent, spouse, friend, committee leader, little league coach in mind. We know your schedule is not always predictable which is why you can sign up at any time to begin one of our distance nursing programs. With The College Network, there are no hassles and no waiting lists. You earn your degree when the time is right for you. 

Once you enroll in your program of choice, there is no pressure. You complete your degree on your own time. If you need some extra time to get through a course, you can take it. You really are your own boss.

So, why not protect your future with a degree? Call 1-800-395-1014, speak to one of our Program Advisors, and get the answers to all of your questions about enrolling in an online degree program.

I was just browsing The College Network's Facebook page and came across a wall post from one of our customer's. The customer was inquiring about the program they had recently begun and wanted input/advice from other people enrolled in The College Network's programs. 

As I continued to read the post, I noticed several customers began commenting on the topic. I couldn't help but think to myself how neat this was that these customers were utilizing our Facebook page as an open discussion board. 

If you find that you have questions about your College Network program and want advice from other people who are experiencing or have experienced the same courses, I encourage you to reach out to people on our social media sites.

We have a Facebook page and a Twitter page that can provide you with helpful information and connect you to other customers who are enrolled in our programs. I think you'll be happy to find that there are so many other people going through the same thing as you are. It's always comforting to hear advice from others on how they stay focused and determined throughout their program.

So, the next time you have questions or want to reach out to your peers for advice, stop by The College Network Facebook or Twitter pages and see what people are talking about. 

If you've ever heard the term "brain food" you may be surprised to know that there is actually a real definition for it: any food that is considered to aid intelligence, memory or creativity. (dictionary.com)

Personally, I love to cook and eat, so I was more than happy to discover that "brain food" is not just some term someone came up with, but rather something we actually need to aid us in the learning process. 

If you've enrolled in one of The College Network's distance nursing programs, you have probably developed a regular study routine. Have you built snacks into your schedule? If not, it's important for the sake of retaining the knowledge you're gaining, to aid your studying with some "brain food."

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that one item on top of the brain food list is coffee! That's right, my favorite caffeinated beverage is also well received by your brain. Now, here's the catch-plain, black coffee is good for you, not coffee that is loaded with cream, sugar and flavored syrups.

Some other key foods that will help empower your brain are whole grains, blueberries, tomatoes and nuts. Try searching the Internet for recipes that include these ingredients. I always find it helpful to make large quantities of meals and snacks ahead of time, so when I'm ready to eat I can just grab and go. This also helps you make healthier choices when deciding what to eat.

So, no matter which one of our top online nursing programs you're enrolled in, remember how important it is to accompany your studying with some brain-friendly food. Your brain will perform more efficiently and your stomach will thank you!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and marks 25 years for the cause. Although we should always be promoting awareness, October reminds us just how important this cause is and how many lives are affected by breast cancer every day. Here are some startling facts about breast cancer:


Early detection is important when diagnosing breast cancer. Every women should perform regular monthly self breast exams and those who are at risk of developing breast cancer (due to age and family history) should get annual mammograms.

I'm sure most of us have been touched by breast cancer in some way or another-whether you have had it yourself or know someone who has or does have it. I can think of several people in my life who are survivors as well as who lost their lives to the disease.

National Breast Cancer Awareness month also makes me think of all the nurses who spend so much time caring for women and men who have breast cancer. For many patients, their nurse is the person they spend the majority of their time with while going through treatment-and sadly, in a lot of cases, one of the last people they spend time with on this earth.

This October, The College Network remembers all of you who are survivors, fighters, those who have lost their battle, and the nurses who care for people who have been touched by breast cancer.

Last week I had the pleasure of writing a success story about a customer who lives in Canada and used the help of The College Network to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Writing this woman's story reminded me of a gentleman I also spoke with a few months back who was enrolled in The College Network's Paralegal Studies Certificate program. He was from Germany.

The woman who lives in Canada was a nurse global in the United States when she decided to immigrate to Canada-her husband is Canadian and owns a business there. Because of the accessibility of our online nursing programs she was able to begin her degree in the U.S. and continue completing it once she moved to Canada.

The man from Germany was studying law and wanted to accompany his degree with paralegal knowledge. There were no programs that offered what he wanted where he lives in Germany, but Boston University's online Paralegal Certificate program was perfect for his needs, and The College Network was able to help.

That's the beauty of online education-it's global. Anyone can earn a degree from anywhere they have access to the Internet. Nowadays, finding an Internet connection is pretty easy. Coffee shops, restaurants, gas stations, retail stores and many others are offering free wi-fi. Also, most libraries have computer labs which are set up for Internet connection.

When I was in college, I went to a school that was four hours from my home. So, every summer I would have to pack up all of my things and move back home for three months. I wanted to continue taking classes during summer vacation (so I could stay on track to graduate in four years) so I had to enroll, each summer, in the local college near my home. I'm glad I took the summer classes, but let me tell you it was a big hassle!

I would have loved to have the opportunity to take my classes online, on my own time, from anywhere I chose to. Online education really does make life more simplified. Whether you are living here in the U.S., are global, or are thinking of immigrating to another country, The College Network is here to help you achieve your education goals. Call us today: 1-800-395-1014.

It's officially here...fall! Cool, crisp air. Beautiful warm colors in nature. And, cold and flu season. Yep, it's that time once again where we get to endure the pleasure of sniffles, coughing, sore throats and the list goes on and on.

As a nurse, you are far more susceptible to getting sick because of the environments you work in. It's important for your health and for your patients' who depend on your care that you take extra care of your body as we enter the prime season for getting sick. Follow these quick tips to help prevent yourself from getting the flu or a cold this season:

1. Get plenty of rest. Strive for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

2. Keep your hands clean. Aside from washing your hands regularly it's a good idea to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse or at your work station. It's also a good idea to disinfect door knobs regularly-think of how many dirty hands are in constant contact with them.

3. Bump up the nutrients. Eat more fruits and vegetables to support a healthier immune system. Foods high in vitamin C are exceptionally good for promoting health.

I work in an office at The College Network, and like you I am constantly surrounded by others. Some of the things I do to try and prevent myself from catching other peoples' germs are wash my hands regularly, use Clorox wipes on my desk, computer keyboard and phone, and use my elbow to open doors when I can so I don't have to touch the handles. 

Best of luck in warding off the ugly cold and flu bugs this season! And, although we can't help you not get sick, The College Network is here to help you reach your educational dreams by offering degrees from top universities. Just call us at 1-800-395-1014.

As we spend this September reflecting on 9/11 and the ten year anniversary, it makes me think of a story I'd like to share with you. A story about a woman who witnessed the tragedy first hand and who later used The College Network to change her life.

Jean Brennan had been working as a paramedic for 20 years. September 11, 2001 started out as a normal day for Jean, who went to work at the hospital in Brooklyn, New York where she was employed. At 9:03a.m. she looked out of a window and saw an airplane fly into one of the World Trade Center Towers.

Being a paramedic, Jean spent the day tending to the victims of the attack. She describes the day as very surreal and says she understood what was going on, but that it was like watching a movie in slow motion. 

Jean had been thinking about becoming an RN for a long time, but working first hand with the victims of the 911 tragedy are what motivated her to move forward with her dream.  “I love being a paramedic, but I wanted something that promoted health, because that promotes peace,” she says.

Jean has since completed her Paramedic to RN program with help from The College Network and says it has completely changed her life. She was able to continue to work full time while earning her degree and says she used her down time at work to study. To learn more, you can watch Jean tell her inspiring story here.

Do you know that September is National Preparedness Month? Don't worry, I didn't either, until recently. Do you know what that even means? Again, I didn't either, until I did some research.

The development of this observed month is a fairly new one, being that is was first created in 2004 and sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Basically, this is an effort to educated the U.S. population regarding steps to take in emergencies whether it be in your home, business, school or community. 

National Preparedness Month is only one of many observed events throughout the U.S., but this really got me thinking outside the realm of what it stands for. We dedicate a lot of time preparing for the "what if" this happens...the chance of an actual disaster affecting your life is probably slim, but nonetheless, you prepare.

But, how prepared are you for your future? You know for sure your future is coming, so why do so many people sit back and not do anything to prepare for it? In 2011, it's more important than ever to have a degree.

The College Network makes it easy and affordable to get an online education.  You can earn your degree while working full-time and tending to your other daily responsibilities. This really is 21st century education, and is made to fit into your lifestyle.

The best part about our programs is that you can start at anytime. So, if today is the day you want to prepare for you future (it's never too late), give us a call at 1-800-395-1014!

Quality patient care. Nursing excellence. Innovative professional nursing practice. Magnet Status-is this something your hospital is trying to achieve?

Magnet Status is one of the highest recognitions of nursing excellence a hospital can be awarded. This program was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and provides consumers with information on the quality of care they can expect to receive. 

Magnet Status is not just awarded to any hospital that applies. Your organization must meet over 65 standards developed by the ANCC which must be detailed in extensive written documentation and validated by a site visit.

Did you know there are education requirements that must be met before applying for Magnet Status? In fact, if you visit the Magnet Recognition website, the education requirements are the number one subject in the list of FAQs. 

Have you ever had a morning like I had today? I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. which gave me enough time to get up, shower, make coffee and pack my lunch before leaving for work. 6:00 a.m. rolled around and I found myself hitting the good 'ole snooze button...then 6:15...then 6:30 and before I knew it, it was quarter til 7 (I have to leave by 7:45).

Although I did manage to sneak in 45 extra minutes of sleep, it came with consequences. I was rushed to get ready, didn't have time to make coffee (a morning must for me) and forgot my lunch. I definitely regret not getting up at 6:00 a.m. when my alarm first went off.

Too often, people find themselves in this same predicament with their education. You set a plan to go back to school, but when the time comes, you put it off til next semester...which turns into next year...which becomes "once my kids are grown" and so on and so forth. 

Don't put the snooze on your future any longer! The College Network offers convenient, inexpensive nursing degrees that can be completed online and on your schedule. It's never been easier to work towards advancing your career and having higher earning potential.

Call and speak to a Program Advisor at 1-800-395-1014 today, and sign up for one of our distance nursing programs.

If you're thinking of going back to school to earn your advanced nursing degree but have a hard time deciding which approach to take (online vs. a traditional classroom setting), I understand your hesitations.  You probably know that online would be the best solution to your already jam-packed schedule, but you may have some concerns regarding the legitimacy of distance nursing programs.

The concept that online education is not as valuable as traditional classroom based education is a thing of the past. Today, e-learning is estimated to be a $48 billion industry, worldwide.

Here's the proof according to surveys reported by The Sloan Consortium:

• For the past 7 years online enrollments have been growing substantially faster than higher education enrollments

• 63% of institutions surveyed said online learning was a critical part of their long term strategy

• There was a 21% growth for online enrollment and less than 2% growth for higher education

• More than ¾ of academic leaders at public institutions reported that online education is as good as or better than face to face instruction

With this data in mind, it may not be long before online education becomes a predominate form of post-secondary education in the U.S.

The College Network is now an approved ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) provider!  

If you aren't familiar with CNE, they are courses designed to offer contact hours for nurses. CNE is required in 33 states for LPNs and RNs to maintain their license. In order to be a CNE provider, you must be accredited.

Because of this accreditation, we can now offer even more opportunities with our distance nursing programs. The College Network will begin by offering three courses: Medication Safety, Patient Rights and Ethics in Nursing. Upon completion, each course will be worth 2.5 contact hours.

ANCC accredited programs are recognized by most state licensing boards for CNE requirements, provide a high standard of excellence and quality in the CNE program and demonstrate commitment to high quality nursing practice.

If the idea of online education frightens you, you're not alone. For many people, the concept of earning a degree, completely online without ever reporting to a classroom, is hard to wrap their mind around. I completely understand which is why I am going to help you overcome any fears of signing up for distance nursing programs with The College Network.

First off, online doesn't mean alone. Our Academic Support department is committed to providing quality customer service, academic planning and support services for TCN customers. Academic Advisors are available to assist you with academic counseling and course analysis along with providing customer follow-up to ensure your satisfaction.

Academic Advisors are available 8:00a.m. to 11:00p.m EST Monday through Thursday and 8:00am to 9:00p.m. EST Fridays. You can reach an advisor by calling 1-800-634-1443, e-mail academics@collegenetwork.com, or you can chat live with someone via our website.

In addition to our Academic Support Department, our Online Resource Center is available to assist you throughout your program. Included in the resource center you will find the following:

• Defined key terms
• Completed course objectives
• Interactive end-of-chapter questions (with immediate feedback)
• Practice exams
• End-of-chapter quizzes
• Printable files

Among the items listed above, you will also have access to The Center for Learning Empowerment - a site designed to teach people how to learn, and discussion forums where you can connect with other online learners for support.

So, fear not future online learners! You will have a plethora of support throughout your online degree program. Just remember, we at The College Network care as much about you being successful in your program as you do!

As a Marketing Specialist for The College Network one of my responsibilities is to write articles for our internal company newsletter. I just finished one titled "Help us be the best," which is about an upcoming initiative, we as a company, are launching in an effort to apply for the project "Best places to work in Indiana."

The Best Places to Work in Indiana project is dedicated to identifying and recognizing Indiana’s best employers. Companies honored with this title must show the right balance of taking care of employees while operating a successful organization. Eligibility is based on an in-depth evaluation identifying strengths and weaknesses according to employees.

As I was writing this article, I really began to think about "what does make us the best?" Well, in my opinion, all of our staff are exceptionally friendly and have nice things to say about the company. We have a great work environment, paid time off and all the other bells and whistles that go along with making a company a desired place to work.

But, what truly makes us the absolute BEST? We help people fulfill their education dreams. We offer inexpensive nursing degrees from top universities. We have a program that is designed with YOU in mind. We understand the burdens of working full time jobs and raising families, which is why our programs are self-paced. You can earn your degree without sacrificing your other responsibilities.

So, for me, our desire to help people achieve their education dreams is what makes The College Network the best place to work. I speak to satisfied customers all of the time, and it is a wonderful feeling to hear them tell their story of how they fulfilled a dream they never thought possible.

If you have a dream that's waiting to be fulfilled call 1-800-395-1014 and speak to one of our program advisors.