One Must Use It Well

Friday, June 18, 2010 by Carla A. Downing, Ph.D.

Many years ago, I took an introductory philosophy course and was exposed to the teaching of René Descartes. While Descartes is probably best known for the statement Cogito ergo sum (I think, therefore I am) he was also the inventor of the Cartesian coordinate system (which served as the basis for many mathematical advances) and far too many other major contributions to address in this format. In short, he’s known as the Father of Modern Philosophy, due to the fact that his contributions and philosophical views were so widely accepted.

In his work titled Discourse on the Method, he stated the following regarding thinking correctly:

". . .differences of opinion are not due to difference in intelligence, but merely to the fact that we use different approaches and consider different things. For it is not enough to have a good mind: one must use it well."

Because in today’s workforce this truth is more evident than ever before, I thought I'd provide some examples. For young people trying to enter the workforce, people of any age trying to re-enter the workforce, or someone who wants to transition to a new career, there are some things you will want to know sooner rather than later if you plan to succeed. Who knows, maybe this little list will help someone get that next promotion or make the decision to return to school to complete his or her degree.

1. How you think will determine how quickly (or not) you will advance in your chosen field. Stated another way, how you think today will determine your tomorrow.

Do you solve problems effectively? Do you think beyond what is required to complete assigned tasks or just enough to get by?

2. Those who reflect often are often considered wise. (Or is it, those who are considered wise reflect often?)

If you want to learn more about the power of reflection tune in next week when reflection will be the main topic.

3. Learning is not defined by the collection of random pieces of information. Rather, learning is defined by how one connects pieces of information.

Do you understand both the details as well as the big picture when it comes to your workplace responsibilities? Do you know how your work affects the work of others? How does what you do fit into bigger processes? 

If you're an LPN looking for good nursing schools, accelerated nursing courses, or a way to earn your ADN, The College Network can help you find an online nursing program to meet your needs.

Stop and take a minute to reflect on this.

So, what do you think?

Until next week.

cd


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.

LVN to BSN Programs

Friday, June 11, 2010 by The College Network Web Team
If you are ready to advance your Nursing career to the next level, earning higher salaries and qualifying for the best Nursing positions, then perhaps it is time to start looking into LVN to BSN programs that will get you to your goals. As an LVN, you don't have the time in your busy schedule for traditional Nursing courses. Perhaps this is what has held you back? If so, then The College Network has the answers you have been waiting for.

Working with its partner Nursing Colleges, The College Network offers Nurses the opportunity to discover LVN to BSN programs with are built around accelerated Nursing courses with the busy professional Nurse in mind. Offered online, these programs are designed to help you achieve your career goals quickly and efficiently.

In just a fraction of the time that it takes to complete a traditional Nursing program, the online courses also offer immediate placement. There are no waiting lists! Once you have found the program that will work best for your situation, you can get started immediately.

Online classes for Nursing offer students the ability to work on their schedule. There are deadlines and exams, but most of the coursework is self-paced. There is an excellent support structure, designed to help you complete the work required.

Each of the programs partnering with The College Network meets Registered Nursing requirements and will qualify you to sit for the RN Licensing Exam much sooner than you might expect. You will not be limited to the traditional semester calendar. When you complete one class, you can simply move on to the next.

Financial Aid is available for students who qualify and since Nurses are in high demand, there are programs that can help you to finish your LVN to BSN program at a lesser cost than you think. Getting started is simple. When you have made up your mind to work toward completing your BSN degree, just take a few moments to find out more from The College Network. By completing this simple form, you will be on your way to a more rewarding Nursing career in no time.

Getting a Nursing Degree

Friday, June 11, 2010 by The College Network Web Team
Hospitals, doctor's offices, schools, and businesses are always in need of qualified nurses. By earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN, students will prepare themselves to become a successful RN within one of these industries.

Registered nursing careers offer flexibility in time, finances, and career options. A registered nurse at most hospitals will earn a starting wage of 25 to 30 dollars per hour. This is far greater than starting salaries for almost any other college graduate. While a high starting wage is important for your career, nursing also offers many opportunities for advancement. Advancement in nursing professions will always translate to better pay as well as rewarding experiences.

While a career in nursing provides the temporal needs that most families are looking for, it also provides opportunities to provide the needed care that the sick and afflicted require. Studies show that nurses and doctors are among the happiest and most satisfied employees, since they are constantly helping and serving others.

Earning a nursing degree can be one of the most challenging aspects of your career as an RN or LPN. Many accelerated RN programs do their best to prepare students to be ready to work upon graduation. This means that rigorous coursework in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and other health related sciences are expected to be learned by students. Prospective nurses must understand that the road to a successful nursing degree is extremely rewarding, but also extremely difficult and time consuming.

The College Network and its partners provide nurses with all of the information they require in order to adequately prepare themselves for the education they will receive. Their website is a resourceful tool that I would recommend to all those who are even considering applying to a good nursing school. Choosing the right school and program for your career and educational goals can be one of the best things you can do. By taking advantage of The College Network and the resources they provide, you will be better equipped to make the decision as to where to begin your nursing education.

Convenient RN License

Thursday, June 10, 2010 by The College Network Web Team
Nurses are in demand across the country. There is a shortage of skilled RN Nurses and it has never been easier or more affordable to complete an LPN to RN  or LVN to RN nursing degree. Traditional programs require several years of study to prepared Nurses for their RN licensing exam. Working Nurses do not always have the time necessary to complete these programs while sitting in a classroom.

With accelerated nursing courses through an online education program for nursing, it is simple for an LPN to advance their skills and qualify to take the RN licensing exam in a matter of months. When you are ready to advance your career and your salary, you will find that The College Network is the best place to start looking for a program.

If you have questions about how The College Network can help you, contact The College Network online for additional information. You will find out that the advisors at College Network can help you to figure out which of the many online nursing programs is the best option for you.

Busy professionals find that traditional Registered Nurses programs require a large investment of time and keep them from participating in their other daily activities. With an online program, you work on your material at your own pace.

A convenient RN License is one that you earn at your own pace and complete as efficiently as possible. Nurses are in growing demand and you can't afford not to talk to an advisor at The College Network to find out if one of their many partner programs would be a good fit for your educational needs. Visit www.collegenetwork.com/blog for more information today.

Affordable RN License

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by The College Network Web Team
Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions and highly skilled Nurses are offered excellent positions and high salaries. Finding a Nursing College where you can earn an affordable RN license can be daunting. This is particularly true for working LPN or LVN professionals who need to fit their classes into their already very busy schedules.

With the invention of the internet came a whole new set of opportunities for Nurses who are looking for accelerated Nursing courses. It is now possible to earn an Associates Degree in Nursing Online. This type of program will not work for everyone. You must have an LPN or LVN license to be admitted, and you must be determined and motivated to earn your RN License.

Taking online Nursing courses is efficient and convenient. The College Network will help you to find the right online Nursing Program for your situation. Partnering with leading Nursing Colleges, The College Network is able to work with students to find a program that best meets their needs whether it is earning an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree in nursing.

Working with The College Network is an excellent way for Nurses to further their career through affordable RN License programs that help working Nurses to develop a higher level of skills and experience. In addition to getting nurses into programs offering nursing education with no wait list, there is also a program that will help shorten the length of time it takes to complete courses.

The Comprehensive Learning Module Program is an online program that helps students to prepare for college credit equivalency exams. After passing these exams, students receive college credits toward their program of study from their univeristy of choice. This is an amazing opportunity that will help you to complete your degree faster than you ever thought possible while you continue to work.

If you are a Nurse looking for a better life, The College Network can definitely help you to find a program that will work with your busy schedule. Complete your coursework online and qualify to sit for the RN Licensing exam. This is an opportunity that you cannot afford to let pass you by. Call 1-800-395-1014 today to find out what options might work well for your situation.

Accelerated RN to BSN

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by The College Network Web Team
If you're looking to advance your career and your expertise in the nursing field and begin an accelerated RN to BSN program, The College Network can help you on your way. With help from sophisticated colleges such as Regis University, Angelo State University, and more, we can help you on your way to receiving your Bachelor of Science in Nursing in no time.

Pursuing a BSN is a highly rewarding career choice. Not only do you require a more advanced skill set, but you can greatly expand future job opportunities and create more options for yourself and your family. It is even rumored that a BSN may be required for some nursing work that it was not previously required for. If you're juggling a busy lifestyle but are still interested in advancing your career opportunities, then The College Network online programs may be right for you.

The accelerated RN to BSN program is for students who wish to make a brighter future for themselves without having to drastically change their lives. Because the curriculum is online, it gives students the chance to fit school into their busy lifestyle, not the other way around. Adults who work or have families will be able to greatly benefit from these online programs because they can attend class whenever it is most convenient for them. Studies even show that students who complete part or all of their curriculum online perform better than students who are in a physical classroom setting.

The largest benefit when taking the accelerated course of study is that students can get certified as quickly as possible so that they may begin working and providing for themselves and their families. Entering the workforce earlier means less money spent and more job experience in the long run.

The College Network has teamed up with some of the best universities who offer online programs to bring you the best online education experience possible. When you use The College Network, you can be sure that you will find the best online program to fit your personal needs as a student. We are determined to bring you a first-class education -- from the comfort of your own home!


Earning a Nursing Degree

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by The College Network Web Team
The College Network and the universities associated with it provide an excellent way for you to return to school and earn your nursing degree. By earning your RN license, you will be opening up brand new career paths that you had never before known were out there.

The nursing industry is booming in the United States, but there are not enough qualified nurses to fill all of the available positions. That is why it is so important for young adults to consider earning a nursing degree. Due to the shortage of nurses in the country, demand for nurses is increasing. This means that students who fulfill registered nursing requirements will be able to receive the pay that they have always deserved.

Earning your nursing degree is easier than you might think. The College Network has provided prospective students with all of the information they will need to find a university that will fulfill their educational and career goals. More information about The College Network and the universities associated with it can be found here. You will be able to research the different programs you can pursue in order to become an RN, BSN, or MSN.

There are so many options available to graduates of an accelerated RN program, and you can find out more about those options by beginning your research online today.

Nurses and Professionals find Ease in The College Network

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by The College Network Web Team
For nurses wanting to advance their careers, The College Network offers accelerated nursing courses. More than 150,000 people just like you have used The College Network to achieve their goals.

The College Network is not a school. There are no classes to attend, and there is no waiting list! Instead, the College Network offers a program consisting of "Learning Modules." Through each of these modules, the customer is able to either "test out" of courses and earn actual college credit towards a degree. These credits are accepted both at The College Network's partner schools, and at thousands of universities nationwide.

This allows professionals to advance their nursing education with no waiting list, without interrupting their existing work or family schedule. The modules are available online, and are self-study, allowing customers to work at their own pace.

For customers who plan to continue their education at an online university, The College Network's Learning Modules are a great opportunity. While the program is online, customers are given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the differences in online learning versus that of traditional classroom learning, in a low-stress environment.

Regardless of your reason for concentrating on your education, the ease and affordability of The College Network is a great place to begin your journey.

The Next Semester Syndrome

Sunday, June 6, 2010 by Joel Kimzey
Over the years, I've had the privilege of helping thousands of people get started on the journey of earning their first, second or multiple degree. I recall one very nice older lady who came to a workshop I was conducting in Secaucas, New Jersey. The first thing I thought when I met this lady was she might be a little too old to get started on a college degree; she was nearly 70. She told me she was an ADN RN interested in pursuing her BSN. Upon further inquiry, I learned this woman had a MHCA and a Phd in administration but her reason for wanting a BSN was because it was a stepping stone to her ultimate new goal of a MSN so she could teach nursing. She started in the healthcare field several years earlier as a CNA. Then one day she decided she wanted to be a nurse and went to nursing school to earn her LPN (she didn't want to wait for a year to start the local ADN program). Upon earning her LPN, she went on to earn her RN and later a BS in area I don't recall.

Here was a woman who had an ADN, a BS, a masters and a Phd. All of these degrees she had earned while working and raising kids! What was so remarkable about this woman was all of these degrees she had earned were from sitting in a classroom! I felt humbled. She told me she was at a point in her life she wanted to earn her next degree in a more convenient fashion! After learning about our BSN degree program from one of the finest universities in the U.S.; Regis University, she promptly got started.

Over the years I've had countless people tell me they wanted to earn and finish their college degree but they never seem to get around to starting. It's always the same thing I hear; "as soon as I do this" or "as soon as I do that" I'll get started. I call this the "next semester syndrome." The problem with this mindset is soon almost always turns into later, much later or never.

In the area of the company I work, my region mostly helps LPNs earn their NLNAC accredited RN and RNs earn their accelerated BSN &/or their MSN without ever the requirement of sitting in a classroom. Earning a college degree, no matter what the field, is never an "easy" experience. However, there are easier ways than others to accomplishing it. The College Network, in concert with it's various partners such as The George Washington University and Regis University make earning a college degree doable for the full-time working adult. I'm very proud to be part of a company that helps people make a difference with their own lives

Education -- Destination vs. Journey

Friday, June 4, 2010 by Carla A. Downing, Ph.D.

I have encountered so many people who think that post-secondary education is all about completing a series of assignments or jumping through hoops of some sort. More accurately, university-level education in the 21st century is about learning how to learn and think; and then effectively and efficiently applying that understanding to different situations in the classroom, the workplace, and life in general.

The problem--this is not how higher education is marketed to the masses.
 
For years there have been ongoing debates regarding the merits of formal education vs. common sense and on-the-job training. These debates will likely continue for generations to come. However, few people can effectively argue the following points.

• We live in an era in which information is abundant (to say the least).

• Being able to process significant amounts of information quickly and accurately is a requirement for many of today's leading professions.

• Being able to decide which information is of the greatest value then utilize that information in decision making is an ability sought by many employers.

Let's take the field of nursing for example. There’s a national focus to push education requirements for RNs to the baccalaureate level. While many think this push is about education in the generic sense it is actually more about the level of cognitive processing and decision making required to improve patient outcomes.

Unfortunately, many approach post-secondary education like it's a destination rather than a journey. Development of keen analytical skills and the ability to effectively synthesize large amounts of information is achieved through completion of exercises that take place under the supervision of educators who know how to guide learners as they begin such a journey.

In short, a quality education doesn't teach you the answers; it teaches you how to recognize them along the way.

The programs offered by The College Network and their partner institutions allow people to embark on this journey and complete their nursing degree by taking accelerated nursing courses and nursing prerequisites online. If you want to be proactive about developing skills that will advance your career and you are considering completing a Registered Nurse program, call The College Network and let the journey begin.
 

One Thing A Day

Friday, May 28, 2010 by Carla A. Downing, Ph.D.
I was having lunch with a couple of friends today and said words I hadn't heard in a while. These words were powerful agents at one point in my life and they are just as powerful today.

Do one thing a day.

A few years back I was trying to accomplish a goal while still maintaining my full-time job, raising kids, and trying to support my husband's professional goals at the same time. The goal I was trying to reach was very important to me but I just couldn't seem to make it happen. I had recently reunited with a friend from high school who was making some major transitions in her life at the same time and she shared these words with me.

Do just one thing each day and before you know it you have made significant progress.

The concept of one thing a day was so simple and yet so powerful. I was frustrated because I wasn't making progress; but, I wasn't making progress because I was missing out on the little things I could do to move my project forward. I wanted big progress so I oftentimes passed up the little opportunities to achieve something. Had I taken each of the little opportunities I had passed up previously I would have been much farther along in the process of fulfilling my goal.

This is a particularly powerful practice when it comes to completing your formal education. You can not complete an Accelerated RN to BSN degree you have never started; and you can't earn an RN salary if you aren't an RN. 

Do just one thing today -- begin the process of completing your nursing degree.

Do just one thing today -- visit MyTCNStory.com and read about others who have completed their Associates Degree in Nursing online with the help of The College Network.

I finally reach my goal, and several others since then using the one thing a day approach and I know that you can do it too!

cd

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.

Accelerated RN Program

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

Should you decide, as an LPN or LVN, to take any educational programs over the Internet, it is now much easier for you to do so.

You just need to look for an accredited school that is right for your budget and your preferences. You can also contact the school to make further arrangements, such as when your classes will be and from whom you will get your training.

Our advanced degrees in nursing allow you to get your advanced nursing education with no waiting list.  Imagine skipping all the hassle of regular school. 

If you're ready to get going on a registered nursing program, check out The College Network Online
 


LVN to RN in Texas-Nursing Education with No Waiting List!

Monday, April 12, 2010 by Joel Kimzey
Thousands of LVNs in Texas have chosen The College Network's online accelerated RN program to prepare to pass Excelsior College® Exams via their comprehensive learning modules. Nurses have an academic guarantee they will pass these exams in order to receive the college credit they need to graduate from Excelsior College®.

LVNs work just has hard as RNs but in most cases make far less than RN salary. The typical pay raise per hour is $10 more. That equates to $1600 more each month. 20K more for the year and more importantly, after 30 years-a career-equals $600,000 additional dollars. Many RNs make as much as $20 more per hour than an LVN.

The Texas Board of Nursing recognizes graduates of Excelsior College® as eligible to apply to take the NCLEX examination and apply for licensure in Texas based on Excelsior College's® approved status in the state of New York.

In June of 2009, Governor Perry signed House Bill 3961 into legislation, which included language guaranteeing that Excelsior graduates are eligible to apply for licensure through at least December 31, 2017. This should not be a concern, as all nursing programs are continually subject to review.

The National League for Nursing (NLN) designated Excelsior College® School of Nursing as a 2008-2011 NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, one of only 15 such centers in the nation, in recognition of the school's sustained achievements in creating environments that promote students learning and professional development.

Excelsior College® has been helping nursing students reach their educational goals in Texas and across the country for three decades and is the third largest producer of RNs in Texas on an annual basis, with thousands of nurses practicing across the state.

Excelsior College® is one of the largest nursing schools in the United States, graduating over 1,600 students annually and graduates consistently have a pass rate on the NCLEX examination that is at or above the national pass rate.

What Is The Typical RN Salary?

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

LVN to RnIf you are currently an LPN or an LVN, you may be thinking that you'd like to be a RN, but simply do not have the time for it with work and the kids.

You might think again.  Now you can get into an accelerated RN program online with the help of The College Network.

It's worth your time too because RNs are given more responsibility than LPNs or LVNs. An RN can work with patients unsupervised, while the other two cannot.

Also, an RN can perform medical procedures, such as inserting and starting an IV line for a patient, while an LPN or LVN cannot. This amount of professional autonomy causes a higher RN salary than either of the other two nursing degrees.

According to studies, a LVN can earn an average of $51,000 a year, while an RN even just a year out of school at the same job can earn as much as $79,000 per year. This makes you want to consider an LVN to RN switch, doesn’t it?

If you're ready to start your own self-paced education and training, check out The College Network Online