If you are currently enrolled in an online education program for nursing, you may still be contemplating which field of nursing to go into. Some of the first jobs that come to mind are in hospitals, doctor's offices and nursing homes. However, one field of nursing that you may overlook is the school nurse.
Did you know that in order to have the title of a "school nurse" you have to be a Registered Nurse with a minimum of a bachelor's degree and a certificate in school nursing?
The main responsibilities of a school nurse include:
- Enforce compliance with immunization requirements
- Disaster preparedness and emergency protocols
- Manage the care of students with chronic medical conditions
- Health education of students and staff
The average salary for a school nurse is $43,753 annually. One of the most desirable aspects about a career as a school nurse is the hours. Typically you will not work evenings or weekends and many school nurses even get to enjoy the summers off.
Kathy Phillips, a customer of
The College Network who earned her LVN to BS in Nursing degree from Indiana State University, has had great success working in a school district in California since earning her degree.
"I have a new job that has doubled my salary from what I was making before. But more than that, I have a job that is much more challenging and rewarding," she says. You can watch Kathy tell her story here or call us at 1-800-395-1014, today, to take the first step towards earning your degree.
During my usual morning routine while reading the news online, I came across this article that made me stop. Titled, "10 Hot Careers for 2012 - And Beyond," it takes a look at fields that are in need of more qualified employees. Not surprisingly, #2 on the list is healthcare professionals.
Take a look at this link.
As you can see, with an average salary of over $64,000 per year, the U.S. will be in need of 103,900 RNs PER YEAR. So for all you LPNs, LVNs, and Paramedics out there wanting to boost your career, receive a pay raise and a steady job, look no further than the advanced nursing education provided by
The College Network and leading universities. We can take you from your LPN/LVN/Paramedic to your associate degree in nursing or BS in Nursing degree and have you earn the RN money and stability you're looking for. Give us a call today!
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734
Is 2012 really already here?
Where did 2011 go?
If you find yourself asking these questions then like many people you may feel like you didn't get everything that you wanted to achieve accomplished in 2011. Many people settle for this frustration year after year after year. But you don't have to.
If you have ever dreamed of earning a degree or returning to school MAKE 2012 YOUR YEAR!! Go get that BS in Nursing or finish your Associate of Science in Nursing degree. Earn your Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or explore other online degrees options from top univesities.
Call The College Network (1.800.395.1014) to learn more about certificate and degree programs that can change your outlook in 2012 and every year thereafter.
2012 is here and 2013 is right behind it.
What will be different in your life at the end of 2012?
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A BIG GULP, candy bar, snack potato chips and some lottery tickets. What does this sound like to you? They are things you get at a convenience store. From national chains to the local "Mom and Pop" quick stop, they're everywhere. We pay a higher price for things in these stores because of one major factor. No; not because you can put unlimited Cherry flavor shots into your huge 74 ounce soda cup. We do it for the convenience! A quick zip in and zip out, everything we need compacted into a space no larger than my wife's closet!
From 30 minute oil changes to drive up restaurants, we have become a nation of convenience addicts. I am guilty as charged! But convenience isn't always a bad thing. In some cases it can be the difference between having and not having.
The College Network, with our partnerships and associations with some of the top universities and colleges in the nation, has designed a way for you to obtain your Associate of Science in Nursing degree, BS in Nursing degree, MS in Nursing degree, Project Management certificate, Lean Six Sigma certification, or Paralegal certificate through a combination of distance learning and comprehensive learning modules. LPN to RN degree programs that allow you to work from any high-speed Internet connection, anytime, 24/7. This will allow you to learn and earn your degree in the most convenient way possible. Our goal is to make education fit into your life.
Convenience can be a good thing. Convenience joined with degrees from top universities is a very good thing. Better job security, higher pay, better quality of life, satisfaction of accomplishment all in a convenient online program. Want to know more? It's simple and convenient; just call me 1-800-307-1006 ext 2649.
What more could you ask for? Maybe a SUPER GULP?
I hope to hear from you!
Lawrence Bowlin
lbowlin@collegenetwork.com
A recent article from
U.S. News University Directory reports that more nursing students are choosing to earn bachelor's degrees instead of associate's degrees. The article goes on to state a couple of important facts: "According to a press release, enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs increased by approximately 3.9% between 2010 and 2011. Additionally, the survey found that enrollment in bachelor's degree completion programs, or RN-to-BSN programs, grew by 13.4%."
More importantly, the article says, "As more students opt to enroll in these courses of study, many schools across the country have found that they are having trouble accommodating so many degree seekers due to faculty or space restrictions. Preliminary data from the report shows that in 2011, about 51,082 qualified students were turned away from 503 entry-level bachelor's degree nursing programs."
For aspiring bachelor's degree nurses, this is troubling news. Demand for bachelor's degree nurses is still very high, but traditional colleges don't have the means to satisfy the desires of many who wish to earn these degrees. So what can one do? Give
The College Network a try. With a myriad of degree programs in nursing, whether associate's, bachelor's, or master's, TCN can possibly help you bypass the long wait lists of some universities by offering convenient higher education online.
Betsy Frank, PhD, RN, ANEF; a professor emeritus at Indiana State University was honored for excellence in teaching at the recent NLN Education Summit 2011.
In the article found at
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3317/is_6_32/ai_n58502666/, Dr. Frank discusses technology and how it has changed teaching.
"Who could have imagined 40 years ago that we could teach effectively online? I know I didn't! But I can say that teaching online has made me a much better teacher--even in the classroom."
Dr. Frank is a strong advocate for nurses becoming educators. She earned her doctorate degree at the age of 35, and encourages others to receive advanced education as early as possible to allow them to grow in their careers.
"Noting that not all students will be successful, despite the best efforts of faculty, Betsy concludes that in the main, 'Our focus on students will help them be successful in whatever they choose to do. It is the solid educational foundation that allows our students to take flight!'"
The College Network would like to congratulate Dr. Betsy Frank on her accomplishment!
If you would like to learn more about the online LPN to BS in Nursing programs and RN to BS in Nursing programs available from Indiana State University where Dr. Frank teaches,
click here or call 1-800-395-1014 for more information.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that there was a 3.9% increase in enrollment for BS in Nursing programs this year. Since the year 2000, there has been an annual rise in nursing school enrollment. from 2009 to 2010, there was a 5.7% increase!
“With the Institute of Medicine and other leading authorities calling for significant increases in the number of nurses with baccalaureate and graduate degrees, moving to prepare a more highly educated nursing workforce has become a national priority,” said AACN President Kathleen Potempa,
quoted on ModernHealthCare.com.
What does this mean to you? If you are an LPN--go for RN status! Associate prepared or Diploma RN? Think about the online BS in Nursing or the RN to MSN program! BSN Nurse? Time for the MSN! The demand for nurses continues to increase, but so do educational expectations. Research The College Network and see how we can help you to become more competitive in the ever-expanding nursing field!
Many of you have heard of the Ironman competition. It consists of a 3 part test of endurance, competition, and will power. The 3 legs of the Ironman competition, consisting of a swim, bike ride, and marathon made me think of how the LPN/Paramedic to BS in Nursing through
The College Network and Indiana State University is its own test of endurance and will power.
Below is a recap of how the Online LPN to BS in Nursing works, and its Ironman equivalent.
Phase I – The College Network (Ironman Equivalent = 2.4 Mile Swim)
- Study The College Network’s Comprehensive Learning Modules and complete end-of-course equivalency exams to earn credit for your prerequisite and nursing courses (link to program brochure)
- Experience learning entirely online in our Online Resource Center (link to the ORC demo) which is designed to uniquely compliment various learning styles
- Work at your own pace (If you can commit to studying an average of one hour per day, you can expect to test out of a course once every 3-6 weeks)
- Succeed with The College Network. We guarantee you will pass each exam and offer academic support via phone, email, and online chat 5 days a week
- Take your exams online from the comfort of your home.
Phase II – Complete 4 Customized Study Modules (Ironman Equivalent = 112 Mile Bike Ride)
- Apply and enroll into Indiana State University
- Study the 4 College Network Customized Study Modules (CSMs) to test out of those 4 courses
- Take and pass your 4 CSM Exams Online Directly Through Indiana State
Phase III – Indiana State University and Clinicals (Ironman Equivalent = 26.2 Mile Run (aka a marathon)
- Apply to the Indiana State Nursing School
- Complete 12 remaining nursing courses through Indiana State online
- All remaining courses are online, asynchronous, and based on 16 week semesters with summers off
- Complete your clinical hours with a preceptor at a local facility
- Graduate with your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana State University
- Average completion time for your BSN degree is 3-5 years (Phases I and II are self-paced, whereas Phase III is not)
- Prepare for your state RN boards with The College Network “Rx for NCLEX Success” (link to more info) developed in partnership with the National League for Nursing
- Become an RN and earn up to $20,000 more annually!
So what are you waiting for? Would you rather compete in the Ironman competition, or get going on your online nursing degree? Either way, let me know, and I'll be happy to help you get started (at least on the nursing program)!
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734,
kburton@collegenetwork.com
When I first started at The College Network—I must admit there was a bit of a language barrier. And, probably not in the way you are thinking; so many of the terms and abbreviations were ones that I had never heard before. I was able to understand the terminology only after I studied about the online programs offered, and how our customers learned the materials.
I approached my new job like a class. I researched terms, their significance and meaning, in order to give myself a foundation. As a marketing person, I cannot speak to others about that which I don’t understand. Some of my questions were: What exactly is Lean Six Sigma? Bloom’s Taxonomy? Who knew that I was an auditory learner? And, I had never heard the word asynchronous before.
A vast majority of information came from The College Network’s online Resource Center. In the Center for Learning Empowerment, I was able to learn about Bloom’s Taxonomy, defined as a classification of learning objectives within education. I also took a short quiz to find out that I am an auditory learner. And well, asynchronous is a student-centered teaching method that uses online learning resources (comprehensive learning modules) and is for example, self-paced.
The easiest way for me to understand more about Lean Six Sigma was to write a blog about it—much like you would write a paper or study for an exam. I researched the definitions, history and practical applications. I was also able to speak to some of our customers who obtained their Lean Six Sigma certificate. I then sat down to write a blog, in an attempt to help others like me who needed a better understanding of it.
I like to consider myself a lifelong learner. I truly enjoy the process of learning. While I am not in a position where I have to take exams, I do have to be able to be an expert in my field. This time that you spend right now in your Associate of Science in Nursing program, BS in Nursing program, or in your certificate program is adding to your foundation and making you a stronger, smarter person. It isn’t just about the material; it’s about how you use it.
23,000 nurses at 34 California hospitals are currently not working due to strikes and lockouts, and the situation is reported to be the
largest nursing strike in US history according to
Fierce Healthcare. The conflict arose from Sutter Health Care and registered nurses under its employ, who are represented by California Nurses Association. The issues at hand are Sutter's attempts to reduce retirement coverage and health care, eliminate paid sick leave and nurses' ability to advocate for patients. Nurses from Kaiser Permanente hospitals located in Northern and Central California are striking in solidarity, despite already having reached a deal with their employer, and nurses from Children's Hospital Oakland are also striking.
We at The College Network hope for a speedy and equitable resolution to the conflict. I talk to nurses in this territory every day, and many of them became registered nurses through help from The College Network. Many nurses in the area are in the process of becoming RNs through the online LVN to BS in Nursing program from Indiana State University as well. If you'd like to become an RN, give us a call at 1-800 39-LEARN.
According to an
article in the Akron Beacon Journal, Akron General Medical Center has announced that it is cutting 70 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) positions, and filling the spots with Registered Nurses. All of the jobs that were lost were in inpatient care, which will now be exclusively staffed by RNs. There remain 82 LPNs on the Akron General Medical Center payroll, but all of them are in outpatient care and other areas. There are a total of 1,005 registered nurses working at the hospital, and more will be hired.
If you are a LPN in Ohio,
we can help! Becoming a RN is no longer just about increased salary and responsibility, it is about increased job security. Obtain a convenient RN License through an Associate Degree of Nursing or LPN to BS in Nursing online. In a rapidly changing job market that is leaving many LPNs unemployed, The College Network is stepping up to provide a convenient transition to RN status. Don't wait until it's too late---invest in your education and your career today!
In a recent article published in the Middletown Journal it was announced that Miami University which is one of Ohio's top nursing programs is ending its two year nursing degree programs to concentrate on four year and bachelor's degree completion programs. This is big news considering the fact that Miami University reportedly provides many nurses to surrounding hospitals such as McCullough Hyde in Oxford, Atrium Medical Center in Middletown and The Fort Hamilton Hospital.
This change is also going to impact an existing problem with waiting lists due to the limited number of NLNAC accredited universities with online nursing programs.
"The shift has implications for the region and the state’s most popular type of higher education that enrolled nearly 30,000 students in 2009, according to the most recent Ohio Board of Nursing data.
The demand for all types of nurses is expected to grow in coming years as older professionals begin to retire while new students often face waiting lists of up to two years because of a shortage of educators and clinical training sites."
The good news is that there are options for nurses in Ohio and everywhere even those with minimal nursing school prerequisites. The College Network partners with leading universities to provide nursing education programs that can be completed entirely through distance learning. Best of all, The College Networks programs are designed for busy nurses looking for flexible nursing education with no waiting lists.
Visit www.collegenetwork.com to learn more about LPN to RN, LPN to BS in Nursing, RN to BS in Nursing, and other advanced nursing education programs.
When trying to use the words further and farther, it's not uncommon to get confused about what each one means. A simple way to remember would be to say that The College Network exists to help people further their education so that they can go farther in their careers.
This can be seen in how The College Network offers some of the top online nursing programs in the country. For those LPNs or associate degree level nurses looking to further their education, The College Network offers programs including, LPN to BS in Nursing, LVN to BS in Nursing, and a convenient way to earn an RN license. If you already have your RN, The College Network also offers MSN programs.
Distance nursing programs are a convenient and efficient way for working individuals and people with busy schedules to go farther in life with an advanced degree from one of the nation's top universities.
To go farther, you must go and further your education.
Bridge is defined as a connecting, transitional, or intermediate route or phase between two adjacent elements, activities, conditions, or the like. As an Appointment Coordinator, I have a lot of time to think about bridges and talk about them with people who need them. The College Network's bridge programs are a lot like bridges over rocky waters - once people start the voyage, they feel propelled forward and seldom look back.
In this case, the bridge is from LPN or LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse) to RN (Registered Nurse). A lot of LPNs and LVNs feel like they deserve to be on the other side, and are anxious to get on the bridge. They feel that they can do everything that RNs can, and often they
do perform many of the same tasks as RNs on a daily basis, but they lack the salary and job security that RNs have.
If you are standing on one side of the river and wondering what it would be like to become an RN, give us a call at The College Network today: 1-800-39-LEARN.
There is no time like the present, and why shouldn't you take on the responsibility, gain the job security, and earn the salary that you know you deserve? Whether it is the online LVN or LPN to BS in Nursing, or the Online LVN or LPN to AS in Nursing, we have an NLNAC Accredited program that is right for you. It's always taking the first step that's the hardest, but our friendly staff and Program Advisors are here to help, and we have one thing in mind at the end of the day: to see you cross that bridge and achieve success in your life and career. Get on the bridge, and you won't regret it.
We’ve all seen the phenomenon of aisles at local stores disappearing. You go to the aisle where you previously found snacks or outdoor patio items and they're not there. In their place are notebooks, pencils, markers, backpacks and folders. (You might have picked up on the desperation on children’s faces at the local pool, trying to eek out just a little more of summer before it ends) And then it hits you that—even earlier than you thought possible—it’s back to school time!
Maybe you start thinking about your education and you wonder, “Is it back to school time for me too?” In the United States, there are over 90 million adults in some type of adult education. And, 40% are non-traditional students; which is defined as someone 25 years or older. (Source: U.S Department of Education)
If you are looking into your options, know that getting your online degree is possible. As an adult learner, you most probably have a full time job that you are working around. You may have a family as well, including kids and pets that require time and love. At The College Network, you are able to study on your own time and can utilize your work breaks or take advantage of quiet time at home.
So, as the school buses start rolling out in the next few weeks, think about what direction your career is going in. You can easily earn your BS in Nursing or an Associate Degree in Nursing. Back to school is only a phone call away— 1-(800) 39-LEARN.
New reports are now becoming available that are validating what many of us have been seeing firsthand and have long believed: online learning is rapidly becoming more accepted and , in some cases, the preferred way to learn. The non-profit group Project Tomorrow has just released new figures from its 2011 report that show online learning’s new place in modern learning:
- More than 40% of students now indicate online classes are an essential part of their learning experience
- The number of high school students with access to online learning has tripled and the number of middle schoolers with access has doubled
- In the last two years, five times more parents have indicated that online learning should be part of the ideal learning experience
Not only are more people having the ability to participate in online learning, but attitudes are rapidly improving. "Online learning is transformative. We are starting to see a generation rising through middle schools that demand online learning and have a clear insight into how it can change the future of education,” said Julie Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow. “These students are moving online learning beyond the basic learning paradigm and taking ownership in their learning process—creating an engaging, personalized, and collaborative learning environment.” We at The College Network are proud to have been allowing our adult learners the opportunity to take part in our own innovative and transformative online programs, including Indiana State University's online LVN to BS in Nursing.
A web site focusing on online education just published an interesting chart that outlines the many crucial milestones in the evolution of distance learning. The chart is reproduced below or can be viewed at
http://www.onlineeducation.net/internet-revolutionizing-education.
It is amazing to see how education has changed from the traditional classroom-based programs many of us grew up with to the current customizable and personalized, rich, online experiences that are now available. The College Network's founding in 1992 positioned the company to take advantage of many of the best features available to help working adults continue their educations without sacrificing their careers or taking valuable time away from their families. This is especially important for LPNs and RNs seeking their BS in Nursing or LPNs seeking to become RNs.
The evolution over the last decade has been amazing. I expect that it will be even more impressive in the decade to come.
Only 53% of today's college graduates are working full time, with a high percentage of those working in jobs that do not require a BA or BS degree, reports the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development. As everyone knows, these graduates are facing one of the toughest job markets in history.
In contrast, The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), conducted a national survey and it was found that 65% of new Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates had job offers upon graduation. Additionally, four to six months after graduation, the survey found that 89% of these new graduates had job offers.
What does the current jobs market look like for a Nursing graduate? It is growing! In March of this year, between hospitals, long-term care facilities and other ambulatory care settings, over 37,000 new jobs were created. This was the largest monthly increase in any employment sector.
Within the last year, 283,000 jobs have been added in the healthcare sector. (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
So, you have all the facts. There really isn't a better time than now to get the education you need to succeed. How are you going to do that? With The College Network, not only will you save up to 50% more than going to a traditional brick-and-mortar school, you can obtain your online nursing degree from a leading university at your own pace. You save money, have great job prospects in a growing industry, and the deep sense of fulfillment that you have positively impacted those patients you come in contact with. Carpe Diem! Call us today at 1-(800)395-1014 or
click here to get started.
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.
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