Online Education Makes Earning Nursing Degree Possible for Single Mom

Thursday, February 16, 2012 by TCN Success
After working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for a long time, Elizabeth Hill decided to begin working towards her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Indiana State University with help from The College Network™.

“I thought it would be a great way to earn my BSN that would be a lot more convenient as a working, divorced mom. I need to earn more income, and becoming an RN is the way to go for me since I love the nursing field and have been an LVN for 27 years now,”  Elizabeth explains.

Not only does Elizabeth like the convenience of earning her nursing degree online, she also says this is more affordable than some of the traditional colleges she looked into.

Find out how Elizabeth stays motivated to earn her degree by reading more of her story, or call 1-800-395-1014 to find out how you can begin your online educational journey.

Wanted: New RNs

Sunday, January 29, 2012 by Kevin Burton
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

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

Thursday, December 22, 2011 by Kevin Burton
As we approach the holiday season that brings gifts to many of us, it always reminds me of that spirit I get around this time of year.  It brings out the kid in me, and thinking of all those toys from the past takes me back to my childhood.  So, I'd like to ask you a question: What did you want to be when you grew up?

AstronautI remember watching movies like Star Wars, and growing up like a kid with my head in the clouds.  I guess you can say I was your typical boy that dreamt of being an astronaut.  Of course those days have since faded away, but I think to myself now and then, "What if...?"  After thinking about "What If?" I realized that my time and your time has not passed you by.  You can still change your life to point it in the direction that you want(ed) to go.  Instead of asking what you wanted to be when you grew up, I'm now asking what do you want to be WHEN you grow up?

NurseThe College Network can make these dreams possible.  We have higher education online from our partner universities in the form of professional certificates and degree seeking programs.  So if you wanted to be a lawyer, you can pursue the Boston University Paralegal Certificate and work your way into the legal field.  If you wanted to be an astronaut like me, consider the Project Management Certificate through Boston University Corporate Education Center or the Lean Six Sigma Certificate program through a leader in the aerospace industry, Purdue University.  If you wanted to be in the medical field, and you are an LPN/LVN or Paramedic now, we can help you become an RN and move up the ladder in your career.

So, if you think you're a grown up, but still have childhood dreams, feel free to contact us today and we'll be more than happy to help in assisting you toward your goals.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

California Nurse Lockout/Strike is Largest in US History

Monday, October 3, 2011 by Charles Fox
Photo by Damian Dovarganes  /  AP; appears at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44625868/ns/health/t/nurses-dozens-calif-hospitals-strike/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.  


Learn is the Word

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 by Kevin Burton
According to the musical group The Trashmen and their 1964 hit "Surfin' Bird," apparently bird is the word.  Well, I am here to tell you that at The College NetworkLEARN is the word.

It seems a lot of us get caught up on what the end result of completing our programs are.  For example, obtaining your nursing degree from one of our top online nursing programs is a great accomplishment, but what about what we learn during the process?  I have to admit I am guilty of this just as much or more than anyone else, but I think it is a great time to reflect on exactly how you grow as a person and how much you will actually learn from The College Network online programs.

Imagine what you can do with the knowledge obtained in the Lean Six Sigma program from Purdue University.  The knowledge you receive from certified professionals can greatly improve your day-to-day work efficiency, and help you improve the quality of projects or processes in your company and end up saving hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.  And, it is no secret why RN nurses are better paid and in more leadership positions compared to LPN/LVN nurses.  Think of all the knowledge you will obtain in studying and learning throughout a Bachelors or Associates nursing program that you may have missed out on.

Yes, The College Network can help you achieve the certificate or degree you seek, but don't forget to soak in all the knowledge along the way!  Learn is the word!

Now for your viewing pleasure, and what you probably came for in the first place, a famous rendition of "Surfin' Bird."



Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Nursing: One of the Highest-Paid Jobs of the Future

Friday, September 2, 2011 by Lindsay Schmitt
In a recent article published on MSNBC.com, 24/7 Wall St. identified the best-paying jobs of the future and nursing topped the list.

According to MSNBC and 24/7 Wall St., the aging population is the main contributor to this change in demand. "This year, the first baby boomers turned 65. Their growing numbers and increasing medical needs will require more heath care professionals to care for them."

The article goes on to discuss how 24/7 Wall St. used the Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Employment Matrix combined with average median income for new workers to develop their list of the best-paying jobs that will also have the highest demand for new workers in the future.

Registered nurse was the number one job with a projected growth of 22.2% through 2018.

If you are an LPN or LVN who is considering going back to school for an advanced nursing degree, The College Network can help. We offer a way to complete online degrees from top universities which will qualify you to sit for RN licensure. Best of all, you can get started on your degree with no waiting list and complete courses while you work.

Click here to learn more about the options available in your area.

Tootsie Roll Pop

Saturday, August 27, 2011 by Kevin Burton
Mr. OwlHow many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop®?  Well, according to Mr. Owl, its only 3 (but I beg to differ, those things are pretty solid).  What's the point of my asking this?

You will never know until you try.

If you are considering a transition from your LPN/LVN or Paramedic license to get your RN, The College Network can help you try in the most convenient way possible.  Our educational materials and Comprehensive Learning Modules allow you to tackle achieving your degree in an online and self-paced manner.  Advanced nursing education has never been so convenient to the working adult, so why don't you give me a call and I'll help you try!

Side note:  If you speak to me and mention this blog post I will personally send you a bag of Tootsie Roll Pops® - you know, for the kids (wink, wink).

Contact me:  Kevin Burton, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Further or Farther?

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 by Bryan Curtis
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. 

Love What You Do

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 by Kevin Burton
Lake Powell, UtahI'm one of the lucky ones.  I recently returned from my vacation in the Western United States, and I have to admit, I loved every minute of it.  But as one often does, I had a few revelations in the mountains and deserts of America's Southwest.  One of these was, "did I really have McDonald's breakfast twice today?" (oh the joys of going from Eastern to Pacific time). But one that really struck me was how much I love what I do here at The College Network as a Program Advisor.

Everyone has heard the saying: do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.  Not surprisingly, I completely agree with that statement.  Whether you are a nurse, project manager, or work in any type of field, do you love what you do?

Love what you doHere at The College Network, we can provide you the education you need to be the best at what you love to do.  Whether you are already in that field or not, we offer higher education online through certificate and degree programs to suit your field.  Whether you want to bridge from your LPN/LVN to your RN Nursing license, obtain your Lean Six Sigma or PMP Certification, or enhance your skills or transition into the Paralegal field, we have programs that can help you.

Do you love what you do?  Either way, feel free to contact me and share your story.  I'm more than happy to assist you in furthering your education and career to achieve that level of love.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Welcome to the Bridge!

Friday, August 5, 2011 by Charles Fox
Image from http://htmlhelp.com/~liam/Ontario/NiagaraFalls/RainbowBridge/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.

LPN/LVN and RN to BS in Nursing Degrees

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 by Shane Best

New LPN/LVN to BS in Nursing ONLINE

LPNs/LVNs and RNs earn Your BS in Nursing Online!  NLN-accredited/Top Ranked Indiana State University offers the nation's ONLY Online LPN to BSN, LVN to BSN or RN to BSN. Get started now with no waiting list. 

Enjoy locally precepted clinicals with NO clinical testing. Earn your degree in half the time at half the cost of traditional programs with the help of The College Network. 

Our leading partner universities offer online nursing degree programs, distance learning associate degrees in nursing, LPN to ADN programs, LVN to BS in Nursing and LPN to BS in Nursing degree programs.

$18,720

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 by Lawrence Bowlin
$18,720.  That's a strange way of starting a sentence; isn't it?  What does $18,720 have to do with anything?  It could be the price of a new car.  Down payment on a new home.  That deluxe home theater system with 60" LCD TV you've been dreaming of.  What could that mean? 

$18,720 is the first year increase in your salary if you go from LPN/LVN to RN.  On average, RN's make $9.00 more per hour than an LPN/LVN!  Over the course of 10 years that's $187,200 in your pocket! 

Did you know that being a Registered Nurse is one of the most in demand jobs in the U.S.?  Look at any Sunday jobs listing in your local news paper or go online to any job search site and type Registered Nurse; look at the sheer volume of openings available.  Some of them even offer sign on bonuses to entice you to work for them! 

How do you get there?  Easy, invest in you.  You decide to buckle down, enroll in an Associate of Science in Nursing degree program online or LVN to BSN program online.  The College Network has made it more convenient and faster for you to get your RN while you continue to work.  You can do most of your program from from the comfort of your own home.  We have some of the most inexpensive nursing degrees available from leading universities that you can find anywhere and you get The College Network support the entire way.  We are here to help you realize your dream. 

Are you interested?  Do you have plans for the extra $$ you will make when you complete an online nursing degree program?  We can help get you there.  Call me and I will show you how to achieve your dream. 

$18,720.  What are you prepared to do?

name
moneybags

1-800-307-1006 ext 2649 or lbowlin@collegenetwork.com 



Floating on the Path to RN

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 by Joel Kimzey

Amanda began The College Network's online paramedic to RN program a little over a year ago. She lives in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Amanda is a busy mother with one child and works full time. During her studies she also became engaged and is planning on relocating to Wisconsin. One of the amazing attributes of using The College Network to complete your paramedic & LPN to RN program is it's portability-the customer can move to multiple states during the program! The exams one needs to complete the program are offered at multiple testing locations in every state.

Amanda told me after taking her first exam and passing with a good grade, she was "floating!" She makes it a point to carry a printed version of a comprehensive learning module from The College Network in her back pack all of the time. The reason why she explained is when she finds herself with as little as 15 to 30 minutes, she takes this time to study.

The path to becoming an RN is not an easy one no matter what program the nurse or paramedic chooses. College degrees are not acquired by osmosis. However, the program offered from The College Network makes the dream of becoming an RN significantly easier for the LPN or paramedic than the traditional path. The Associate of Science in Nursing online program never requires any classroom attendance. If you are a paramedic or LPN/LVN and want your RN but would prefer to fit your education around your life instead of your life around your education, then contact The College Network online at www.collegenetwork.com/blog or call 1-800-395-1014 to learn more.

Veni, vidi, vici

Monday, November 15, 2010 by José María Roldán III

"I came, I saw, I conquered" are the words that Jim from Kyle, Texas uttered to me last Monday after I helped him begin working on his LVN to RN program. These words were uttered by Julius Caesar in 47 BC.  Jim's motive for earning his RN were out of the ordinary. 

Jim wants to create a legacy for himself, and give back to the community.  He knows that getting his RN is a lot of work, but he is ready to conquer this challenge.  He is a former Marine, and is used to challenges.  He knows what it will take, and is ready to get down to business! 

He was looking for inexpensive nursing degrees that would fit into his lifestyle, and came across the LVN to ADN program where he could also complete his nursing prerequisites online.  Jim had looked into other distance nursing programs, but also wanted something where he wouldn't have to deal with the pitfalls of a classroom-based education.  He was impressed with The College Network support, and is now embarking on his next mission on his quest to become Nurse Practitioner.  Good luck Jim! 

We at The College Network are Here For You

Friday, November 5, 2010 by Stanley Dixon
I am currently working on a project at The College Network which emphasizes our commitment to our customers' success. We offer an a plethora of courses for adults looking to continue their education.

Whether you are looking to earn a better salary by upgrading your EMT to RN (with the Online Paramedic to RN Program), RN to MSN, or even LVN to BSN programs with inexpensive nursing degrees from our partner universities. We also partner with leading universities to offer certificate programs such as: Project Management, Paralegal, or Lean Six Sigma Online. 

With our programs you can earn online degrees and certificates from leading universities such as Regis University, Indiana State University, Purdue University, Boston University, and even eCornell.

But, The College Network support is what I am focusing on in this blog entry. Online classes can be daunting. You might start thinking: "How can I get help?" "How can I contact my peers?" "What if I am confused about a certain area of study?" The College Network has taken into account these aspects of online education, and we strive to make sure you know that online doesn't have to mean alone.

We have many systems in place to help ensure success. Online live chat with one of our specialists is just one way to get help. You may also contact us via telephone or email. We have specialists just waiting to help students having trouble. Being that we offer online courses, it is especially great that we have staff to make sure you are not alone in your studies. Online discussion boards are also in place to contact other students. 

Remember, You Are Not Alone.
you're not alone

So don't be afraid to enroll in online education with the help of The College Network. We will be with you along every step of the way.

The Importance of a BSN

Monday, October 25, 2010 by Lindsay Schmitt
It is becoming more and more important to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN. According to Yahoo! Education, a BSN degree is considered the 5th most valuable degree based on its potential for job security.

If you're an LPN, LVN, or Associate prepared RN who has ever thought about going back to school, now is the time. The nursing shortage is expected to grow throughout the next several years, and opportunities for jobs as a BSN are nearly endless.

With The College Network and our partner universities, you can complete LPN to BSN Nursing Programs and RN to BSN Nursing Programs with little interruption in your personal and professional life. We offer you a way to earn your nursing education with no waiting list and earn your degree while working full time.

Contact us at 1-800-395-1014 to speak with someone about the options available to you today or visit us online. Our Program Advisors would love to discuss your goals and answer any questions you have about online education and The College Network.

The Answer to an Empty Career

Monday, October 11, 2010 by Stefanie Kinsey

 

Not being fulfilled in your career can lead to problems that show up in other areas of your life. We spend the majority of our lives at work, and a significant amount of that time spent being unhappy can lead to a short temper away from work. Or it can result  in a short wave of anxiety on Sunday night when you think of work on Monday morning. It manifests in a variety of ways, even if it’s just an overall feeling of exhaustion. 

Certifications and degrees from The College Network's partner universities can counter the emptiness of being unfulfilled. There are a variety of options from Project Management Professional® preparation courses, LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, and online paralegal certificate programs. A certification or degree provides achievement, recognition, and community. In effect, an overall feeling of serenity.

Serenity at Sunset 

The designation change provided from a certification/degree is a reward for success. One example of a designation change that can be obtained through online classes for nursing is an LVN to RN program. The designation is more than just letters. It signifies to others that you can demonstrate the skills needed in that particular field. It is an achievement that you can proudly display in your home or office and on your resume.

According to the TechRepublic 2010 IT skills and Salary Report , the PMP Project Management Professional certification can lead to salary increases of 26 percent in the U.S. when compared to those without the certification. And according to PayScale.com, an LVN’s salary can increase as much as 27 percent to 29 percent when certified as a Registered Nurse. Salary is one type of recognition that an individual earns when they obtain a certification or degree. 

One of the most valuable aspects is the community an individual belongs to once a certification and/or degree is obtained. The community can provide a wealth of resources: encouragement, career suggestions, access to jobs, and growth opportunities are just some of the things the community of an individual’s certification and degree can provide.  

A certification/degree may be the answer to a feeling of lack of fulfillment. It provides achievement, recognition, and community. 

Nurses, Doctors Disagree on Role Nurses Should Play

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 by College Network
There was an article this morning on msnbc.com that talks about how a report done by the Institute of Medicine discusses how nurses should "take on a larger and more independent role in providing health care in America, something many doctors have repeatedly opposed, citing potential safety concerns. It calls for states and the federal government to remove barriers that restrict what care advanced practice nurses -- those with a master's degree -- provide and includes many examples of nurses taking on bigger responsibilities."
 
Part of the argument for this change in nurse's current responsbilities is to help with the additional multi-million Americans who are going to receive coverage thanks to the new health care law. "Experts predict that more physicians, nurses and other medical professionals will be needed to care for the 32 million additional Americans who will get coverage beginning in 2014 under the sweeping new health law. Nurses' groups say they can help ease a physician shortage. Last week, a report from the Association of American Medical Colleges said that in 2015, there will be a shortage of nearly 63,000 doctors across all specialties in America."
 
However, doctors argue that nurses don't have the same medical training and are therefore unqualified to perform the same tasks as doctors. "Doctors maintain that even with an advanced degree, these nurses do not have the same education that physicians get in medical school and residency programs and that patient safety could be compromised. They are also wary that their practices could see significant patient losses if the nurses were allowed to practice more independently."

But like it or not, changes are already happening across the country. "Colorado, for instance, recently became the 16th state to allow nurse anesthetists to work without a doctor's oversight. In Michigan, nurses are pushing for legislators there to allow advanced practice nurses to prescribe drugs. Other fights over scope of practice for registered nurses loom in Kentucky, North Caroline, Iowa and Minnesota."

The battle continues to wage and it will certainly be interesting to see how it plays out.

So tell me, how do you feel about about the topic? Would you be okay with an advanced practice nurse having the same role, or nearly the same role as a doctor?


The College Network offers several online nursing programs through leading universities to help nurses reach their goal of advanced education while they work. If you are interested in learning more about earning an inexpensive nursing degree such as LVN to BSN programs, accelerated RN to BSN, RN to MSN bridge program and online paramedic to RN program, contact The College Network at 1-800-395-1014 today. 

Changing Careers with The College Network

Thursday, September 30, 2010 by TCN Success

Unlike many nurses, Stefanie Nickles didn’t dream of having a career in the healthcare field her whole life. “I actually got a business degree in college and started out in the business world. I found I didn’t like it very much. My mom was a nurse and I’d taken some anatomy and physiology classes in college that I really liked, so I decided to make the career change to nursing,” she said.

First becoming an LVN, she quickly decided that she wanted more education. “Being an LVN was not sufficient in my area of work,” she said. After researching options that provided what she wanted, she decided The College Network was right for her. “I was looking for something online with flexibility—something I could do on my own time. The College Network gave me all of that. I found The College Network affordable and readily available to start my education right away.”

Stefanie urges future students to make a realistic plan and stick to it. “I planned out exactly what my goals were and as I was going through the program, I frequently assessed my initial plan and compared it to how I was doing year by year. At the beginning of my program, I sat down with a counselor from Indiana State University. I wanted to see what I could do faster and what needed to be done slower. I ended up sticking to my original plan pretty closely,” she said.

Since receiving her degree, Stefanie has moved from an LVN role to an RN role. She also has big plans for her nursing future. “I plan to continue my education by taking the BSN I’ve earned and turning it into a nurse anesthetist certification,” she said.

Freedom To Do More - Paramedic to RN Online Program

Monday, September 27, 2010 by Joel Kimzey

One of the reasons many paramedics and LPNs give me for wanting their RN is freedom. Freedom in having more choices. Freedom that more money many times can provide. More importantly, freedom that creates more time. For example, recently an amazing paramedic, Anne,who earned her RN by way of the paramedic to RN online program offered by The College Network, was working 40 hours a week as a paramedic. After earning her RN, she now works two days a week and makes the same and some times more money than she did working a full week as a paramedic. The RN has given Anne more time to spend time with those most important in her life - her new daughter, stepson and husband.

Anne told me that a traditional program would have never worked for her. She would have had to quit her job which she simply could not afford to do. Like the rest of us, she has to work. The paramedic to RN online program offered via The College Network allows the full time paramedic to work and fit their education around their life. Anne found the comprehensive learning modules of The College Network to be thorough and concise enough to pass the challenge exams at the Pearson Vue testing center.

With the RN, Anne is now enrolled into a RN to MSN program. She may be either a nurse practitioner, a teacher or a school nurse one day. Who knows? What we do know is with her RN, she now has more freedom of choices.

If you are a paramedic or an LVN who would like more freedom that the RN can provide, and don't have the time for a traditional campus based program, contact The College Network online or call 1-800-395-1014 today.