Paramedic to RN

For us who nurse, our nursing is a thing which, unless we are making progress every year, every month, every week, take my word for it, we are going back.
~ Florence Nightingale

Well known as the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale advocated for continued advances in healthcare and nursing throughout her life. And although she died over a century ago, her famous words about forward movement in the nursing field still ring true. In order to keep up with the ever-changing healthcare industry, nurses must continue to grow in their profession through the pursuit of advanced education. 

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Initiative on the Future of Nursing highlights eight recommendations for nurses, and three of those recommendations push nurses to attain higher levels of education. The following educational recommendations aim to prepare nurses for improved patient care and continued advancements in the nursing field:

• Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80 percent by 2020.
• Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020.
• Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning.

If you're ready to improve the future of nursing by moving forward in your career, The College Network can help you take the next step. We offer the following online associate's, bachelor's and master's nursing degree programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN (associate's degree)
• Paramedic to RN (associate's degree)
• LPN to BS in Nursing
• RN to BS in Nursing
• RN to MS in Nursing
• MS in Nursing

Make Florence Nightingale proud, and decide to advance your nursing education this week, month and year! For more information about the online nursing degree programs available through The College Network, visit our nursing degrees page.

Although the unemployment rate increased slightly in October-going from 7.8% to 7.9%-the United States still added 171,000 new jobs. Amongst the top industries contributing to these new jobs was health care with 31,000 new positions added.

If you are unemployed or just looking for a more stable career, health care is an excellent choice, and The College Network can help get you started down this new path. We have several different programs for you to choose from to earn an online degree in the health care field:

Associate's Degree Programs

• LPN/LVN to RN
• Paramedic to RN

Bachelor's Degree Programs

• LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• RN to BS in Nursing
• Health Care Administration
• Health Information Management
• Healthcare Management

Master's Degree Programs

• RN to MS in Nursing
• MS in Nursing

The College Network offers academic support for our portion of these degree programs from leading universities, so when you enroll with us, you are never alone. Your success is just as important to us as it is to you, and we will work with you as much as you need our help to ensure that you master the knowledge you are learning. There has never been a better time to begin a career in the healthcare industry, so if you would like more information on our online degree programs call 1-800-395-1014.

 

As I watched coverage of the horrible storm that hit the East coast --I was thankful that my friends and family were safe and sound.  When a disaster of this proportion hits our country, we see the best in people.  Neighbors helping those without electricity, and sharing food and shelter as well. It reminds us that we are one country, built on the commonality that we will always help those in need.

 

Many people I have the pleasure of talking to on a day-to-day basis ask me to help differentiate The College Network from Excelsior College® in obtaining their Associate of Science in Nursing Degree.  For your information, I'd like to go over a brief synopsis of what roles we each have in this process.

I came across this article on yahoo recently that outlined the most popular online degree programs:

Click here: Popular Online Degrees

Much to my surprise, there were several degree options that we at The College Network can help you obtain.  We offer online Nursing Independent Study programs, that can help Paramedics or LPN/LVNs transition to their degree and RN license, as well as Business, Criminal Justice, and other options for folks through our partnership with Bellevue University.

So if online learning is something you are interested in, The College Network is the one-stop-shop to help you learn what you need to know and get started on your degree!

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

Did you know as a Paramedic, you can earn your Associate Degree in Nursing degree in as little as 18 months and continue to work while you do it?    

As a paramedic, you are used to working long hours.  Oftentimes, you might be on call for 24 hours straight.  Being an registered nurse will afford you the opportunity to work on a set schedule and usually 40 hours a week (some nurses work more hours if they want to pick up extra shifts).  

Now, let's talk about your salary.  Registered nurses earn on average twice as much as paramedics. While according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics both fields will grow between now and the year 2020, as a paramedic to RN you have more job opportunities and will be able to earn more.  

I spoke to one of our customers about his experience, as a paramedic who earned his associate degree from a leading university using The College Network to move into a nursing role. It gave him a great foundation and helps him in his current role as an emergency room nurse working with critical patients.  You can read more about William's story here.  

If you want to learn more about the paramedic to RN program, please check out our website.  Or you can always call one our Program Advisors at 800-395-1014 for more information. 

 

Ian Stewart became a paramedic in 2010. Although he loves his job, a life-changing event has led him to consider a new career. “My wife is pregnant with our second child. I’m a paramedic now, and I like the work. I’m proud of what I do, but it simply doesn’t pay very well. Using my certifications as a springboard to a better paying job just seemed logical,” he said.

Ian decided to pursue his Associate of Science in Nursing degree. After researching various programs, he chose to earn his degree online through Excelsior College® with help from The College Network™. “The College Network offered the most resources for the best rates—not to mention the fact that, with this program, I don’t have to be online at specific times or write papers. It’s a no-nonsense, streamlined program,” Ian said. 

To Ian's surprise, earning a degree online has proved to be very efficient and productive. "I didn't realize prior to this course of study how much time in class is occupied by things not related to actual learning - roll call, class breaks, having to settle a class down, even time spent while the teacher answers other student's questions. That all adds up. With the self-paced learning, you can move a lot faster," Ian explained.

Continue reading Ian's success story here.

Kris Klassen, who is a school nurse, was called into service recently for a situation far more grave and complex than those a school nurse normally encounters. A student had collapsed in the school gymnasium, and he was not breathing. Klassen's quick actions saved the student's life. She immediately summoned paramedics and made quick use of one of the school's AEDs (automatic external defibrillator), shocking the student's heart back to beating again, in addition to administering CPR. The student is expected to recover and return to school at some point. Had it not been for Klassen's swift and decisive action, the situation could have been much worse. 

"It's a great feeling to save a life. I'm really glad I had all the help I did. I can't explain how good it feels," Klassen remarked. Stories like Kris' illuminate how rewarding becoming an RN can be. The opportunity to save a life is truly incredible. It is an honor to feature this hero on the nursing blog. This story originally appeared on CBS Minnestota. 

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

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?

I 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?

The 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

Lloyd Snider is a single dad of two sons, a caretaker for his elderly father and a full time paramedic. For Lloyd, his 23 years of service as a paramedic, working 24 hour shifts at a time and lifting lots of heavy loads, has taken a toll on his body.

“I am nearing the end of my [paramedic] career. Health care is a logical choice for me, so nursing was a great choice,” Lloyd says. His two sons are both in college and Lloyd has used that to motivate himself. “My goal is to get a degree before each of my boys finish,” he explains.

“This has not interfered with any aspect of my life. It’s self paced, so any pressure is self applied—which is really cool because a traditional college would disrupt your life,” Lloyd says. “It’s really excellent for someone who has the kind of commitments I do, but still wants to pursue a degree. This is really career based education and it’s kind of refreshing.”

Read more of Lloyd Snider's inspiring story or or call 1-800-395-1014 to learn more about how The College Network's online Paramedic to RN program from an accredited university can change your life.

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

As much as I do love the name Ian (especially when it is spelled E-I-N), I will honestly say that his name has nothing to do with this.

Congratulations to Ian from Aiken, South Carolina. Although Ian was very modest when I spoke to him this afternoon, I was extremely impressed with his scores.

Ian actually received a PERFECT score on the Analysis and Interpretation of Literature exam as well as an A on Microbiology and several other great scores. 

Not only has Ian been doing very well on all of his coursework for the online paramedic to RN program, he also has been completing it very quickly. Ian has passed six of his exams (with a grade of B or higher) in the last three months!

Congratulations from all of us here at The College Network Ian, you've earned it!

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.

After a seven-month protest, I finally decided to get cable.  The first thing I watched was Toddlers and Tiaras. It's strange - I know, but everything else that was on television was either something I owned on DVD, or as my partner so eloquently put it, "WHY WOULD YOU WATCH SOMETHING THAT WE COULD WATCH ON NETFLIX!"  She also pointed out how immediate everything is in our lives.  

We sat in our living room with the television on, laptops open, cell phones not only presenting me with messages, but tweets also.  We are in the 21st century - where a buffer queue on YouTube makes our heart stop.  In this age, if we hear a song on the radio we haven't heard in a long time, we can easily go home and following an Internet search, we're listening to it.  A system that places the world beneath our fingertips and connects us with our grammar school crush is sometimes taken for granted and doesn't always live up to the sharing is caring hype.

Enter the new social media tool Lift which I believe will be a way to amplify you and your passions.  It's a great idea because it will be a great way for many people to finally pursue their dreams and hopefully step away from their computers and step out into the world.

I'm excited for Lift because it shares a lot of similarities and ideals we share at The College Network. Through our distance nursing programs, nurses and paramedics are able to receive degrees through online nursing programs from leading universities.  Along the way, The College Network supports them as they attain higher education online through our website and a team dedicated to providing academic support. One could say we do everything we can to lift our nurses up.  

It shows when I receive phone calls from people just like yourself who want to enroll in our programs because they know a colleague who became a RN or a family member encouraging them to go back to school and pick up where they left off on their road to becoming a RN.

Technology has brought us to this point where we can do it with a worldwide network of support, its time we began looking beyond the limit.

Landon, Appointment Coordinator

Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar!  All for Alysha, stand up and holler!

(Please stand up with me right now and holler)

Everyone who has been to an elementary, junior high, or high school sporting event has heard that cheer.  Well, what does it have to do with higher education online with The College Network?

I'm so glad and proud that recently I was able to help Alysha from Texas start on her Online Paramedic to RN program.  One thing that we talked about was that we at The College Network are here to cheer her on while progressing through her program (using pom-poms and megaphones, of course).  Anytime you have questions about our program, course content, or just need a fun cheer like 'Two Bits' from us, you can always give us a call, both our Academic Support team, and even your program advisor like myself.  We care about helping you achieve your degree and goals.

How 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

Don't you hate being stuck in traffic?  Sitting in the car and not moving but a mile an hour isn't the most fun in the world.  Besides traffic, another place where there is a bottleneck of people waiting is to get in is nursing programs.  I talk to so many Paramedics and LPN/LVNs that want to find nursing programs with no waiting lists, and most on campus options are currently booked.  I even talked with an LPN yesterday whose local school had a 12 year waiting list for the RN program!

For many of you it's that time of the year. I can tell because the other day while I was out buying groceries, I noticed that "End of Summer" shift.  Children's faces were frowned, and parents had great big smiles. Their vacation was slowly beginning and their children's were slowly coming to a end... Back to School shopping was in full effect.  

Last week, while speaking with nurses who have children, you could hear it in their voices. They didn't even have to say it, but school was back in session.

All hail the school bell as it lures children away from leaving toys around the house and twenty-four hour Sponge Bob sessions...  

For parents with college-bound youth, it may be a little hard to let your baby go but also understand, once they cross that threshold into semi-adulthood - YOU HAVE THE HOUSE BACK!  When my mom dropped me off my freshmen year of college, she cried. The next 3 times she couldn't get me out of the car soon enough, and when she picked me up my senior year, she cried again.  

I joke of course, they were tears of joy but during those four years of discovering myself, my mother did the same.  Her hair styles changed as mine did, she went outside more, and she began the process of going to college as well.

As fall approaches and the noise levels in your homes decrease, definitely think about going back to school yourself.  Think about the many programs The College Network offers to mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, and grandparents who want to receive nursing degrees.  Did I mention that you don't have to travel to Colorado to become a MSN at Regis University or to New York or Indiana for LPN, LVNs and Paramedics seeking a RN Program with no waiting list.  

The College Network offers distance nursing programs that people pursue while on their lunch breaks, weekends, and while kids are in school.  If it sounds like something that you would be interested in, you can learn more about nurses just like you who have completed our programs. Visit www.mytcnstory.com.

Landon, Appointment Coordinator
 

I'm currently at The College Network working late, trying to reach all you nurses/paramedics/respiratory technicians out there who want so badly to get those degrees so you can become RNs or become MS in Nursing degree prepared.  I've been tumbling with how I wanted to share this piece with you all week, and I've been having a hard time due to lack of sleep. 

I'm a very cranky person if I don't get my sleep, and this past week my sunny disposition has taken hostage by my schedule.  I made plans to go back home to Chicago to celebrate my birthday.  Upon entering the city, I received word that my best friend would be going into labor that evening and after what seemed like an eternity she gave birth to two twin boys.  I don't think I can truly express how exciting this was. It was just yesterday that we were all in high school hanging out in my basement talking about our plans for the future.  At sixteen, we couldn't imagine what it would be like to raise children and now, at twenty-four, one of my closest friends begins her journey into parenthood.  Once again, I truly cannot express how exciting this is!  

After she had given birth, I visited her in the hospital to add some much needed comic relief to her life.  It was great to see her and her family and to receive compliments on how mature I had become, especially since they had not seen me since we graduated high school five years ago.  Her older sister was there and she looked like tired. She was tired because she had worked two consecutive AM/PM shifts at the hospital where she is an RN.  Did I mention that she works in the Emergency Department and that she had to be back to work in about two hours that day? I didn't...well now you know, and I know you can share her pain.

I felt her pain because everyone tried to give her tips on how to get through her work shift, but they weren't nurses, but to humor you I will share a few:

1. Take some cards with you and play solitaire (this was advice given by the older crowd who hadn't yet found solitaire on their home computers)
2. Netflix, not a bad recommendation, but then the person recommended Grey's Anatomy--I'm sorry but I wouldn't want to watch a show that reminds me about work while I'm at work
3. Red Bull/Energy Drinks--I used to drink energy drinks when I was in college to help me stay awake, I eventually became immune to them
4. Marry a doctor and become a stay at home wife

Each one was met by the biggest scowl I've ever seen in my life.  After she asked me if I would go to work for her, I decided to give her practical advice.  I told her the best way to prepare for a long workday is to take advantage of your time when you are not working by sleeping, eating healthy, and taking advantage of activities outside of work. 

1. Eat healthy, snack healthy, drink healthy- We all fall prey to bad eating habits when working late.  All that work mixed with bad eating/sleeping habits can lead to weight gain and health problems that you work so hard to help your patients with.  It's easier and cheaper to eat healthy if you want to.  Pack a small lunch that you make yourself (you don't have to just eat salads throw some baked (NOT FRIED) chicken breast on that bad boy!).  Make sure instead of soda or coffee you drink water and tea.  I usually have a nalgene full of fresh lemons and water, it's good for your skin and for some reason you have twice the energy coffee would provide.
2. Go outside- Whether you're alone or with family go outside and enjoy the day. If it sounds too easy for you that means that's how easy it is.

That's all there is to it, nothing complex and nothing too expensive.  Let me know how it goes for you, I'll be up all night to listen...