When I first came to The College Network, I knew simply that The College Network partners with universities to offer eLearning options for adults who want to advance their education. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I would be working with a caring group of individuals committed to improving the lives of others through education.
As the Director of Marketing and New Media for The College Network, I have the opportunity to share the company voice in many settings. I am responsible for developing our public relations and social media strategies, helping to create our new website, directing company email campaigns, and ensuring that goals are met. Among other things, I also have the pleasure of running The College Network's EARN program which provides incentives for those who join us in sharing the value of education with others.
Through my years with the company, I have developed a real passion for helping people through self-paced education and training. I believe in The College Network's mission and strive every day to inspire others to improve their personal and professional lives with advanced education.
Sound familiar? Of course it does, and adding the time it takes to earn your degree into the ever growing list of things to do can be overwhelming to say the least.
Recently, I came across a post on workawesome.com that outlined the "5 Steps to Creating a Balanced Life".
- Create personal balance by deciding what is important to you.
- Create a balanced life by doing what is important and leaving the rest alone.
- Create life balance by remaining grateful for your family.
- Create balance through relaxation.
- Create balance by seeking solutions to problems that are hindering balance.
Decide what is important to youThere is an old saying that we "spend the most time on the things that are most important to us." You are declaring to the world you order of importance based on how much time you spend on certain things in your life. Think about your goals both professionally and personally. Are the things you spend the most time on helping or hindering the achievement of your goals?
Do what is important and leave the rest
Now, I realize that if I say laundry is not the most important thing in my life, it isn't going to do itself. However, I can make more time for the important things and still finish the laundry. For example, maybe earning my degree is the most important thing to me right now. I can put in a load of laundry before I sit down to study in the evening. If family and schoolwork have equal importance, I suggest studying while your kids do their homework. Make it a family event. If there are activities on your list that you can do without, get rid of them. You have to learn to say "no" in order to balance your life.
Be grateful for your family
Your family is probably your biggest support system. When you sacrifice the balance in your life, they also make sacrifices. It is easy to overlook these relationships. Make some time for those important people in your life where you can focus you full attention on them. (Yes. This means you may need to turn off that cell phone.)
Make time to relax
When is the last time you sat and did absolutely nothing? If you're like me, you probably can't remember the last time this happened. Make some time in your week to relax. You need "me time" to be your best.
Solve problems that are hindering balance
Even when you are focusing on creating balance in your life, you may become stressed and hit those breaking points again. This is a process. Take the time to re-focus by starting over at step one from time to time. It may be necessary to re-evaluate what's important multiple times as this can change in our lives.
Don't give up, and use the resources available to you like The College Network support. We may be able to help you create study plans that will help you get the most out of your study time to be more efficient.
Strive for balance and you will achieve your goals while making the most of life. If you've found success with some of these strategies or are struggling with balance, post a comment. We're all here for you, and others reading may find strength from your words or be able to lend helpful advice.
Did you know that Indianapolis, IN will be home to Super Bowl XLVI? Did you also know that The College Network is headquartered in none other than Indianapolis, IN?
We've decided to get involved in the festivities leading up to the Super Bowl by sponsoring a great cause, and we hope you will join us.
Riley Children's Foundation of Indianapolis with support from the Super Bowl XLVI Host Committee is engineering the first ever Super Bowl host city service project that will reach nationwide, and The College Network has joined them in sponsorship of the event.
Each basket will be customized with age appropriate toys, games, crafts, etc. and delivered by a volunteer who will spend time meeting with families of the children.
If you would like to join the effort to provide hope for these children and their families or to simply learn more about the program, visit the Super Baskets of Hope web site today.
We all have goals. Whether you formally write them on paper or daydream about them on your lunch hour, you have a goal for something you want to achieve. Perhaps your goal is to earn advanced nursing education and you've chosen The College Network to help you achieve it.
I encourage you to ask yourself the following six questions. Write down your answers and the next time things get tough, pull out that piece of paper and remind yourself why you are doing this.
- What is your motivation for earning your degree?
- Why did you choose self-paced education?
- How will achieving this goal change your life?
- What does it feel like to picture yourself holding your diploma?
- Who do you want to inspire to follow in your footsteps?
- Who will you share your success with?
As someone who has set a lot of goals for herself, I know that things don't always happen exactly as planned. You have to be prepared to stand up for your dreams and achieve them. Focus on your answers to these questions, and take action to achieve your dreams.
As we near the end of 2011, many of you will make a resolution to go back to school and earn your degree. I encourage you to consider all of your options and even talk with a few trusted advisors before making this important decision.
According to Fox Business, there are a few questions you must ask yourself before deciding on a school to attend. Two questions to ask include: can I afford it? and does it fit?Does It Fit?
This question can be interpreted in many different ways, but I'll focus on one of the most common. Does it fit your lifestyle? As a working adult, it can be difficult to find time for going back to school. While it is still important to schedule study time, with The College Network, you can do this when it is convenient for you. Study your learning materials after the kids are in bed, during breaks at work, in the morning while enjoying a cup of coffee, or any time it fits into your schedule.
Can I Afford It?
The College Network offers guaranteed financing options that will allow you to make monthly payments toward your education rather than having to pay for entire semesters or years at one time.
College Network will consult with you regarding previous college credits to help determine which school is best to help you achieve your goals of higher education. We'll also discuss time commitments and personal motivation which will help you find success in a distance learning program.
The decision to go back to school can change your life. Ask yourself the right questions to prepare for beginning a new program, and you will help ensure your success!
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.
The National Distance Learning Week web site states:
"Sponsored by the United States Distance Learning Association, National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) held November 7-11, 2011, seeks to promote and celebrate the tremendous growth and accomplishments occurring today in distance learning programs offered by schools, businesses, and governmental departments. Currently, over 3.5 million college students are taking online course and/or earning online college degrees."
You are a part of an education movement that is sweeping the nation, and you are doing a great job. Keep pushing toward your goal!
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.
THE COLLEGE NETWORK IS NOW OFFERING ANCC ACCREDITED CONTINUING NURSING EDUCATION
The College Network has officially begun offering three continuing education courses for nurses that provide valuable contact hours upon successful completion.
Indianapolis, Ind. – Aug 31, 2011 – The College Network is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to offer continuing education courses for nurses. Available today at http://collegenetwork.com/nursingCNE, these courses include Ethics in Nursing, Medication Safety and Patient Rights. Upon completion of each course, nurses will receive 2.5 continuing education contact hours.
Developing continuing nursing education courses was a natural progression for The College Network, which has provided distance learning and education support for nurses for nearly 20 years. The courses developed will allow nurses to increase their knowledge in specific areas, understand issues emerging within the rapidly changing healthcare industry, and retain licensure in the 33 states that require specific numbers of contact hours each year.
“The topics of the first continuing education courses launched by The College Network were chosen because they address some of the key issues facing nurses today,” said Gary Eyler, Chief Executive Officer at The College Network. “They are designed to be convenient and flexible so nurses can participate but also continue to maintain their current work/life balance, which reinforces our commitment to providing quality education to all nurses.”
The College Network plans to continue developing continuing education courses for nurses at all levels of their careers. Future topics may include courses on preventing infections and effective confrontation skills.
Today was the first day of school in the Indianapolis area. Everywhere I looked, there were children with new school supplies; bright, yellow school buses; and of course, proud parents taking pictures at the bus stop.
Going back to school is always an exciting time. It is a time of new possibilities and unique experiences. It is a fresh start, and a place to learn new things that will help you in the future.
At The College Network, we do not have specific start dates for our degree programs. We work with leading universities to provide online education that fits your lifestyle which means that you can start whenever you are ready and complete courses as you have time.
Maybe you've been thinking about going back to school, but life always seems to get in the way. There may never be a perfect time to get started, and I challenge you to consider starting now. It won't be easy to earn an advanced education and respond to all of life's demands, but the reward will be greater than the sacrifice.
Will you join us in going back to school? Visit www.collegenetwork.com/blog to learn more.
According to The Business Review in an article published on June 1, 2011, Excelsior College® was named the “Top Degree Producer” for minority students seeking associate degrees in nursing in the May edition of Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine.
The Business Review article also stated that, “For the 2009-2010 academic year, the Albany, New York, college awarded associate degrees in nursing to 668 African-American, Hispanic, Asian American and American Indian students. These students represented 30 percent of ADN graduates.”
Congratulations again to Excelsior College®!
You can read more in this article from The Business Review.
Last year, my mom made the decision to donate her kidney to a next-door neighbor and friend in need. While this was not a tough decision for her (she was positive that her kidney would be a perfect match from day one), it was a life-changing one.
Throughout the entire process, from testing to surgery and follow-up, the nurses we encountered were wonderful, caring people. One special woman even came back on her day off to see my mother discharged and to personally thank her for the sacrifice she made for someone else.
As a nurse, you touch the lives of so many people, and you make a difference every day. Thank you to the wonderful nurses at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky who helped my mom through one of the biggest decisions of her life - AND thank you to every man or woman who has committed his or her life to nursing.
Happy Nurses Week!
In honor of upcoming Nurses Week 2011 (May 6-12), The College Network is hosting a special contest for all nurses. We want you to share the story about why you became a nurse to help raise awareness of the amazing job nurses do in caring for others.
Click the "Share Your Story" button on the right side of our blog, and tell us why you decided to become a nurse and about any goals you have for the future of your career. Then share it with others.
After your story has been posted on The College Network blog, encourage your friends to visit and click the Facebook "like" button under your post. The person with the most Facebook "likes" by May 6, 2011 will receive an iPad® courtesy of The College Network!
Share your story today, and tell your friends!
Yes. It's true. You can "like" The College Network on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and even find us on Linked In.
We are dedicated to providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision about advancing your education online and be successful in your studies.
Call us at 1-800-395-1014 for more information about degrees from top universities or check out some of our social media profiles for more information.
Earning your degree can be a little intimidating but as Amy McKee learned, it is very rewarding.
"Overall, I had a really good experience," said Amy. "My Program Advisors were very prompt and kind. They made it easier to jump into a program when it can be scary."Amy had always known that she wanted to be an RN. After speaking with two friends in her LPN class, she decided to sign up and earn her associate degree in nursing with the help of The College Network.
Since enrolling and completing her program, Amy has referred eight other people to The College Network. "I don't mind talking about things that work, and the people I have recommended to the program have been successful too." she said.
"I really liked the convenience of the whole program," Amy commented. "I was able to get married and buy a house, all while working full time and earning my degree and RN license. The College Network definitely helped me reach my goals."
Watch as Amy tells her story...
Did you know that The College Network support team is ready to help you at least 12 hours per day / 5 days each week? We offer 64 hours of support dedicated to people just like you!
Available Monday through Thursday 8am - 9pm and Friday 8am - 8pm, our support team is ready to answer technical and academic questions via phone, email, and online chat. Customers can also access study tips and program information, as well as converse with other learners throughout the country in our online discussion board.
When it comes to The College Network, online education does not mean that you are on your own. Visit our web site to learn more about the programs available!
Many of us make resolutions on January 1, but how many follow through with them during the year?
My personal resolution consisted of one word: encouragement
I want to be an encouragement to the people around me. Whether I'm complimenting someone on the shirt they're wearing, motivating them to stick to their diet, or being there for them through a personal tragedy; my goal is be an encouragement to others.
With that in mind...
I want to encourage you to complete your goal of earning a degree online. With the nursing shortage growing every day, there has never been a better time to enroll in top online nursing programs, and The College Network can help.
Your dreams of excelling in your career, having a family-life, and advancing your education don't have to be separate. You can achieve all of this at the same time! The College Network allows you to plan your study schedule around the other things that are important to you, and you can move at your own pace through our portion of your program.
Best of all, The College Network support department will be there to help you every step of the way - even if all you need is a little encouragement.
Call 1-800-395-1014 or click here to learn more about The College Network and online education programs available to you.
The College Network is excited to announce the development of our first mobile App available for both iPhone® and Android®! Now you can view our company blog, make referrals, and learn more about The College Network from your phone with our free "EARN it!" App.
For iPhone®:
Search "EARN it!" in the App Store® to download the application for yourself.
For Android®:
Search "EARN it!" in your Android Market® to download this free App today.
This App provides an additional way to view our blog! Read inspiring stories of customers and company news to help you make the decision to earn your degree or stay motivated as you progress through your program.
We are extremely excited about this new development, and we wanted to share the good news with you. Download the "EARN it!" App free today!
For more information about earning your online degree from a leading university or programs available, contact The College Network online or call 1-800-395-1014 today.
We are excited to announce the development of our first iPhone® App! Now, you can make referrals, view our company blog, and learn more about The College Network from your iPhone® at any time with our free "EARN it!" App.
We developed this application to give users the ability to share the importance of education with others by referring them to The College Network. We'll reward customers with $200 and non-customers with $150 for each person they refer who enrolls in one of our programs. Download this FREE App, and be rewarded for helping others!
We’re also giving you the ability to view our company blog in real time. With this App, you can learn more about The College Network and our passion for educating adults throughout the world.
Visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/earn-it/id403873842?mt=8 to view the App page within the iTunes® Store or search EARN it! in the App Store on your iPhone® to download the application for yourself.
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