Kristy’s Story

  • May 12, 2012 9:23 am

“I knew that I wanted to advance my degree as soon as I graduated from LPN school, however, time got away from me. I looked up one day and realized that I had been a nurse for almost 10 years and still had not gone back to get my RN degree.

I was also motivated when I was promoted from Assistant Director of Nurses to Corporate nurse, and realized that I had advanced as far up the ladder as I possibly could with my current licensure. I want to be a Director of Nurses, but you have to be a RN.

It is a struggle to balance both work and school, or studying. There are days that I have had a rough day at work that it is hard to focus on studying. I have found that setting certain days of the week, time frames, and goals to get through a certain number of chapters is the best way for me to stay focused on studying. I go home, get comfortable, and study in a quiet setting.

My advice is to stay focused. Do not get discouraged, and trust in yourself that you can attain your goals. Don’t do like I did and put it off for 10 years thinking that you cant afford it, or don’t have time for it. “

Carla’s Story

  • April 27, 2012 2:46 pm

“I have always intended to go back to school and earn my master’s degree, but life gets in the way sometimes and I just kept putting it off. I started my bachelor’s degree when my daughter was 12 months old. Now she is 17, and I am not sure if the baby or teenager is more difficult. Everyone has life going on. It’s just a matter of taking time out for yourself and studying a little bit because you are worth it!

I am a cancer nurse right now and I tell my patients all the time to take it one day at a time. Well, that’s what I have to say about online education. Just take it one day at a time. I was so surprised to see how easy it became.

This is the best way to be able to work and go to school at the same time. My professor’s leave me voice messages so that I can hear them, we are in constant communication and the only thing really missing is a physical classroom.

I wish you all great success in your future education goals.”

 

Karen’s Story

  • April 4, 2012 6:44 am

“I was in a traditional Associates program when I had a medical issue happen. At that time I needed to find a better way to become an RN, after missing too much time in school. I am the kind of person who only reads educational material because I love to learn. So, I figured what better way to do this than to read material toward my degree.

My favorite part about The College Network material is that it’s already broken down for you. Not saying there isn’t a lot to read, because there is plenty. But, it is more straight-forward than being in a classroom and having 13 nursing books in which you have to go to different chapters and read hundreds and hundreds of pages!

I also like being able to communicate with a person online or on the phone if I have questions. Everyone has been awesome to me. Nothing but professional, honest answers, and a lot of friendliness!

The College Network has given me the opportunity to continue to work part-time, and learn at the same time. I don’t have to get up in the morning and wonder if I’m going to make it to clinicals due to inclement weather, or whether I should finish a 25 page Nursing Care Plan, or read the material that I need to read for the next test that is needed to pass. I am able to learn at my own pace, knowing that I am the one responsible for doing this!”

Holly’s Story

  • March 30, 2012 11:36 am

“I needed opportunity in the workplace that I did not have being an LPN. I liked the idea of the Comprehensive Learning Modules and the fact that I had friendly support available. There are few nice people left in this world it seems, but The College Network definitely employs nice people! A little kindness can go a LONG way, especially when you’re stressed. I can’t think of anything negative about my experience.”

Emily’s Story

  • March 21, 2012 9:45 am

“To become a Registered Nurse has always been a desire of mine, but I started a family before completing school. So, after my children were all grown and out of school I decided it was my turn.

Studying at your own pace while working a full time job does work. I study at least 2-3 hours at night after my adopted children are in bed at 8:00. It was refreshing to take the first test and pass. The material presented through The College Network is the only material that I have used to pass these tests.

The Comprehensive Learning Modules are great. They cover so much material that will be presented in the testing. The glossary and testing at the end of each chapter helps prepare you for the exam

The most enjoyable part of being back in school is knowing that there is an end. Keep studying and passing tests and the end result will be worth the time spent. I probably will not change jobs from what I am currently doing, but it will bring a little more pay increase. Also this will give my children something to add to their lives and finish school first then start a family.”

Mosi’s Story

  • March 15, 2012 5:15 pm

“I wanted to be able to enjoy a comfortable living while doing the job I love. Nursing is a very rewarding experience – helping others physically but also emotionally. I work over 40 hours a week, and The College Network allows me to study and take courses at my own pace.

Fear is an obstacle, and I have had to go through several obstacles to achieve my goals to date. I look at fear as a stepping stone, and one must flush out the reasoning for the fear, re-evaluate the situation and then proceed.

The Bachelors of Science in Nursing program expands one’s knowledge appropriately. It will allow me to work in the venues I prefer, and I will be able to work for a longer period of time. I will also be financially comfortable.”

Melodie’s Story

  • March 6, 2012 11:25 am

“As an LPN, I was offered a job I could not otherwise accept if I was in a classroom. I was so nervous with my first exam I learned to use any practice test available to me and that reduced my nervousness. The material is easy to read and understand.

I feel I have the ability to do what any other person can do. My self esteem has improved, and I am an example to my adult son who could not decide what he wanted to do. He is now enrolling in a college program.

I will be able to get the job I have wanted. The saying goes ‘If you are doing what you want to do for a living, you will never work a day in your life.’”

Alecia’s Story

  • February 27, 2012 8:49 am

“I wanted to further my education so that I may help further my children’s education. I needed to secure our future a little better. Our kids like seeing me study because they see that ‘grown ups’ have to study to learn too. They do not whine about doing their homework anymore because they know that even adults do things that they don’t want to.

I have always wanted to be a RN. I am a lot more focused as an adult. I learned that I can only study on Fridays and Sundays (the days I am off.) I give myself Saturday for some family/me time. I love being able to have these modules online as well as having my books so I may highlight and take parts of the book apart to make my own study guide.

It is possible through determination and I would rather go this way than to go back through a traditional college.”

Cecilia’s Story

  • February 18, 2012 2:29 pm

“I have been an LPN for 20 years and knew that it was time to get my RN. I have procrastinated for many years but made a promise this year to start the program. I received an email from a friend with information about The College Network attached.

When I called and met with my Program Advisor, it seemed very clear to me that this was the way to go. I have had many co-workers who did a self study, go at your own pace program. They didn’t have access to the online and phone support that TCN provides and for that I am grateful. I can call anytime and someone always answers my questions.

It is hard sometimes. When you have young children and a full time job, you think, ‘wow I just can’t do it,’ but I have found that when I tell my family, ‘I need study time’, they are more than supportive of me and give me the time I need. I even have my children quiz me with the keywords or the objectives.

I like the support and the flexibility. Each time I needed to add a course or had a question about what the next step is, there was always someone in customer support who was friendly, pleasant and truly seemed to like what they do.

I find that the online resources are helpful. I can print what I need, bookmark where I left off and find the announcements. It’s great.

At this time I don’t think that there is anything that I don’t like. I have been in the program almost a year and found each interaction positive and helpful.”

Elizabeth’s Story

  • February 10, 2012 3:25 pm

“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 a LVN for 27 years now. This way, by taking some classes online, proves to be very convenient and less expensive compared to some other options that don’t even offer an LVN to BSN.

Being an older person going back at times seems more challenging, but if you really want something in this life then it is worth fighting for. I visualize how my life, and that of my 11 year old daughter’s life, will be that much better once I complete the BSN/RN program. As a BSN RN I will earn a lot more money and thus be more financially able to do things for my kids.

Thank you for having The College Network available.”