Nursing Education | Distance Learning Systems (DLSI)

Can Online Education Be The Solution To Addressing The Nursing Shortage?

The nursing shortage is a significant challenge facing the healthcare industry today. According to the National Library of Medicine, this problem has complex roots, including a need for more potential educators, high turnover rates, and an uneven distribution of nurses.

However, the issue is not new and has been a concern for years. The demand for registered nurses has consistently outpaced the supply, as reported by U.S. News, and this gap has only grown wider due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a staggering 203,200 job openings for registered nurses through 2031. We urgently need a solution to train and prepare new nurses to meet this demand.

The Role of Online Education

One promising solution to address the nursing shortage is using an online education platform that is more innovative than traditional solutions. This innovative approach offers an accelerated and accredited nursing degree program that provides flexibility and addresses the issues of cost and time constraints.

Revolutionizing Nursing Education

Online EdTech companies are revolutionizing how we approach college education. Their cutting-edge platform allows students to start courses at their convenience and complete them in weeks, all at a fraction of the cost compared to the national average tuition fees.

Overcoming Traditional Barriers

Traditional four-year bachelor’s degree programs at colleges or universities often present formidable obstacles to aspiring registered nurses. Many students face rejection from nursing programs, prolonged on-campus commitments, high tuition fees, inflexible schedules, curriculum challenges, and a sense of isolation. The right online education program overcomes these barriers.

Affordable and Accessible Education

One of the primary obstacles to becoming a registered nurse is the high cost of education. However, the more innovative online education programs and platforms offer 100% online courses, allowing students to maintain a flexible lifestyle while reducing costs to half the national tuition average. Moreover, these courses are taught by experienced Master’s and PhD instructors, ensuring the quality of education.

Endorsement and Accreditation

The recommendation of its courses, such as the American Council on Education, sets the right online education program apart. Furthermore, they facilitate the transfer of students to partner universities, which then confer accredited university degrees upon qualifying students. The right online program will also work with several university partners, giving students various options to earn a respected and accredited nursing degree.

Bridging the Gender Gap

According to Forbes, women in nursing roles often earn higher salaries than their male counterparts. For example, women make 3% more than men as vocational nurses. Therefore, online education programs that use a more advanced platform particularly benefit young people and women.

The Solution Summarized

The shortage of nurses is a long-standing challenge exacerbated by various factors. The solution is not just an online nursing education program but an online nursing education program that uses an innovative platform that differentiates itself from others in accessibility, affordability, and flexibility. By embracing such a solution, we can work towards resolving this critical issue and ensuring a steady supply of qualified nurses in the healthcare industry.

Written By: Justin Hart

Busting The Top 10 Myths About Taking Online Courses for College Credit and Earning a Degree Online

Today’s online education has completely revolutionized how people pursue earning college credits and getting a college degree. With the rise of online college courses, students can learn at their own pace, from the comfort of their homes or anywhere with an internet connection. Despite its growing popularity, some things surrounding online education still need to be clarified. Let’s debunk the top 10 myths about taking online college courses for college credit and earning a degree online.

Myth #1: Online degrees are less credible than traditional degrees.

Fact: Accredited online degree programs hold the same value as their traditional counterparts. Many reputable universities offer online programs that meet the same rigorous academic standards. Employers now recognize the legitimacy and quality of online degrees, making them equally valuable for career advancement.

Myth #2: Online courses lack interaction and engagement.

Fact: Online courses often incorporate various interactive elements to promote engagement. Discussion boards, video conferences, and collaborative projects facilitate meaningful interactions with professors and fellow students. Additionally, technological advancements enable real-time feedback and personalized attention, ensuring a rich learning experience.

Myth #3: Online degrees are easier to obtain than traditional degrees.

Fact: Online courses are designed to be just as challenging and academically rigorous as traditional courses. The curriculum, assignments, and exams are carefully structured to meet the same educational standards. The flexibility of online learning may require self-discipline and time management skills, but the difficulty level remains the same as with traditional programs.

Myth#4: Employers do not value online degrees.

Fact: Employers today value skills, knowledge, and experience over the format in which they were acquired. Many employers recognize that online degree holders possess valuable qualities such as self-motivation, time management, and tech-savviness. As long as the online program is accredited, employers will likely view the degree the same way as obtaining a degree the traditional way from an on-campus college or university.

Myth #5: Online courses need more practical experience.

Fact: Online programs have adapted to include practical components through virtual simulations, internships, and field experiences. Students can gain hands-on skills and expertise in their chosen fields by participating in online labs, completing virtual projects, or engaging with professionals in their local communities.

Myth #6: Online degrees are not suitable for socially inclined individuals.

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, online learning can foster a strong sense of community. Virtual classrooms provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and discussion. Online students often connect through social media groups, online forums, and virtual study groups, creating a supportive network of like-minded individuals.

Myth #7: Online degrees are only available in limited fields.

Fact: The amount of online degree programs continues to expand rapidly. Today, you can pursue online degrees in various fields, including business, healthcare, technology, humanities, esports, game development, homeland security, criminal justice, and marketing, and the list continues. Whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctoral degree, online programs are available to suit your interests and career goals.

Myth #8: Online education lacks personalized attention from instructors.

Fact: Online instructors are committed to providing personalized attention to their students. Students can interact with professors individually through email, discussion boards, and virtual office hours and seek guidance when needed. Some online courses also offer one-on-one mentoring, ensuring a supportive learning environment.

Myth #9: Online degrees are not recognized by professional organizations.

Fact: Professional organizations recognize and accept online degrees, career skills certificates, and continued education completed online. These organizations understand the changing landscape of education and the value of online education and degrees. Always research and ensure that your chosen online program is recognized by the relevant professional associations in your field of interest.

Myth #10: Online learning is lonely and isolating.

Fact: While online learning requires self-motivation and independence, it doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. Online students can engage in virtual study groups, participate in online forums, and attend virtual events and conferences related to their field. Building connections with peers and instructors can help combat any feelings of isolation.

As online education continues its rapid growth, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to dispel the myths surrounding earning college credits online and getting an online college degree. Taking 100% online courses for college credit and earning a degree online can provide a flexible and rewarding educational experience. The credibility of online degrees, the level of engagement, and the practical experiences available are now on par with traditional education. By breaking down these misconceptions, aspiring learners are encouraged to embrace the possibilities offered by online education and take charge of their academic journey.

Written By: Justin Hart

You Can’t Do That

No, I’m not referring to the B side of the Beatles album “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Many of you may have minimal knowledge of the Beatles, let alone their music. For the record, I’m in the group that lived through the British Invasion in the mid-1960s; no, that was not a military operation. I’m referring to a far too common phrase that many of us have heard in our lifetime, and worse yet, may have said to a friend or even our children. This is a psychological seed that should never be planted. While it’s true that there certainly are things we should not do in life, let’s focus for a moment on those fantastic things that we could do.

Let me share an example of what I mean. My youngest was born profoundly deaf, so we decided to allow her to attend a residential school out of state that was very progressive. Because most of the children, including my own, had cochlear implants, this school helped these children perfect (as best they could) their listening and speaking skills. The results were astounding. As we were doing our exit interview near the end of the elementary school years, we met with the school psychologist, and I’ll never forget what she told our daughter and us. She said we should have realistic expectations regarding what to expect from our child as she grows up. The example she gave was in the field of nursing. She said, “If your daughter decides she wants to be a nurse, she will most likely become an LPN rather than an RN.”

When I left that meeting and that school, I was somewhat bewildered. For five years, my daughter was taught that she could do anything, and we also believed that. We had never told our child that there was anything she could not do. Time passed, and we forgot that advice. High school ended, then on to her bachelor’s degree, followed by her master’s, and today, she is completing her thesis for her EdD at a major university. She holds a very responsible position in state government, is married, and is a homeowner. Contrary to conventional wisdom, she learned, and we supported the belief that we can accomplish almost anything of value we set our minds to and are willing to work for.

Unfortunately, some children have minimal confidence and belief in their abilities. It’s not unusual for a child to say, “I can’t do it!” Physical limitations may exist, but we should be our kiddo’s biggest cheerleaders. When they say this, we might try encouraging them by offering one of the following responses:

“I know this is hard for you.” Above all, listen to your children, and let them open up and discuss the issue.
“Have I ever told you about…” Please talk about your struggles or those of others close to them and encourage them to do their best. I know my daughter has a story to tell.
“You can’t do this yet.” The word “yet” allows you to talk about what can happen.

There is no end to studies written on this topic, and I do not profess to have all the answers, but I do remember the limiting belief we could have fallen victim to years ago. We chose not to, and I hope if you are ever faced with a similar situation regarding your future, your hopes, and dreams, or those of your child, you will overcome them as well.

Written By: Dave Christy

It’s Never Too Late to Be On Time

You may take issue with the title of this message, and in most cases, I would agree; however, in the context of when to start college, nothing could be more true.

Most people would agree that the best time to begin college training would be immediately after high school. A marketing services firm tells us that more than 47% of students attending colleges or universities in the US are older than 25. Another interesting statistic is the percentage of non-traditional students in the US, which is 74% says NCES (National Center for Education Statistics). So, if you’ve been out of school for several years or the job market has forced you to retrain and upgrade your professional skills at any age, you are not alone!

Our office receives calls from prospective students of all ages, some even approaching retirement. A lady in Roanoke, Virginia, once told me her dream was to earn her RN. She had been an LPN most of her life and always wanted to earn that title. She enrolled, completed her program, earned her RN, and called me to brag a bit. She was incredible.

Online education has exploded over the last few years. It offers flexibility, especially for non-traditional adult students. Self-paced, online programs allow the student to continue working and raising a family.

If you find yourself in a position that requires additional education, you are not alone. There are unprecedented opportunities in today’s job market. Ever thought about becoming an RN? There are tens of thousands of RN positions open across the country. Have you dreamed about flying? Major airlines are scrambling to find more pilots. The USBLS says there will be over 14,500 openings for pilots over the next few years. These high-paying positions are just waiting for you to complete your academic training to secure higher pay, better benefits, and job security.

There has never been a better time to pursue higher education, regardless of age. So, you see, “On time” is relative, and it never is too late to be on time. Distance Learning Systems is a great place to start your journey. With over 30 university partnerships across the nation, Distance Learning Systems can save you time and money in pursuing your degree. DLSI will start you on the road to your choice of over 450 online degree programs that truly are life-changing. You should call them today; you’ll be right on time!

Written by Dave Christy

How to Choose an Online School

Today, with the advancement in technology and the rising costs of education, more and more people seek to earn a degree online. We understand that traditional education may not be for everyone.

People have families, jobs, or obligations that keep them busy throughout the day, so earning a degree online is another way to achieve their educational goals without ever stepping onto campus. If you think you are one of these people, selecting an online college or university to earn your degree can be stressful and challenging for some to navigate.

There can be many different things to consider when choosing the best online school for you, so we’ve put together a list of 3 helpful and quick tips for choosing an online university or college.

Tip #1: Choose an Accredited School

Earning a degree from an accredited school is essential because it helps determine if a college or university meets or exceeds minimum quality standards and maintains specific educational standards. It would be best if you took the time to research accredited colleges and universities that offer online degrees, which could impact your future career. An excellent place to start your research is on the U.S. Department of Education website https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. If researching is not something you have the time for, some online education providers customize paths to earning a degree online from an accredited school.

Tip #2: Make Sure its 100% Online

Deciding on your major is an important decision, along with the school you choose, and not every university or college makes all of their majors available online. This can make it tricky for those who want to earn a degree online for the career they want to pursue. Some degree programs can be hybrid, a mix of online and on-campus courses, and not 100% online. If you know the degree you want, you will want to verify that your degree and classes are all online. If you are unsure of your major, there are online education providers that offer Gen Ed and General Elective courses that you can earn college credits and transfer those credits towards hundreds of different degree programs.

Tip #3: Research Costs and Admission Requirements

The cost of education and the admission requirements can be a big hurdle to clear. Investing in your education is an investment in yourself and your future. Still, you’ll want to start by comparing tuition costs, other fees, financial aid, and checking admission requirements. Also, ensure you don’t miss additional expenses such as course fees, textbook fees, course materials, labs, and technology fees. If evaluating the costs and admission requirements becomes too confusing or daunting, there are online education providers that will help you better understand the cost and admission requirements for obtaining your degree from an online school.

Following these tips will equip you with the information you need to find the best online college or university or choose help from an online education provider. Distance Learning Systems is one online education provider that helps students enroll in some of the nation’s top online colleges and universities. Also known as DLSI, Distance Learning Systems is a premier provider of coursework that satisfies degree requirements for regionally accredited university partners.

Written by Justin Hart

20 Shocking Facts About Nursing

Ellen Dougherty was the first to be registered on January 10, 1902. She was the first Registered Nurse in the World.
After 1905, it became a misdemeanor to claim to be an RN without a certificate of registration.
Only 3 of 5 nurses actually work in hospitals. Some non-hospital nursing careers include nurse-midwife, forensic nurse, nurse educator, school nurse, academic nurse writer, and legal nurse consultant.
Nurses walk 4 miles every shift! On average, nurses walk four to five miles every 12-hour shift they work. The average person only walks about 2.5 miles a day. Nurses walk double the distance every shift than the average population does daily. This interesting fact about nursing proves why nurses need a comfortable pair of shoes!
Nursing is considered the most honest and ethical profession in the United States! Every year, Gallup asks U.S. adults to rate the honesty and ethics of a number of professions, and for 18 years in a row, Americans overwhelmingly rate nurses as the most honest and ethical.
The first known nursing school was established in India in 250 BCE. However, only male students could attend nursing school at the time.
Linda Richards was the first American to earn a nursing degree. She enrolled in the new nursing program at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, was the program’s first graduate in 1873.
The famous poet Walt Whitman, worked as a volunteer nurse during the Civil War! “The Wound Dresser” was just one of his pieces that reflected on his experience.
Nursing is a fast-growing profession. The federal government predicts that 200,000 new nursing jobs will be created each year between 2016 and 2026. That’s 2 million nursing positions!
Men are a growing portion of nurses in the United States. In 2018, men made up 9.6% of the total nursing population which was an increase from 7.1% in 2008.
The first documented travel nurses were present in the late 1970s when nurses were brought to New Orleans specifically to help care for the surge of people present for Mardi Gras.
As of October 2020, the pass rate for the NCLEX was 74.73%.
Most of the women (90%) who served in the Vietnam War were Army and Navy nurses.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 84,200 RNs are employed as school nurses: enough to staff just 64% of schools with a full-time nurse. However, many nurses are responsible for covering multiple schools, or they work part-time.
As of 2020, there were 2,986,500 working in the United States.
The average annual earnings for licensed practical nurses was $29,440 in 2000. In 2020, the average annual earnings were $48,500.
Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first professionally trained and licensed African American nurse in the U.S. She went on to co-found the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN).
Accelerated-degree programs are making it easier for people to go into nursing as a second career. As of 2018, there were 282 accelerated baccalaureate programs, according to the AACN, with 30 more in the works.
Last year, 30,390 nurses were accepted into university. According to the UCAS, 2019 saw an increase of 6.1% of nursing course applications.
There is a serious shortage of nurses. Despite the facts revealing that more nurses are joining the register and more students are choosing to study nursing, there is a global shortage of nurses.

We’d Like to Hear From You!

To those of you that read these blogs consistently, thank you so much. Having an audience rather than feeling like I am writing into the void is a rewarding experience, so again, thank you. Seeing the reactions to articles, stories and interviews never gets less heartwarming for me. Especially when I can relate to even just one person.

Now I typically write about different topics that I come up with or that seem like a good fit at the moment, but now I want to hear from you guys! To our students, prospective students, and just general followers of our page, what do you want to read about?

We get great feedback especially when I do interviews and personal pieces. So, what type of topic would be personal to you? Do you need motivation? Time management tips? More information on the nursing field? Or would you like to hear about different job opportunities in different areas of study? Let us know!

Leave a comment on this post telling us what you would like to hear next. I’m all ears!

– Lucy

Letters to Yourself: A Gift for Graduation Day

Have you written a letter to your future self before? When I was in eighth grade, I had a history teacher that had us write a letter to our future selves, which would be opened at a later date close to high school graduation. We were instructed to write about our current hobbies, favorite music, friends, and our future hopes and goals. I wrote about how my volleyball and track seasons were going and how I hoped one day I would be a college athlete. I wrote about the Black Eyed Peas and how much I loved them and my favorite songs. Cringey, right? I finished my letter by telling my future self what I hoped I would accomplish in the next four years and reminded future me to not be so hard on myself.

Over the course of the next few years, I forgot all about the letter I wrote, until the day before graduation when I finally was able to read it. When I unsealed the letter and read what 13 year old me had written, I laughed and cringed and eventually was brought to tears. I was shocked by what had changed, but thankful for the personal growth I saw. I was heading to college to major in Secondary Education and as a member of my university’s volleyball team. I no longer listened to the Black Eyed Peas (except for the occasional throwback), and I was still working on being an advocate for myself and finding my voice. The letter was such a breath of fresh air, I then came up with the idea of writing a letter to my future self for when I graduated college. Being 17, my goals for the future were different. I sat down and wrote another letter to myself, this time, to open the day before I graduated from college.

Three years later, I unsealed yet another letter from myself. The emotions I felt while reading that letter were indescribable. My younger self had written about how I was nervous to leave home, moving to a place where I didn’t know a soul.

She was scared of living up to the standards she had set for herself but was determined to make her family proud. The last thing she wrote about was finding happiness.

Younger me had been struggling with knowing where she belonged and just wanted to find her place in this world. Reading my final letter urged me to reflect on my past three years. Three years full of switching majors, an athletic career cut short by injury, one too many crazy hair phases, gaining lifetime friends, goals I reached and even the ones I fell short on. Reading my letter made me more conscious of how I have changed and grown. It reminded me of some of my past visions that I lost track of along the way. It made me appreciate how far I have come and it made me look forward to the future.

Memories tend to fade and become distorted over time, making them unreliable by the time you graduate. It’s far better to put pen to paper and write down all of your hopes and dreams, your visions and aspirations, as well as ask some mindful questions that only your future self can answer.

As you write your letter, your current thoughts and consciousness will be stored in your words. And as you read it after graduation, months or years later, you will be provided with a different perspective, letting you see just how much you have changed since then. Write to yourself. Include your goals and your fears. Ask yourself questions, and offer advice to your future self. There are no restrictions on how far you should project your letter to — you can write to your future self 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or even 10 years from now!

A few quick few prompts to start your letter could be…

Ambitious: “In (number of years) I would like to achieve…”
Goal-driven: “My goal for (date/year) is…”
Motivating: “Dear future self, I would like to encourage/motivate you to…”

Learning to eLearn

In a time where we are more connected through technology than we have ever been, eLearning is just another advancement that has been created for both students and companies. But what is eLearning?

According elearningnc.gov, to eLearning, or electronic learning, is “learning utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. In most cases, it refers to a course, program or degree delivered completely online.”

eLearning can be delivered to students through the use of computers, tablets, laptops, and even mobile phones. eLearning is not limited to just school, however. It also can be utilized for training and teaching purposes.

Many of the country’s school districts plan to begin the fall semester online-only. With the current events causing many schools to switch to online learning, both parents and students may both need guidance through these new classroom experiences. To make the best of this situation, here are some tips to help you adapt to learning from home.

The environment you immerse yourself in can be one of your biggest distractions. It’s important that you feel comfortable in your space. It should be quiet and have minimal clutter.

Restricting or cutting back on your device use may be a strategy that works for those who have difficulty focusing. Extensive use of electronics such as phones and tablets can be associated with health issues, such as obesity and depression. Small amounts of daily screen time can be beneficial.

Some students may find it tasking to sit through an entire lecture. This gives you a great reason to utilize recorded lectures! Take breaks. 30 minutes into your lecture, get up, stretch, walk around. Take 5-10 minutes to refresh yourself, then sit back down to focus. Allowing time for exercise before you are expected to focus on learning might be a good idea. Exercise is one of the best stress relievers and is a natural way to prevent anxiety. It could be a great way to get in the correct headspace before a class. Consider standing during your online courses, as many people often have more success standing rather than sitting.

Creating a schedule that is the same day to day will allow a smooth transition into eLearning. Research shows that students who have higher GPAs are usually better at time management. Our lives love structure, so try to manage your time with a set schedule.

Instead of jumping right into a set schedule, you should first make small adjustments. Try to get yourself on the same schedule every day and stick to it. That means the same wake-up time and same wind-down time. Start schoolwork at the same hour each day in order to form a routine.

Each and every student is different, and it’s useful to find out what learning style best suits your needs. At the end of each week or every other week, take the time to step back and evaluate your schedule. Look at how you spent your time each day, what areas you need to dedicate more time to and where you are spending too much time. Then, decide how long each night you should be spending on your work and which nights should be dedicated to which classes. Take a look at what habits are benefiting you and which are hindering you. Adjust accordingly.

Tweaking your schedule may be necessary as the class days pass by. If you find yourself struggling with certain classes or assignments, try new ways to spend more time working on that assignment/subject. Find your “peak time” or the time when you are most productive. Then, save your most difficult assignments for that time! This will encourage productivity.

Lastly, stay social while social distancing. Interacting with others not only keeps your mind stimulated and increases overall happiness, but it will help you find the support you may need. Utilizing Zoom or Skype is a great option. Students can work together and offer classmates help with subjects they may be struggling with. Emails, class chats, and discussions are other ways to get that social interaction. These are all great methods to find support.

Although eLearning may be brand new to some and it can be very intimidating, it can provide so many benefits that traditional classrooms cannot. Creating flexible schedules and breaks, self-pacing, and finding what works for you are opportunities all associated with eLearning. With the range of benefits, it gives to students, along with accommodating students and their families to keep everyone safe during a pandemic, eLearning has been widely accepted and appreciated among parents, teachers, and students across the country and the world.

What I Wish I Would Have Known Before College

There is no step by step guide to survive school while pursuing a higher education degree. Many people describe college as some of the best years of their lives. However, higher education is a dramatic lifestyle change that can be hard to adapt to for many students. As a recent graduate reflecting on my college years, there are a few things I wish I had realized before I entered college. Here are a few things I wish I would’ve known, including stress, studying and money management.

In high school I was a three sport athlete, a member of the National Honor Society, the secretary for the student council and part of many other committees. I balanced these activities very well and loved every minute of it. However, the set schedule I was used to changed when I came to college. You are in charge of managing your schedule. No one is there to guide you along. This can be a major change of pace for many people. So my tip to you is to set a schedule. Sit down and plan out your week. Designate times to do assignments, tests and to study. Stick to your routine. Your grades will thank you.

If you had poor study habits in high school, it’s time to make a change. Students are often shocked by how much effort they must put into their classes. Even though students are often told how much time and effort they will have to put into their classes, they are typically stunned when they are actually expected to do it. If you’re really struggling, reach out to your advisor for helpful tips on how to manage your course work. They may also have resources available to you to make studying easier or more enjoyable! Don’t take on more than you can handle. Some students can handle four courses at a time while others may only be able to focus on one. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, that’s okay! Progress isn’t linear. Lastly, ask friends and loved ones what worked for them or look up studying tips online. If one method fails, don’t give up! Everyone is different, you just need to find your niche.

In all honesty, college was the most stressful time of my life. When my routine was no longer existent, I found that I had to discover new ways to manage stress and anxiety. It wasn’t until my junior year that I was able to find ways to manage that stress that worked for me. I found that what worked for me didn’t necessarily work for my friends. I had always been an extremely active person, so I naturally gravitated towards fitness to take my mind off of whatever I was stressed about. Going to the gym at the end of the day helped me relax and refocus. Other stress relievers can be painting, reading a book or even just watching a movie or tv for a little while. Find a healthy coping mechanism and make sure to incorporate it into your new routine.

Last but not least, money. Money can be a huge concern while earning your degree, and managing it can be difficult. My advice would be to set a budget or allowance for yourself. You can make it weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly. Factor in the cost of your loans, along with other expenses such as books and materials. When I made my budget, I also included money for food, extracurriculars along with how much money I would put into savings. I really stress putting money aside for savings. When my senior year rolled around, I was able to pay off my whole first semester with what money I had put aside which saved me the stress of paying more interest on my loan. Every bit counts, save what you can, when you can.

For many students, college is a whole new world and what comes along with it can be stressful and overwhelming. Finding what works for you during this time is extremely important. Sometimes, though, a little guidance can be helpful — take it from people who learned the hard way.