Category: Nursing Education

Is This Really Worth It?

There comes a time in every person’s life when they question if they’re on the right path. Perhaps you’ve been studying for 4 hours a day, multiple days a week, and still don’t pass that exam. Maybe you don’t feel the same excitement you felt during the first week of your job. It might even be that you have loved one’s telling you you can’t do it. All of these factors may cause you to ask yourself why you’re making the sacrifices it takes to become a nurse.

This week, Distance Learning Systems decided to reach out to RN’s and see why they chose the nursing field and why they stick with it. These men and women have offered us insight into their lives and careers.

Everyone has a story, and one day, so will you.

1. “I chose to be a nurse because I’ve always felt called to help others. Even though nursing school was hard, the day I saved my first patient was when I knew it was all worth it.” – Sam, 42
2. “It takes a special kind of person to be a nurse. I have been a nurse for over 30 years. I have had my share of disappointments, but it is from my own experience I am able to draw the perfect pleasure of nursing. I was a psychiatric nurse and worked with youngsters who had issues with drugs and abandonment. I became very enlightened and gained abilities to intervene in many cases.In one case, as the young lady was leaving she said to me, “I’ll never forget you, what you said to me, as long as I live.” I guess that one instance made my life important to someone.” Maureen, 61
3. “ I wanted to become a nurse so that I could impact people’s lives during some of the most difficult and traumatic times that they may ever experience. I always knew that I had a heart for helping others and nursing was the perfect career to make a difference. They say that nursing is a combination of art and science and I truly believe that. I wanted to care for patients’ minds, bodies, and spirits which is the holistic approach that nursing is centered around. I have stuck with nursing because I honestly cannot see myself doing anything else after the experiences that I have had. Saving a life or being present when someone takes their last breath are moments that I believe are a privilege for me to take part in. The skills, compassion, diversity, and connections are all reasons that keep me coming back shift after shift. I have seen healthcare teams work together to completely change the prognosis for a patient which is extremely rewarding. Nursing is a career where I have been able to use my talents and knowledge to make a positive impact on others.” – Judy, 25
4. “ I am a supervisor in a nursing home where I oversee 50+ residents. I comfort my residents while they are alive, and I comfort their families when they pass. They give my life purpose. At times it seems as though money is the most important thing., I am proud to know I matter and make a difference in someone’s life.” – Jason, 56
5. “When I was about 6 years old, I was sent to the children’s hospital in our state for some health complications. I ended up needing surgery and check ups every 3 weeks. Since I was there so much, my family and I formed a sort of bond with some of the nurses. They even threw me a little surprise when I had an appointment on my birthday. I never forgot how well they treated me and how comforting they were. I guess that was the motivation I had to be a nurse and why I stuck with it. I wanted to touch lives like they had touched mine.” – Jamie, 29
6. “When my husband passed away, the nurses were there with him every step of the way. They made his last moments comfortable. They earned my trust. To see everything they do and how hard they worked, that’s what inspired me. I became an RN at the age of 50.” – Sharon, 58
7. “I knew I wanted to be a nurse as long as I can remember. I’m not exactly sure why, I just felt drawn to the profession. It’s not a job for me, it’s a calling.” – Rebecca, 22
8. “Nurses run in my family. My great grandmother, grandmother and mother were all nurses. Seeing how fulfilled they were with their jobs and hearing their stories made it an easy decision for me. Was the road to becoming a nurse easy? Heck no! But was it worth it? Absolutely.” – Joanna, 44
9. “I didn’t know I wanted to be a nurse until my sophomore year of college when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I was so young and so scared. My doctors and nurses touched my heart and saved my life. I believe it’s my life’s duty to repay the favor and serve others.” – Sydney, 31
10. “God called me to be a nurse. I woke up one morning and knew that’s exactly what I was created to do. I enrolled in school that very day and have never looked back. I’ve been a nurse for over 20 years now.” – Charlotte, 49

In times as uncertain as these, remember why you’re doing it and who you’re doing it for.

Distance Learning Systems™ Partners with Medical Staffing Network to Upgrade Nursing Credentials

Distance Learning Systems™ and Medical Staffing Network partner to provide an affordable and accelerated pathway to an RN (Registered Nurse) license for qualifying medical professionals.
Greenwood, IN, May 21, 2019 – Distance Learning Systems™ (ec2-54-149-168-207.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com) announced today that Medical Staffing Network (www.msnhealth.com), part of the Cross Country Staffing (www.crosscountrystaffing.com) family, has partnered with Distance Learning Systems™ to join its network of corporate partners and regionally accredited universities.

This partnership provides a flexible and affordable online alternative for Medical Staffing Network’s nurses who are interested in upgrading their current LPN/LVN licensure to RN. Distance Learning Systems’™ unique online platform includes accelerated courses that save students both time and money. This partnership provides a means by which any Medical Staffing Network LPN/LVN aspiring to attain RN status may do so simply by completing online college level-courses through Distance Learning Systems™ and clinical validation.

Medical Staffing Network has reviewed and approved the nursing program offered by Distance Learning Systems™ as the most direct and seamless bridge to RN licensure available in this space. Cross Country Staffing plans to provide financial support to its nursing staff in support of this endeavor.

“We believe today’s college student deserves a more affordable, accelerated option for degree completion, one that allows adult students to maintain current lifestyles, and that’s what Distance Learning Systems™ provides,” said Dave Christy, President of Distance Learning Systems™. “Our partnership with Medical Staffing Network addresses the academic needs of the nation’s premier staffing company.”

Distance Learning Systems™ offers a high-quality, low-cost path for those interested in earning over 50 regionally accredited degrees, including nursing. Classes may be completed 100% live online and in traditional classrooms in select locations. This is truly a hybrid program for students who cannot attend class on campus but expect the same level of support available in a traditional campus-based program. Distance Learning Systems™ courses are recognized by the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®). To date, Distance Learning Systems™ has saved students over $200,000,000.00 in tuition and fees.

By making this commitment to its nurses, Medical Staffing Network is taking a huge step forward in continuing to deliver high-quality, flexible staffing solutions to the healthcare organizations it serves.

“This is a true partnership between Distance Learning Systems™ and Medical Staffing Network that will bring a higher level of skill set to the bedside, which will result in better outcomes,” said Cross Country Staffing Chief Clinical Officer Hank Drummond, PhD, MDiv, BA, RN.

About Medical Staffing Network
Medical Staffing Network, a member of the Cross Country Staffing family, is a trusted national provider of healthcare staffing and workforce solutions that balance quality patient care with cost savings. Medical Staffing Network has the flexible per diem and local contract opportunities clinicians want, and the pay and benefits they deserve. To learn more, visit msnhealth.com.

About Distance Learning Systems™
Based on its 97% National Pass Rate, Distance Learning Systems™, headquartered in Greenwood, Indiana, is believed by many to offer the nation’s most effective online learning platform. Distance Learning Systems™ (DLSII™), currently serves over 10,000 clients nationwide with customizable, structured, instructor – led online classes. Students will rapidly complete multiple college level courses recognized by the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®). An additional 2,000 additional U.S. institutions of higher learning also recognize and accept ACE CREDIT®. Note: The decision to accept specific credit recommendations is at the sole discretion of each college or university; for more information visit: ec2-54-149-168-207.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com or call toll free 1-888-955-3276.

Distance Learning Systems Expands Online Learning Program with New Brandman University Partnership

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Distance Learning Systems and Brandman University join forces to offer an affordable and flexible learning format for students to earn an accredited degree online.
Distance Learning Systems has partnered with Brandman University to provide an online learning program enhancing and supporting educational goals. The Brandman Premier Partnership gives Distance Learning Systems’ students increased flexibility and affordability in their continued education.

“Education is vital for success in today’s employment market,” said Dave Christy, President of Distance Learning System. “Our partnership with Brandman allows our students the opportunity to earn college credits in an accelerated, cost-effective environment while staying current with industry demands within their field of study.”

As a Premier Partner, Distance Learning Systems has access to exclusive scholarships that can be applied to multiple pathways including many of its over 80 degree, certification, credential and professional development programs. Brandman also offers custom solutions for staff and provides student-centered services to support them through graduation.

Brandman programs are available at more than 25 campuses throughout California and Washington and online, and through Brandman MyPath, our self-paced online competency-based education modality.

About Distance Learning Systems
Distance Learning Systems, headquartered in Greenwood, Indiana, is believed by many to offer the nation’s most effective online learning platform where students maintain a 97% national average pass rate. Distance Learning Systems (DLSII), currently serves over 10,000 students nationwide with customizable, structured, instructor – led online classes. Students will rapidly complete multiple college level courses recognized by Brandman University. Additionally, 2,000 U.S. institutions of higher learning also recognize and accept ACE course credits. Note: The decision to accept specific credit recommendations is at the sole discretion of each college or university; however specific credit transfers between DLSII and Brandman University have been established. For more information visit: ec2-54-149-168-207.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com or call toll free 1-888-955-3276.

About Brandman University
Brandman University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). It offers academic programs available at more than 25 campuses throughout California and Washington and online, and through Brandman MyPath, our self-paced competency-based education modality. Not all programs are available at all locations. Program availability is subject to change. To learn more, visit www.brandman.edu.

Distance Learning Systems Bolsters College Partnership Program by Adding Indiana Wesleyan University

Distance Learning Systems and Indiana Wesleyan University partner to provide aspiring nurses with a flexible and affordable option to obtaining a Bachelor of Science In Nursing.

December 12, 2018

– Distance Learning Systems (ec2-54-149-168-207.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com) announced today that Indiana Wesleyan University (www.indwes.edu) has partnered with Distance Learning Systems and joined its network of regionally accredited institutions.

This partnership provides a flexible and affordable online alternative for students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University. The program provides a unique online platform provided by Distance Learning Systems that includes accelerated courses that save students both time and money. This partnership provides a means by which any RN aspiring to earn a BSN degree may do so simply by completing online college-level courses through Distance Learning Systems and apply those credits toward their BSN from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Indiana Wesleyan University has evaluated and approved 15 DLSI courses (a total of 41 credits) as eligible for transfer into the RN to BSN program offered by Indiana Wesleyan University.

“We believe today’s college student deserves a more affordable, accelerated option for degree completion, and that’s what we provide” said Dave Christy, President of Distance Learning Systems. “Our partnership with this regionally accredited university, makes available exciting degree opportunities benefiting the student population we serve.”

Distance Learning Systems offers a high-quality, low-cost path for RNs to earn their BSN degree. Courses are completed 100% online with all the benefits of a traditional classroom and the convenience of a flexible self-paced program. This is truly a hybrid program for students who cannot attend class on campus, but require the same level of support available in a traditional campus based program. The DLSI program provides college-level courses that allow individuals to earn transferrable college credits through competency-based learning. Each college-level course is instructor-led, live or recorded, and requires taking only 1 class per week.

Distance Learning System courses are recognized by ACE, The American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service. Distance Learning Systems is accredited by ASIC and maintains a long standing A+ BBB rating, and has saved students over $200,000,000.00 in tuition and fees. Their program boasts a 97% national average pass rate.

About Distance Learning Systems
Based on its 97% National Pass Rate, Distance Learning Systems, headquartered in Greenwood, Indiana, is believed by many to offer the nation’s most effective online learning platform. Distance Learning Systems (DLSII), currently serves over 10,000 clients nationwide with customizable, structured, instructor–led online classes. Students will rapidly complete multiple college level courses recognized by Indiana Wesleyan University. 2,000 additional U.S. institutions of higher learning also recognize and accept ACE course credits. NOTE: The decision to accept specific credit recommendations is at the sole discretion of each college or university; however specific credit transfers between DLSII and Indiana Wesleyan University have been established. For more information visit: ec2-54-149-168-207.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com or call toll free 1-888-955-3276.

About Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church that is committed to global liberal arts and professional education. The university system includes IWU—Marion, where about 3,000 students are enrolled in traditional programs on the main campus in Marion, Ind.; IWU—National and Global, which includes more than 10,000 adult learners throughout the world who study online or at 15 education centers in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio; and Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University, which offers a practical and student-centered approach for busy, working ministers. IWU’s DeVoe School of Business, the School of Nursing, the School of Health Sciences, the School of Educational Leadership, the School of Service and Leadership, and the Division of Liberal Arts are all housed within the National and Global campus. More information is available at www.indwes.edu.

Nurses and Public Policies

The National League for Nursing (NLN) is dreaming of more complete nurses under their wing. That is why they are also offering programs that deal with issues outside of the nursing field. Issues such as public policies. This is a subject that is unheard of during the earlier days of nursing. It is a topic that finds its discussions only with civil servants and politicians, not with nurses. But NLN is striving to put the subject of public policy to their nurses.

Making a Difference
Inserting public policy as one of the subjects for nursing courses is raising the level of care to their patients. This is all in place since taking care of your patients is one way of initiating change, which is the desired effect why public policies are instituted.

Coming Together
The spirit of camaraderie is also at work with public policies. This is somehow closely related to the work nurses are doing. Sometimes nurses work not just the concern of a single patient, but the concern of an entire community also.

The Power to Change
Taking care of your patient has its own power. Public policies can change not just laws, but lives as well. That is what NLN wanted their nurses to have. If they can connect their calling as a medical practitioner into something nobler like extending their care to their immediate community, then change is possible.

A Democratic Right
NLN acknowledges that it is a democratic right of every individual to have an accessible health care. And their nurses should be at the forefront of this right. Every person should be entitled to a medical attention regardless of his or her station in life.

Taking Good Care Your Nurses

Nurses are in high demand. The demand is so high, that many consider the number of RN’s available to be a near catastrophic deficit. All across the US and even abroad, nursing courses are a dime a dozen. With so many needing medical attention, chances are the need of providing more medical staff such as nurses and doctors would still be among the highest in terms of enrollees in our colleges and universities.

And leading the supply of nurses in the country is the Distance Learning Systems Indiana, Inc. (DLSI). Since 1999, DLSI is constantly providing customized educational programs as well as test preparation products for our potential nurses.

No longer is a nursing education done in the four corners of a classroom, DLSI offers the concept of learning information at a distance. It offers flexibility and an environment that suits every student as he intends to learn from DLSI’s unique educational program.

Recognizing the inherent differences in every student, DLSI addresses each need from its Blended Learning Program, an interactive, classroom-based online video classroom where nursing students could test-out programs to supplement their education or even credit requirements.

They offer free nursing seminars, superior course materials, tutoring, and even financial assistance to augment the growing demand of producing more competent nurses in the country. Nursing education has come a long way with DLSI. It is their goal of preparing them for a successful nursing career, not just mere medical staffers in some private hospital out there.

DLSI has its national passing rate at 97%, one of the highest in the country. They simply take care of your nursing education so these new nurses could take good care of their patients. And with its mission statement of providing affordable and appropriate access to higher learning, you can be sure that the quality of nurses they will not only heal the sick but also improve the condition of their lives as well.

Top Three Characteristics of High Quality Nursing Schools

Choosing the ideal school to earn your nursing degree is very important. The type of nursing school plays an important role in developing professional skills and knowledge needed to practice a nursing career. These Nursing Schools are the foundation of a person’s nursing ability to provide healthcare service to patients. On top of that, a lot of medical institutions opt to employ nurses that came from respected and prestigious nursing schools.

You should be able to distinguish well which school to consider. Among the many nursing school offering nursing degree choose a school that have these qualities. This will be your quick guide in choosing the best nursing school in your area.

Highly qualified faculty members

The school’s Teachers and instructors are the front liners towards molding you to an efficient and well knowledgeable nurse. Some nursing schools have more qualified sets of faculty members compared to other. Choose a school that have high-credential faculty members on their list. A good indicator is membership in the National League for Nursing.

Accreditation

You may want to belong to an educational institution that have earn the proper accreditation in the field of nursing.  Accreditation Bodies like The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Nursing Board Exam Passing Rate

An effective nursing education program may be measured on the number of nursing board passers a school have produced. It’s preferable that you choose a nursing school that has a high rate of board passers in five consecutive years. Schools that have high percentage of passing rate often maintain high quality of education. You want to have this kind of quality nursing education to mold you to a highly qualified nursing professional.

What To Expect In An RN Course

RNs are required to have at the least an associate degree, but a bachelor degree in nursing (BSN) are also available, and preferred by the vast majority of hospitals, and can help an RN’s possibilities to generate better pay. Weigh your school options based on your current academic needs and schedule.

An Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASN) contains programs in anatomy, nursing, nutrition, chemistry, and biology among others. You’ll also be required to take general liberal arts classes. Getting an ASN is the most popular choice for RNs and paves the way to entry-level staff nurse roles which will provide you with hands-on experience in the nursing industry. This is the quickest direction to becoming an RN as most associate degree programs last about two to three years.

An ambitious RN can get a bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) in four years at a college or university. If you’re already an RN, you can join an RN to BSN program which is designed particularly for RNs who have an associates level or nursing degree. This direction usually requires about two to three years. An even faster BSN choice is for applicants who already hold a bachelors degree in another area. An accelerated BSN program allows learners to apply general education credits from their first degree to the BSN. This path requires between one to one-and-a-half years.

Here’s a typical example of what schools offer in their nursing programs:

  • Bioethics
  • Fundamentals of microbiology
  • Nursing research
  • Nursing care of the older adult
  • Public health nursing

After finishing your degree, you’ll need to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). In order to sit for the examination, you’ll need to apply for a nursing license from your state board of nursing. Since each state has different qualifications specifications, check with your state board to make sure you’ve met the specifications to be able to take the examination.

Student’s guide for choosing the right healthcare education

One of the oldest and top industry in the world is the field of Healthcare. Each year hundreds of new graduates are added in the lists of healthcare professionals offering medial service to help the sickly. In order to be part of this highly respected profession, one must undergo proper education and training. Offering healthcare service is not easy as carpentry. In order to practice such profession people need to qualify and pass professional accreditation which can be difficult.

If you are planning to have a career in the healthcare industry, it’s best that you seek the right educational institution. The school you choose can affect the level of skills you will have in the future. You may want to enroll to an institution that offers high quality healthcare education. Your choice of school can help have the right skills and ability to provide satisfying patient care in the future.

To help you find the suitable healthcare education that you need, here’s a short guide:

  • Choose a reputable educational institution. The number of schools offering programs in healthcare has been increasing in the past years. This is due to the increase in demand for healthcare professionals. You should select an institution that has created a highly respected reputation in terms of giving high quality education.
  • Pick the institution that produced a lot of successful healthcare professionals. The number of successful professionals from a school is a good indicator what kind of education you will be getting. You want to be educated in an institution wherein there is a high success rate among graduates.

Choosing the right educational institution is a step closer to attaining your plans to having successful career in the field of healthcare. Given the education and training you have, you will surely pass any professional accreditation exams that is required to practice a triumphant healthcare career.

The NLN Accreditation

To determine if an educational program meets the professional standard, an evaluation process is done by an outside body. This evaluation process is called an accreditation. Most schools or programs seek accreditation because it tells of the competence of the school or the program. One of the national organizations that has an accreditation entity is the National League for Nursing (NLN).

The NLN is a membership organization for nursing faculty and leaders in education. Part of it is the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) which is the entity that is responsible for the accreditation of nursing education schools and programs. The NLNAC website has a detailed information on a wide variety of nursing programs that has specialized accreditation the NLNAC is responsible for, including clinical doctorate, master’s, bachelor’s, associate’s, diploma, and practical programs.

The NLNAC accreditation serves to provide assurance that schools and nursing programs meet or exceed certain standards and criteria. Nursing schools or programs that have an NLNAC accreditation are able to improve through self-evaluation. The accreditation also helps programs recruit students, assures employers that graduates have competent skills, guide students in their job and education choices, and helps students be eligible for financial assistance from government sources.

Not all schools or programs in nursing have an NLN accreditation. So students who choose to attend non-accredited programs may not be eligible for financial aid. Non-accredited programs may not be transferred as well when students decide to change programs or further education. And the worst, students may have fewer job possibilities if they attend non-accredited programs, especially in the government.

The NLN accreditation done by the NLNAC is an important factor in considering a nursing school or program. Aside from it serving as proof that a program is following professional standard, an accreditation also has benefits that students attending the program can take advantage.