Distance Learning Systems (DLSI)

1. When you’re a licensed RN but look young for your age

2. The horror when you lose your favorite pen

3. We all have those days…

4. Just minding my business over here…

5. Some people will never understand…

6. The BEST feeling

7. You never know what you’re going to get!

8. Hey Bestie!

9. I look okay, right?

10. Where’s the bread???

11. Night shift problems!

12. Sleep, Eat, Repeat

13. T.M.I.

14. Just my luck…

15. I swear it makes sense…kind of

16.  It’s the most important meal of the day, right?

17. You’re making me nervous!

18. This is sort of like a superpower, right?

19. Why are you standing up???

20. Freedom!

21. New Year’s resolution?

22. Now that’s what I call art!

23. Sad, but true.

24. I’m trying my best, okay?

25. Hey nurses, we appreciate you!

Taking the leap to enroll in an online education program is a big deal! So congratulations if you’ve taken that step! Now that you’re in an online program, it’s time to think about a study buddy. Enrolling in an online school comes with an abundance of benefits. Flexible classes allow you to balance the day-to-day responsibilities you have, like your job and family obligations, while still earning a degree. Online discussion posts and staying in constant communication with your professor can be beneficial by motivating you to stay on top of assignments, but having one classmate to count on can help make studying easier. Have you considered finding a study buddy?

A study buddy is a fellow student who can help you stay focused, share notes with you, prepare for tests with you, and/or help you understand difficult concepts. Finding a study buddy when you’re taking classes online might seem difficult, but it’s not! Taking advantage of available technology like email, instant messaging, or video chatting can help you make a connection with your classmates. There are several things to consider when looking for a study partner:

Class Discussions – In a traditional classroom setting, the ideal study buddy may be the student that sits in the front, participates in discussions, and takes detailed notes. However, in an online course, it may be difficult to make these observations. So, watch the discussion posts to see who participates and the frequency of participation. Seeing who responds quickly, thoroughly and in-depth may just give you an idea of who is reliable and dedicated.

Your Goals – Before jumping into asking a peer to be your study buddy, first reflect on your goals. The reason you might need a study buddy could differ from your classmates. Try to find someone with similar goals, a similar major, or career interest. Or, try to find someone who excels in the parts of a class where you may be struggling. Also, don’t forget that you’ll be a study buddy too so knowing what help you can offer the other person is important.

Dependability– Putting aside what you may need assistance with within your class, make sure the study buddy you pick is dependable and will help you focus instead of being a distraction. Having a person cancel when you’re depending on them to study for a test or compare notes can not only be a disappointment but could set you back in your studies. Additionally, getting along and becoming friends with a study buddy is great – just make sure he or she is someone who also can concentrate well so you can stay focused on what’s most important.

Ultimately, a study buddy should help you excel in a class and better your grades/study habits. If they don’t, it may be time to find someone new. Earning a degree is a huge commitment and a major step to advancing or changing your career. Finding someone that is just as dedicated and can help you reach your goal can go a long way in helping you earn a degree! Study hard!

If you’ve been weighing your options between online and traditional schooling, it may seem like an overwhelming process. Huge decisions are often difficult to make. However, this article will walk you through online education and why it may be a great option for you.

 

Online coursework gives student’s the convenience of studying on their own schedule. Nearly 32 percent of higher education students reaped the benefits of enrolling in online courses in 2012, according to a survey released by the Babson Survey Research Group and the College Board. There are many advantages associated with online learning. These include, but are not limited to, the ability to study from home, lower costs, and flexible schedules. Individuals that attend higher education courses online also develop a knowledge of virtual networking and well-versed technology skills.

 

The option to study at home offers students a level of convenience and comfort that is not available to those who attend traditional classes. While taking classes from the comfort of their home, students are able to avoid traveling to and from school grounds, as assignments and instruction are delivered virtually to the student’s laptop, phone, etc. Additionally, all other course resources are available online, so students never have to leave home to complete coursework. According to Sean Chamberlin of Fullerton College, studying at home also prevents students from missing classes, and classes are not canceled for reasons such as inclement weather.

 

The cost comparison between online school and traditional school carries a significant financial benefit to those attending school online. Costs associated with traditional college typically include student services fees, gas, and school supplies. Many students also factor in costs for parking on some campuses or using public transportation. Instructors often use e-textbooks for online learning instead of costly hardcover textbooks, which can reduce costs for students considerably. Students with children are also able to save money on childcare costs.

 

Online courses allow students the ability to balance their work and family obligations while in college. For instance, individuals with 9-to-5 jobs can complete assignments in the evening or on weekends. The 24/7 availability makes online classes ideal for many students desiring to pursue a college degree. Strong self-discipline is an essential quality for online students, who must possess the drive to meet their course deadlines while handling personal obligations as well. With well-developed organizational skills, many students can manage these challenges with ease.

 

Online education attracts not only students from all across the United States but rather, all over the world. Attending class virtually enables students to make connections with individuals they may not have otherwise met. Virtual classrooms are filled with diverse individuals from varying backgrounds, resulting in unique and thought-provoking classroom conversations. Online class settings sometimes inspire students to form study groups and schedule outings at local venues. Students consistently receive chances to learn from each other and develop lasting professional networking connections.

Did You Know?

The World Health Organization (WHO) deemed 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” in order to recognize the essential and critical role nurses and midwives play in providing care to those in need. WHO also noted that “nurses are often the first and only point of care in a community and that nurses often face challenging conditions.” Of course, the organization could not possibly have predicted just how important nurses would be during 2020, considering the COVID-19 pandemic and other events that have occurred over these past 12 months. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Nursing paths.

 

Breakdown: ADN

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum degree requirement for becoming a registered nurse (RN). You’ll find ADN programs at community colleges and some four-year institutions.  An ADN from an accredited nursing school is a fantastic choice if you want to become an RN without the commitment of a four-year degree. It’s important to note, however, that while this is the minimum education for licensing, employers are increasingly making a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree a requirement for new hires.

 

ADNs typically require around two years to complete. State-approved programs will include extensive on-site clinical training that aligns with your state’s requirements for licensing.

 

Breakdown: BSN

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a degree program designed for RNs who want to pursue higher management positions and qualify for higher-paying jobs. If you’re ready to work as an RN, a BSN could be a great choice for you if you have the availability and financial accommodations to commit to a four-year degree.

 

A BSN is also a great place to begin if your ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree and work as an APRN (advanced practice registered nurse). More than half of RNs work in hospitals, though with your additional clinical experience and any specialized skills, you can find a variety of less traditional roles. These could include Case Manager, Forensic Nurse, Home Health Nurse, Nursing Informatics Specialist, Occupational Health Nurse, and School Nurse.

 

Breakdown: MSN

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate program of study designed for nurses who want to practice in a specialized role known as an advanced practice registered nurse. The curriculum in an MSN program is far more specialized compared to a general nursing degree. You will study deeper into a concentrated area of study while taking advanced courses in topics such as leadership, management, healthcare policy, and research. Students who enter into MSN programs with a BSN typically take about two years to complete their degree.

 

With an MSN, you’ll be prepared to work as an APRN in your area of concentration. To do so, you’ll need to hold a state license as an RN as well as a national credential in your specialty. Specializations vary by program, but common options include the following: Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, and Certified Nurse Anesthetist.

 

Job Outlook

The employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons. About 175,900 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

 

Overall, job opportunities for registered nurses are expected to be good. However, there may be competition for jobs in some areas of the country. Generally, registered nurses who have a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) will have better job prospects than those without one.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

 

 

What Can I Earn?

The median annual wage for registered nurses was $73,300 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $52,080, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $111,220.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

 

Which Nursing Degree Is A Good Fit For Me?

With so many nursing degrees and paths available, it is important to understand how each program is laid out and the requirements they have so you can weigh your options and decide which one may be the best fit for you. If you’re a recent high school graduate, an experienced career veteran, or if you’re looking to make a career change, there are plenty of options to fit your dream. Take the time to evaluate your goals and finances and match that to whatever path aligns most with your current lifestyle.

You may have heard of elevator pitches from coworkers, professors, or friends. Like many, I had never heard of one until college when my professor stressed how important they were in the world of networking. An elevator pitch is a very short summary of yourself that, from start to finish, is completed in the average amount of time it takes to travel on an elevator, approximately thirty seconds or less. Elevator pitches are so simple, yet can be one of the most vital tools you have in the professional world. In thirty seconds, the objective is to get your point across while inviting the individual you are speaking to ask more about who you are. Consider it to be a sales pitch, but the product being sold is you and your abilities. You should be able to accomplish, without rushing, in half a minute or less.

When composing your elevator pitch, there are a few main points you will need to hit. Keep these questions in mind: Who are you? What do you do? What do you want?

● Start with a greeting, then limit it to one sentence about yourself. Introduce yourself not just by stating what your title is, but what you do. For example, I wouldn’t introduce myself by stating that I write blogs. Instead, I would state that I am a freelance content writer that helps businesses gain more traffic to their websites and social media.

● Write one or two sentences about who your ideal clients are. You may want to write down how your products or services help this group of people.

● Write a sentence or two about what you do every day in your business. If your emphasis is on time-saving techniques, state briefly how your strategies work.

● Make your value be known. Don’t make it sound like you are just listing off your best qualities, flip the narrative to where your best qualities are instead of potential benefits to the prospect.

● Elevator pitches are typically given in in-person situations, such as career fairs, networking events, or even elevators. A fantastic way to get the person you’re giving the pitch to involved is to ask about their business and see if they have a need for someone like you.

● After finishing your pitch, have a business card prepared for anyone that may ask for it. This way, if a prospect liked what you had to say, they now have your contact information for future reference.

The most important advice I can give to you in regard to an elevator pitch is simple. Practice, practice, practice. Writing it down and memorizing it just isn’t enough. You don’t want to come across as a robotic salesman, now do you? Take the time to read it out loud. Record yourself and listen to see how you need to adjust your voice, mannerisms, and timing. When the time comes, you want it to seem like a natural conversation, not a forced sales pitch. And if it doesn’t? Rewrite it! Practice until you’re comfortable enough to try it out. Elevator pitches can be a quick, almost effortless way to not only introduce yourself but to gain the interest of a potential prospect.

So the New Year is here. We often hear about big plans and resolutions, but it’s a little less common to hear of people actually sticking to these goals. Which is completely understandable! Changing parts of your lifestyle overnight is extremely difficult and can be a major part of why some people’s New Year’s resolutions end up ultimately falling by the wayside. I suggest starting small and focusing on one goal at a time. Remember, the best resolutions are the ones you can actually keep. If you haven’t made any resolution yet, no worries! It’s never too late to get started changing your life for the better. If you can’t quite think of what you want your resolutions to be, here are a few ideas.

1. Find a new podcast to listen to. Take the time to decide on a subject matter that you like or that you would be interested in learning more about. Perhaps you want to learn more about ancient Egypt or even learn different cooking techniques. There are millions of podcasts readily available and the opportunities to find a great listen are endless.

2. Set your alarm a minute earlier each day for a month. After 30 days, you’ll have an extra half hour on your hand to spend how you like! This can be a great opportunity to pick up a new hobby, watch an episode of your favorite show, or even listen to a new podcast.

3. Set aside twenty dollars each week. Maybe to make this happen, you need to eat out one time less a week. It may not sound like much, but setting aside that $20 means by the end of the year, you will have saved $1,040! Can’t afford to set that twenty aside? Not an issue. Any amount helps! Just setting aside ten dollars a week will help you save $520!

4. Give someone a compliment each day. Whether it’s your family member, a complete stranger, or even your pet, a small act of kindness can go so far. Tell the woman walking by you that you like her shirt, tell your waiter that they did a great job or just tell your dog that he’s/she’s a good boy/girl. Opportunities for kindness are abundant.

5. Each night before bed, write down one good or happy thing about your day. It could be that you ate your favorite food, you got a raise, or even that you woke up healthy. By this time next year, you will have 365 little notes of happiness to reflect upon.

As a college student with a busy schedule, it can often be difficult to make goals and resolutions and actually persevere and achieve them because of work, family, friends, and other obligations you may have in your life. With that said, hopefully, I gave you something a little different than your typical New Year’s resolutions like, “eat better”, “get more sleep”, “work harder” – but instead provided resolutions that anyone can easily incorporate into a busy lifestyle and actually stick with. Good luck and happy New Year!

Your years spent earning a college degree are a vital time for learning. Before you go to grab a candy bar to snack on while studying, remember this: students that choose foods that fuel their body and mind are much more likely to prosper. For years, research has found that consuming a balanced, nutritious diet can enhance focus, strengthen memory, and improve critical thinking. Limiting the amount of refined sugar and processed foods that you consume daily and focusing on fresh, plant-based foods can help display more effective problem-solving skills, fact comprehension, and stronger mental recall. Make smart choices by filling your plate with fresh fruits, fresh veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit the number of high sugar foods you consume.

Healthy snacks are one of the most important components of a balanced diet. This is especially true during the grueling hours spent studying in college. Snacks act as a bridge between meals and can prevent excessive hunger. Snacks also help with portion control and mindful food choices. Mindful snacking also promotes increased energy levels, stimulates metabolism, and stabilizes blood glucose. Snacking throughout the day will keep both your brain and body satisfied and energized, but you have to make sure you’re consuming the right foods.

You might be wondering what the best snacks are to give you energy. The ultimate snacks for studying are made of a serving of quality carbs alongside a lean protein item. Appropriate carbohydrate intake is important for your health. High-quality carbs supply a long-lasting supply of energy. Try to make your study snack fun! Getting creative with your food is an easy way to get excited about being healthy. Below you will find a list of food combinations that will fuel your brain for optimum function and energy.

Snack Options to Fuel You Brain and Body

1. Bake sliced zucchini to make zucchini chips and dip them in salsa.

2. Create a homemade trail mix with ingredients such as whole-grain cereal or granola, raw nuts and seeds, and a small amount of something sweet such as dried fruit or sugar-free chocolate chips.

3. Spread organic peanut butter on celery sticks, apples, or banana slices.

4. Roll up a few cucumber sticks in a few slices of lean lunch meat for a gluten-free snack

5. Dip carrots, sliced peppers, cucumber slices, celery sticks, or cherry tomatoes into hummus.

6. Combine healthy granola with low-fat, high protein yogurt.

7. Toast a piece of whole-grain bread and mash ½ an avocado to spread on top

8. Crunch on some whole-wheat pretzels with a cheese stick or reduced-fat cheese slices.

9. Drop some mixed berries into plain greek yogurt for a sweet snack

10. Whisk together two eggs, add a handful of spinach and bake in a muffin tin to create mini omelets

11. Make whole-grain cracker sandwiches with nut/seed butter (peanut, almond, cashew, or sunflower) butter or reduced-fat cheese.

12. Pair unsweetened applesauce with pecan or walnut halves.

13. Pack cherry tomatoes alongside a hard-boiled egg.

14. Sprinkle shredded reduced-fat cheese onto a whole grain tortilla and microwave for a fast quesadilla.

15. Snack on a cup of cottage cheese and a side of peaches

16. Sprinkle some cinnamon on non-GMO popcorn for a twist on a classic snack

17. Top a whole-grain toaster waffle with nonfat/low-fat yogurt.

18. Spread natural peanut butter on celery sticks and top with just a few sugar-free chocolate chips

19. Freeze grapes to create a snack that tastes just like candy!

20. Make a peanut butter and jelly roll up with a whole-grain tortilla, 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar-free jelly strawberry jelly.

Get creative! There are no limits to what you can make for a snack. Just make sure you’re being mindful and staying healthy. If you are someone that loves sweets like I am, then find a way to incorporate that into your prepared snacks. Make it fun and study hard.

You’ve spent years upon years working towards your degree, and you’ve finally earned it. But what comes next? With no more all-nighters, no more exams or finals to prepare for, you might be feeling lost. Where should you look for a job? What about an unpaid internship to gain experience? Everyone is different, no one’s journeys are linear. What works for someone else, may not work for you. Let’s go over a few things that may help you decide what your life can look like after you earn your degree.

 

Finances

After graduation, the first thing you need to do is evaluate your financial situation. College is a costly investment, which the majority of people are unable to afford out of pocket. Deciding where you sit financially will determine the next steps you are able to take. For example, I was able to take 2 months off after graduation because I had worked throughout earning my degree and had enough in savings to give myself a much-needed break. During this time, I was able to update my resume, start my job search, and really take the time to figure out what career path I wanted to take. If you are unable to take some downtime between graduation and your first job, you may start working as soon as the week after. If this situation is applicable to you, you need to start your job search 4 months before graduation.

 

Job Search

Now it’s time we circle back to the original reason you’re reading this article. The question is; what are your plans for after graduation? Have you taken the time to think about it? Well if not, then the time is now. Your undergraduate studies have concluded, finals are over, you’ve walked across the stage and accepted your diploma; there is nothing left to do other than answer that question. The reason you earned your degree was so you could use it, and it’s time to do just that.  The first step to doing that is to get a job. Securing your first job is vital for so many reasons. Becoming financially independent is a major step into adulthood post-graduation. However, before you can independently support yourself, you’ll have to have a job to provide a steady income. Graduating, on any level,  is an amazing achievement for anyone, so congratulations.  But now it’s time to get down to business. When was the last time you updated your resume and cover letter?

 

Additional Education

Maybe after some careful thought and consideration, you’ve decided that diving into the job market isn’t your best option, and that’s okay! Another option available is to further your education. For example, if you just earned your associate’s degree, you could then enroll in a bachelor’s program, and so on. If you loved the classes that you just completed, it might be worth it to get a higher degree. Enrolling in another degree program also makes you eligible to defer your student loans. The paths available to further your education are plentiful so you have many options to choose from.  You can go a traditional route and enter into a program on a campus where you’ll attend classes, or you could go for an online program! Earning a degree online is great for those who work or have busy schedules.

 

 

Conclusion

After graduation, you may feel like you’re in limbo, unsure of what to do and that can be a bit scary. If you feel nervous, just remember that there have been millions of people in your place who made it through just fine. Stay level headed and stay open to all options presented to you. Very rarely does anyone come out of college and jump right into their dream job. This is a hectic period for everyone, and your university should have options in place for alumni (because you’ve finally made it, you’re an alum now!). Use the resources around you to learn what your best options are as well as to learn how to manage your money. Stay calm, make a plan, stick to it and everything will fall into place. You got this!

Did you know?

Only approximately 10 percent of all crimes are actually reported to the authorities. Reasons for that include that the crime was not that serious, it is felt that the police can’t do anything about it, or that the victim is worried about not being believed. The judicial response to crime varies greatly from one society to another, even though the crime rates are similar. In Holland, for example, imprisonments account for about 7 percent of all sentences imposed, whereas in the US about 70 percent of sentences involve custody.

Careers with this degree include but are not limited to:

Criminologist, Customs Service, Customs Special Agent, Fraud Investigator, Police Officer, Detective, Parole/Probation Officer, Court Services or Juvenile Case Worker, Federal Agent (CIA, DEA, FBI, US Marshal, Secret Service, etc.)

Job Spotlight: FBI Agents

The career path of an FBI Agent is an interesting one that requires additional training after receipt of a criminal justice degree. FBI agents conduct sensitive investigations for matters such as terrorism, cyber-crime, white-collar crime, civil rights violations, extortion, and other violations of federal statutes. Some of the duties they may perform include: Research, Undercover investigations, Filling out reports, Testifying in federal court.

According to the FBI’s website, there really is no such thing as a “typical day” for an FBI agent. Agents in the field offices could be testifying in federal court one day and executing a search warrant and gathering evidence the next. Over the course of a week, they might meet with a source to gather intelligence on illegal activities; make an arrest; and then, back in the office, talk with their squad members and catch up on paperwork. Some agents also work in specialized areas across the FBI such as training, fingerprinting, lab services, and public affairs; many also serve as supervisors or managers. Special agents are always on call to protect their country and may be transferred at any time, based on the needs of the FBI.

How much can I earn?

The BLS reported that police and sheriff’s patrol officers earned a median salary of $61,380 in 2018. Victims’ advocates earned considerably less, according to PayScale.com, which reported a median salary of $35,228 in 2019. Finally, private investigators and detectives earned a median salary of $50,090 in 2018 (www.bls.gov).

Is a Criminal Justice degree a good fit for me?

Do you spend your weekends watching “Criminal Minds” or “CSI”? Do you wonder what it would be like to walk in your favorite character’s shoes? Or do you just simply want to keep people safe? A criminal justice degree could be perfect for you! There are so many job opportunities available to those in the criminal justice field, it’s just about finding the right fit for you!