Posts Tagged ‘RN Bridge Program’

NC/NURX 211 Part 2 of 15- Video Freebie!

Saturday, December 5th, 2009 by Admin

RNBP is a video based learning system that helps nontraditional, or distance learning, nursing students earn their ASN-RN degree from home.

Instead of grinding through hundreds of pages of text books at the end of a long day in the medical field we have created a balanced combination of video lessons and live interactive lecture that virtually eliminates the need for reading textbooks and study guides.  It’s all the structure, support and live lecture of a traditional program but all from home!  Getting your RN degree doesn’t have to mean quitting your job or neglecting your family and friends.

With RNBP you can earn your accredited RN degree in as a little as 7 months by watching just 5 hours of video a week!

Here’s a freebie so you can see for yourself.

211-2 Heart-Blood Vessel Impairments - This video focuses on blood vessel impairment problems such as peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, gangrene, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and angina pectoris.  Nursing theory for these problems will include description, signs and symptoms, factors influencing these problems, risk factors, treatments both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, the nursing process with specific nursing interventions.  Click here to view more videos!

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Videos | No Comments »

Why Traditional Nursing Schools Can’t Keep Up with the Nursing Shortage

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

registered-nurse

Nurses are the backbone of the U.S. healthcare system–this statement is not an exaggeration, nor is it disputed by experts whose task it is to devise strategies to combat the current nursing shortage, which shows no signs of abating and, in fact, is projected to worsen. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be a shortage of registered nurses in the US surpassing 800,000.

The seemingly simple answer to the question of how to reduce the nursing shortage is to increase the number of nursing school graduates. This, however, has not turned out to be a simple proposition. Why? There are several explanations, but the lack of available faculty and infrastructure to support the graduation of higher numbers of nursing students are the two most common reasons cited.

Lack of Qualified Instructors

The shortage of qualified nursing instructors has been blamed on the lack of perceived support for nurses to complete their education at the master’s level. Low wages make the prospect of becoming an instructor unattractive for those nurses who do have the necessary credentials. Many of those who have the necessary requirements to instruct at the university level are attracted by higher salaries outside academics. Teaching is often compensated at a lower pay rate than the wages earned by nurses working in hospitals.

Colleges Unable to Keep Up with Demand

Nursing colleges have not been able to keep up with the increased demand for nurses, citing lack of funding, lack of space, and lack of governmental funding support. The AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) has stated that almost 50,000 qualified nursing school applicants were turned away from nursing schools in 2008. Of this number, 6,000 were seeking entry to post-graduate programs, who might have become future instructors of nursing students.

Traditional Universities See the Value of Distance Learning

Many “traditional” universities are beginning to add online courses to their programs in an effort to stay competitive. Today’s students are less concerned with a school’s name or reputation and more cognizant of which school can offer a stellar education for their money. Students are becoming more discerning as to when and where they can pursue their education.

Non-Traditional Student Demographics

Today’s students are often non-traditional; they are older, are working full time and often have to juggle a family as well. A Distance Learning Today Report conducted by USA Today found that more than half of online students enrolled were registered as over 30 years of age, and 18% were over the age of 40. These are adults who want to change or further their career and need greater flexibility regarding when and how they attend classes in order to be able to handle their many responsibilities.

The Future of Nursing Education

It seems obvious that the future of nursing education will be increasingly shifted to the distance learning or online domain. Although there may be some nursing courses which will need to be taken in the traditional form, most courses can be taken online, freeing up space and resources in colleges which will allow for an increase in the number of graduating nurses.

FAEUF2SN8S7P

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Tags:
Posted in RN Articles | 1 Comment »

Why Nontraditional LPN to RN programs?

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

computer-nurse

Looking into an LPN to RN program but not sure how you can fit it into your already busy schedule and adult obligations? That’s a challenge many people face.  In today’s world most adults have to come up with solutions to many challenges before they can begin schooling:

  • Adult responsibilities such as family and work
  • Time limitations
  • Need for flexibility
  • Budgetary concerns
  • Part time considerations
  • Commuting issues
  • Child-care considerations

For many people, traditional LPN to RN bridge programs don’t adequately address the challenges that must be overcome for adult students. The cost, time, and personal sacrifices can be prohibitive.  Taking a close look at the real cost, in terms of money and personal sacrifices, with traditional schooling need to be considered, and can include:

  • Full-time tuition
  • Day-time hours have to be dedicated to school
  • Hard copy textbooks,
  • Commuting time, stress of sitting in traffic
  • Car expenses such as maintenance and repairs (oil changes, new tires, etc.)
  • Day care expenses if you have small children
  • Working evening and week-ends
  • Sacrificing family time to work evenings and weekends to finance school

A favorable solution to these limiting factors for the contemporary student is to consider a nontraditional LPN to RN bridge program like RN Bridge Program which  fits well into most adult’s hectic schedules, family and work obligations for the following reasons:

  • Flexible, fluid schedule, can be part-time but get full time results
  • Choose your study hours and the pace of your classes
  • Choose if you want to study on your own or with live instructors- all from home
  • No high tuition bills because it’s a flat monthly membership fee to study as much or as little as you want
  • On- line support system including video instruction, tests, reference material and live, interactive support
  • You can study around your work schedule and keep family as a priority

But is it a quality education?

Yes!  RN Bridge Program is a quality nontraditional LPN to RN bridge program that will help you earn a fully accredited degree from the nation’s largest and highly respected school of nursing. The question to ask yourself is what type of learning style will best suit your life?  Nontraditional nursing students must demonstrate the same level of proficiency in clinical skills and system knowledge as the student who is enrolled in a traditional program.  If you can extract that knowledge base from just reading stacks of text books and without any outside assistance or support, then conventional nontraditional LPN to RN bridge programs will be a great fit.

If you need the support and structure of a traditional program, like instructors to help you stay on track and to answer questions about difficult nursing theory, then RNBP is what you need.  (It’s the best of both worlds; flexibility in your schedule but structure to keep you moving!)

Either way though, the quality of nursing education in nontraditional programs is no less accredited or less prestigious than traditional schooling.  The most important thing to ask when you enroll into an online LPN to RN bridge program is are they accredited and will you be able to get licensed in your state with your degree.  With RN Bridge Program you can know for sure that we’ve got you covered.  After graduating you will be fully prepared to take and pass the NCLEX-RN just as you would after a traditional program.  The ONLY difference is that you did it in less time, for less money and all on your schedule!

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Tags: , ,
Posted in RN Articles | No Comments »

What is the Future of Associate Degree Nursing Programs?

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

graduate-nurse

The Advantages of Non-traditional Programs as a Practical Solution to the Nursing Shortage.

There is a critical shortage of registered nurses in the United States right now. This shortage must be addressed, and soon. As the population continues to age and baby boomers retire, the need for qualified nurses will continue to grow. The nursing shortage has brought many minds together to try and come up with innovative solutions to address this shortage. The government, hospitals, and private organizations are all concerned and brainstorming for solutions. Nontraditional education will play a significant role in satisfying the increasing demand for nurses. Current Statistics on the nursing shortage are somewhat dismal:

  • The American Health Care Association reports in July 2008 that more than 19,400 registered nursing vacancies exist in long-term care settings and 116,000 in hospital settings.
  • The registered nursing shortage could be as high as half a million by 2025.
  • The Council on Physician and Nurse Supply released a statement in July 2008 determining that 30,000 additional nurses need to graduate annually to meet the United State’s health care needs. This would be 30% over the current rate of registered nursing graduates.
  • According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published in the November of 2007 Monthly Labor Review more than one million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2016.

So what are the primary causes for the nursing shortage? And what can we do about it?  Here are a few of the practical reasons for the shortage :

  • According to the AACN’s report on 2008-2009 Enrollment and Graduation in Baccalaureate and graduate programs in Nursing, U.S. nursing schools turned away 49,948 qualified applicants from baccalaureate programs due to insufficient number of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space, clinical preceptors and budget constraints.
  • Almost two-thirds of the nursing schools reporting to the AACN’s survey pointed to faculty shortages as a reason for not accepting all qualified applicants.
  • In today’s world, many adults are not able to attend traditional nursing schools and universities which is forcing state nursing boards to ask themselves, “What is the Future of Associate Degree Nursing Programs?” The answer is acknowledging that the need for alternative nursing education is paramount.

According to national statistics, traditional universities and nursing schools are not able to consistently recruit faculty, staff and students to keep up with the national need. Traditional education is quite expensive requiring both day and evening hours for staff without commensurate compensation.

What’s the long-term solution?

Being able to recruit and retain registered nursing students in today’s high-tech, modern society is a multi-faceted and sometimes complex issue. Hospitals, nursing organizations, and nurses must embrace these changes if we are to see long-term solutions.  Potential nursing students are reluctant to commit to traditional programs for a myriad of reasons, both practical and theoretical.

Examining the differences between traditional and nontraditional schooling will help to clarify the reasons potential students would favor the nontraditional route.

Traditional schooling Non-traditional schooling
Hours/schedule On a linear track, daytime hours and inflexible schedule. May have to change work and family needs to conform to schooling Flexible, you decide how and when to study and can work around family and work obligations
Length of time to complete degree usually linear, clearly defined and full-time course load.Often inflexible Flexible, “work at your own pace” both part- and full time opportunities. Ability  to take breaks to attend to other obligations and priorities
Cost Prices vary, usually between $5,000 and over $20,00 for just tuition and book fees Tuition and fees between $5,000 and $20,000. Very limited costs for  transportation, rooming and board. Books and resource materials often available for online use
Personal considerations Required daily driving, possible long commute, takes significant additional time away from work and family. Classes must be attending at the school Can be completed in your own home, no commute time, flexible schedule around family and job obligations. Can take classes anywhere with “virtual” classrooms
Environmental issues Environmental Pollution from car exhaust due to travel  large paper usage, waste products and other environmental factors. Large overhead expenses for utilities and upkeep of facilities Little transportation or pollution, gas usage, paper use or output for either students or faculty. Minimal overhead costs, no maintenance required of virtual or online classes
Technology considerations Mostly text- book usage and hardcopy. Students may be behind in current technological advances compared to online students. Able to keep current with computer and online technology; as courses and testing is offered this way.

Because of the obvious benefits nontraditional education offers potential students it will continue to grow and has a significant place in addressing the nursing shortage. Emphasizing traditional nursing education severely limits the pool of potential students, often times those who would make the most dedicated and competent nurses.  Solutions are not simple or linear, but if institutions and policy-makers keep in mind some of the major priorities of the contemporary student such as the need for flexibility, continuous class-room availability, staff support (on-line access), affordable costs, around-the-clock assistance (with RN Bridge Program), and availability to work at your own pace, nursing would have many more prospective students.

(If you are interested in becoming a nurse in as little as half the time and half the cost of traditional programs (or even conventional online nursing programs) let RN Bridge Program make it happen.  With our video based learning system to lay down your Associate degree nursing framework, getting your accredited nursing degree will easily dovetail with the busy life you already have.)

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Tags: , , ,
Posted in RN Articles | No Comments »

The Registered Nurse as an Administrator

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

nurse-with-laptopHave you been working “in the trenches” as a staff nurse for awhile and ready to consider a change? Are you looking for a position that’s both challenging, fulfilling and pays more than what you currently make?

While it’s true that many registered nurses are by the patient’s bedside giving
direct care, what’s less known is that registered nurses play a major role as administrators and supervisors within a health care setting.

After a few years of direct clinical experience, you may qualify to take on an administrative role. In general, the job description of a registered nurse administrator is to “supervise a handful or dozens of nurses within a department or facility”. Nurses can be an administrator in many settings including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitative facilities or any other health care setting.

Supervision of nurses is the primary responsibility of a nurse administrator, but there are also more in-depth requirements and duties. The registered nurse will “administer the development of nursing service policies through planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, delegating, and evaluating activities of the nursing staff; participate in formulating agency policies, in devising procedures essential to the achievement of objectives, and in the developing and evaluating of programs and services”. To put it a simpler way, administrative nursing work is responsible for the overall management and direction of the nursing services at a major treatment facility.

There are sometimes basic nursing skills that are required of the registered nurse administrator, which can include:
• Mastery of basic life support
• Proficiency in use of medical equipment in facility
• Pharmacological comprehension
.
A registered nurse administrator should also be familiar with the hospital’s (or other facility) mission statement and philosophy.

A registered nurse administrator has many duties and responsibilities and spends a large portion of time in leadership and supervisory roles. Attending and evaluating various committee meetings such as research committees, utilization review and quality control committees among others is another primary duty of the administrator’s role.

In addition to the above responsibilities, other specific duties, areas of responsibility and knowledge of a registered nurse administrator are:
• Ability to plan a departmental budget
• Knowledge of professional nursing theory and practice.
• Familiarity with nursing service administration and practice.

Being a nurse administrator offers some of the best opportunities for career growth, advancement and salary that the nursing field offers. Salaries have continued to go up due to the shortage of qualified applicants. Depending on what part of the country you work in, salaries vary significantly and average between $53,000–$120,000!!

Are you ready to start making that kind of money? Let RN Bridge Program help get you there quicker and for less money than any other program.

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Tags: , ,
Posted in RN Articles | No Comments »

Do You Have What it Takes to Be an RN?

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

lpne-to-rnMost intelligent people can get a college degree. But some degrees require you to have a special set of traits to be successful; registered nursing is on of those degrees. So, do you have the right qualities to make a great nurse? Being a registered nurse is a very challenging and fulfilling job. Not everyone is cut out for it. Before you decide to take the plunge and apply to a nursing program, think about the qualities you possess and if they would make a good fit for nursing. Here are just some of the skills and qualities that nurses need to have:

  • Caring, compassionate and nurturing: you will be working closely with very ill patients and family members who may be vulnerable, physically stressed and afraid. They need a caring nurse to calm their fears, give information in a compassionate way, and show empathy for their situation.
  • Detail-oriented: Nurses must prepare and dispense medications with precision, carefully document assessments, interventions and outcomes of treatment plans. You will record specific and complex medical orders and be required to become expert at highly specific equipment and technology. All of this requires that you be a detail -oriented person.
  • A team player/interpersonal skills: You must be able to work well with a variety of people on the health care team such as doctors, nurses, therapists, family members and the patients themselves. You will be working closely with many different personalities and will need to do what is in the best interest of your patient and not let personalities or conflict get in the way of that goal. Registered nurses often supervise other nurses and staff, so your interactions and interpersonal skills must be superior.
  • In good physical shape: Nursing is a physically demanding job. You will be on your feet for most of the day. You will perform repetitive tasks such as bending, lifting and stretching. The shifts required of staff nurses are physically demanding; you will work nights, weekends, evenings, holidays, 12 hour shifts and overtime. Staying in good physical condition will help to extend your nursing career and prevent injuries.
  • Good listening skills: Nurses work closely with patients and their family members to assess signs and symptoms of a disease process or illness and to determine if the interventions are effective. Part of obtaining a quality assessment is to carefully listen to your patient answers. As an empathetic nurse, your good listening skills allows your patients to talk to you about their fears, anxieties and unanswered questions.
  • Ability to Multi-task: Nurses are required to perform many tasks at once, take care of multiple patients at a time and organize each patient’s daily activities such as medications, treatments, tests, dressing changes, baths, walks, educational meetings, and much more. This requires a high degree of skill in multi-tasking.

(Do you think you have what it takes to be a Registered Nurse? If so, let RN Bridge Program help you get your accredited nursing degree in as little as eight months all from the comfort of your own home. It’s worked for thousands of people before you, it will work for you too.)

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Tags: ,
Posted in RN Articles | No Comments »

10 Reasons to be a Registered Nurse

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

thumbs-up-nurse

U.S. News and World Report ranked being a Registered Nurse as one of the best careers of 2009. In their opinion “There’s a great demand for nurses, and you’ll have a lot of options” [1.1]. That’s an understatement. Being a Registered Nurse allows you to choose from literally dozens of job options and work settings. But that’s just the beginning of the benefits of being a Registered Nurse. Here are 10 great reasons to be a Registered Nurse.

1. You are in demand! This means job security. Even during a recession, nursing is one of a limited number of fields that are you are practically guaranteed to find a job in right now. Hospitals are actively recruiting, sometimes offering hefty sign-on bonuses.

2. Good pay. Registered Nurses start out making a significant salary. The average median hourly rate for a new graduate is $21.86. After 5 years the median average is $27.00. Not bad when you consider that you can get your degree in just 2 years, sometimes less with nontraditional or distance learning education.

3. Nearly unlimited career advancement, growth, and salary. Being a staff RN is a great job, but if you want something more your options are nearly endless. Some of your choices at the top of the pay scale, with additional training are:

  • Nurse Practitioner, with a median salary between $65,000 to $80,000.
  • Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), which pays upward of $110,000.
  • Legal Nurse Consultant: Get paid between $60.00 and $150.00 per hour. The hourly rate can go as high as $250.00 [2.2].

4. Autonomy. On a day-to-day basis Registered Nurses have a great deal of autonomy and independence in decision-making.

5. Flexible schedule. Nursing allows you the option of having flexible hours and shifts, including evenings, nights, 12 hour shifts or part-time. Depending on your life situation and needs these options can be a big benefit.

6. Status: Survey after survey shows that people admire and respect nurses and the nursing profession in general; it ranks among the top of all fields. Nursing is appreciated and admired as a giving, caring profession and one that people pursue in order to genuinely help people.

7. Teaching and leadership potential: Part of the Registered Nurse’s responsibility is to be a leader. In the clinical setting you will oversee Nursing Assistants, Nurses Aids, and Licensed Practical Nurses. You may have the opportunity to demonstrate nursing skills to nursing students and proctor newly graduated RN’s. In the hospital and other inpatient settings, nurses are responsible for discharge teaching and education for patients and their family. Registered nurses are Unit Managers and shift Team leaders. As a Registered Nurse you will have many opportunities to develop your leadership skills.

8. Variety: Nurses have the unique opportunity to meet and connect with a variety of people from many walks of life and cultures. Clinical nursing allows you to meet new people each day. The medical issues and treatments also vary each day and keep your job interesting and challenging.

9. Fulfillment: Working as a nurse means you truly get to help people. You are entrusted to take care of patient’s needs-both physical and emotional-at a difficult time in their lives. You have the unique privilege and honor to connect and care for people at a vulnerable time in their lives.

10. You can earn a Professional Nursing Degree in only 2 years or less with either an Associate Degree in Nursing or an Associate in Applied Science of Nursing. You have the option of attending a traditional college which will be a structured minimum 2 years of schooling, or a non-traditional school that offers courses through distance learning or on-line courses which are self paced so you could finish in less than half the time if your schedule allows for it.

With RN Bridge Program you can bridge the gap between your existing medical experience to your accredited ASN-RN degree in as little as eight months, depending on pre-existing credits. Unlike other online or distance learning programs where you get a stack of books and it’s up to you to stay on track, RN Bridge Program offers you structure through planned out video learning modules to cut down on study time and boost information retention. We offer the structured support other online programs don’t offer so you can get your accredited RN degree easier and faster. Guaranteed!

[2,2] Milazzo, Vickie L, RN, MSN, JD. Interview Education Brings Lasting Joy. Balanced Living <http://www.ezine.com/archive/2003/vol14_no24.html>

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Tags: , ,
Posted in RN Articles | No Comments »