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Exploring ABSN Online Degree Programs

Published March 8, 2024

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) online degree programs are becoming increasingly popular among aspiring nurses, thanks to their fast-paced comprehensive education and flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere.

While online school may sound easy, there are pros and cons, and it isn''t the right fit for everyone. In today''s article, we''ll give you the rundown on ABSN online degree programs, what they entail, and how you can make an educated decision about the future of your career.

Understanding ABSN online degree programs

An ABSN online degree program is an accelerated course that allows students to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in a shorter period of time compared to traditional programs. It''s designed for individuals who already have a bachelor''s degree in another field and wish to transition into the nursing profession.

Online ABSN programs offer the same rigorous curriculum as their on-campus counterparts, but with the added convenience and flexibility of online learning. Students can work from home, coworking spaces, or wherever they feel the most productive. Since they don''t have to commute, they can also get a degree while keeping a job.

The structure of ABSN online degree programs

Online ABSN programs include a combination of online coursework, hands-on lab sessions, and clinical rotations. The online coursework covers a wide variety of nursing topics, from anatomy and physiology to nursing ethics and leadership.

Despite being online, most of these programs actually require some in-person learning. Students may have to attend lab sessions at designated times and locations, where they can practice their skills in a controlled environment. Students also have to complete clinical rotations at healthcare facilities, which provide the real-world experience required to become a registered nurse.

Benefits of ABSN online degree programs

The main benefit of this type of program is the speed with which you can complete your degree. Traditional BSN programs can take up to four years to complete, while you can complete an ABSN program online in as little as one year.

Another huge advantage is flexibility. With the ability to study anywhere, at any time, students can make time for education around their family, personal, and professional commitments (e.g., child care or a full-time job).

It''s also worth mentioning graduating from an ABSN online degree program can open up a wealth of career opportunities. With a BSN degree (online or not), you can work as a registered nurse in some healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to home care and public agencies. Plus, online education is more effective, according to 75% of online learners.

Choosing the right ABSN online degree program

With so many out there, you want to ensure you''re choosing an ABSN program that''s a good fit for your needs and also reputable. A few things to look for include:

Accreditation, which ensures eligibility for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)

Program curriculum, including topics you''re interested in and a healthy balance between theoretical knowledge and practical experience

Support for academic advising, career services, and technical assistance in an online environment

Endnote

ABSN online degree programs offer a fast and flexible path to a rewarding career in nursing, whether you want to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or pursue a master''s degree to enhance your career. By understanding what these programs entail and knowing what to look for when you choose a program, you''re setting yourself up to make an informed decision about your nursing education.

The post Exploring ABSN Online Degree Programs appeared first on Jobacle.com.

Published March 28, 2023

5 Things You Should Do While Looking For A Job

Anyone who’s ever been unemployed (or looked for a job while employed) knows how stressful and exhausting the job search process can be. So, during your job search, should you feel guilty for taking some time for yourself?

The short answer: No. Of course not.

If we’re not spending every waking moment applying for jobs, sometimes it’s easy to feel guiltyâlike we’re not doing EVERYTHING we can to land our next job. This strategy of applying for as many jobs as possible and hoping for the best actually doesn’t help anyone get a job faster. In other words, choosing quantity over quality. This is the wrong mindset to have, and it does more harm than good.

The job search process is about working smarter, not harder.

Think about a normal work day. It’s pretty balanced, right? You get up, go to work, come home, and still have hours left in the day to do whatever you want. Your job isn’t the only thing you have going on in your life. That’s why it’s called work-life balance. To sum it up…

Your job isn’t your whole life. So, your job search shouldn’t be either.

Here are some ways you can take time for yourself as you look for a new job (because you deserve it!):

1. Exercise

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When you’re unemployed, here at Work It DAILY we like to say this is an opportunity for you to get in the best shape of your life.

Taking care of yourself is important and regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for both your physical and mental health. It’s a great way to relieve stress and it may even help you sleep better.

Take advantage of the free time you have after applying for jobs and get moving! Chances are, you’ll walk into your next interview with more confidence and an extra spring in your step.

2. Read

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Nothing helps us detach from our busy lives like reading a good book.

Quiet those racing thoughts by readingâany genre will do! Reading may help you learn something new, gain new perspectives, and help with empathy (all things that will benefit you at your next job).

Knowledge is power!

3. Network

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Although you may dread networking, think of it as a necessary evil. Sure, it sucks having to step outside your comfort zone and you’d rather be doing other things. But nothing can produce positive career results quite like networking. There’s no substitute for it.

If you’re between jobs, you should devote some of your time to networking. You’ll meet new people in your industry and connect with those who have similar interests and career goals. If it doesn’t help you get your next job, it may help you get a job down the line.

4. Visit Family & Friends

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Sometimes all we need when we’re feeling down is a visit with our family and friends. They’ve supported you through tougher times, and they’ll support you through this transition too.

When you’re starting to doubt yourself, they will remind you of your strengths and accomplishments. They’ll give you that confidence boost you need. At the very least, you’ll have quality time with the people you loveâtime you don’t always have when you’re working every day.

5. Learn A New Skill

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One of the best ways you can spend your time during the job search process is by learning a new skill.

Whether it’s getting certified or taking a class, this skill should be applicable to your new job. You can add it to your resume, and it shows employers you’ve been doing something productive for your career, even when you weren’t employed.

If you try these five things (or just one!), you’ll transition to your next job with easeâand it won’t feel like you’re just waiting out the clock. Be proactive and take ownership of your career like never before! You may be looking for a job, but don’t let that stop you from living your best life.

Need more help with your job search?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Published December 15, 2022

How To Expand Your Network For Job Search Success

Networking is vital to job search success. Networking can lead to referrals, identifying jobs that aren’t yet posted, and securing informational interviews. They can also lead to future professional references.

These results can give you a competitive advantage and help you progress toward your career goal. Networking platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are tools that can help you effectively expand your network. Here’s how…

Building Your Social Network

Online or offline, the goal of networking is to build relationships. Every social networking platform offers some means of connecting with new people. Interact with others and share posts that are thoughtful and relevant to your field. Engage your audience by seeking input and sharing your thoughts or review of industry-related topics.

Share these topics and post information on your own profile for your audience, but also get involved in groups on LinkedIn or chats on Twitter. There are thousands of chats and groups for a wide variety of industries, specialties, or job searching in general. Do some exploring and request to join the group or start following the Twitter chat.

In my experience, people are very receptive to newcomers on these interactive forums. These forums can be a great way to meet new people. After participating, you can begin to follow or request a connection with individual contributors. Depending on your location, there may be the possibility of meeting your connections in person. The social network is a platform to build these relationships and make that in-person connection.

It Takes Time To Build A Network

Woman builds professional network at a business networking event

Patience…patience…patience! All good things take time.

Maintain a positive attitude and be flexible. Those two skills can save you from many future career headaches. Not everyone will be willing to connect. Remember that networking is a two-way street. Prioritize your connections based on who has a job you’d love to do, or who works for one of your target employers, and focus your efforts strategically.

Always personalize connection messages to new people on sites like LinkedIn to let the potential contact know you’re not arbitrarily clicking every “Connect” button in your suggested contacts. Keep connection messages brief and to the point. I’d recommend not going into personal detail this early on or putting potential connections on the spot; just invite them to be a connection or offer your email address as a point of contact.

You can say something as simple as, “Hi Jane, I’ve enjoyed following your contributions to XYZ Group and agreed with your review of the Acme Co article you posted. I am also a (insert job title here) and would like to connect with you. Please let me know if I can be of any help. Thanks.”

A short and simple message with a personal reference and offer to help shows that you are trying to form a mutually beneficial relationship.

Gaining Credibility

Man on phone builds his professional network

By building relationships you can become a resource on certain topics for your network. Gaining credibility takes time, but let the process happen naturally. Conduct research, search for best practices, gain more experience, and get in contact with people that share their experience.

This is where actively participating in Twitter chats or LinkedIn groups can help build your knowledge. Sharing ideas with others that are passionate about their field can keep you motivated and engaged in your line of work. After developing these relationships, opportunities can arise off-screen as wellâassisting in a volunteer effort that was coordinated online or attending a networking event, speaking event, or job club that was promoted online. Read the information about the events your network is posting and try to commit to going when your schedule permits.

Impress Hiring Managers That May Google You

A recruiter on her computer does research on a potential job candidate

A hiring manager may look you up on Google at some point in the job search process. If you actively network across platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter, or attend events in person, your Google search results page may show these stories and profiles.

Any site you join for professional networking purposes should serve as a complement to your resume. That means whether you post blogs, tweets, or share information on LinkedIn, all your content should be professional and error-free. These can validate your candidacy and make you stand out among the competition.

As you start networking, you’ll learn more about your field, gain skills, and build confidence. Build relationships and help others in your search. Use social networking for job search success and foster relationships that can help you discover your next opportunity.

Need more help with your job search?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Published June 22, 2022

Should You Take A Low-Paying Job That You Love…or a High-Paying Job You Don’t Like Much?

It’s a question that many people ask. It’s whether or not they are willing to take a pay cut knowing it’s a job that they like. Here’s the kicker: they are currently working a job that they don’t like but pays well. This is a bit of an issue here for many people. The money […]

The post Should You Take A Low-Paying Job That You Love…or a High-Paying Job You Don’t Like Much? appeared first on Jobacle.com.

Published January 19, 2024

7 Ways Women Can Achieve Happiness & Satisfaction In Their Careers

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” âDalai Lama

Studies have shown that people who derive meaning from their profession or feel commitment toward their organization’s mission are people who are much more resilient and satisfied in their economic environment. Average career professionals will work approximately 90,000 hours in their lifetime, so finding happiness and satisfaction is critical.

The good news is that life doesn’t have to be perfect for you to find happiness at work. Below are seven ways women can achieve happiness and satisfaction.

1. Discover The Five Cs

Woman on laptop smiles while working from home

You must maintain high levels of confidence, commitment, conviction, and contribution, and choose a cultural fit.

With the five Cs, you will have a feeling of recognition, pride, and trust in your company.

2. Find Purpose In Your Work

Woman on laptop finds purpose in her career

Too frequently, we get caught up in the day-to-day grind of our jobs and forget to look at the big pictureâthe “why” or the reason that motivates us to work.

Tapping back into the true purpose of your job will make your daily tasks and accomplishments more meaningful. Discover ways that your work can improve the lives of other people.

3. Challenge Yourself

Professional woman at work

Challenging yourself is one way to intensify your “joy” factor. Why not offer to step in where you normally wouldn’t be accountable? Why not ask your boss if you can shadow a colleague in another department to learn how various aspects of the company work?

This will create variety in your work (making it inherently more interesting) and you will score points for being a proactive employee who’s ready to take on new challenges. It might even land you a promotion and/or raise.

4. Look Beyond The Corporate Ladder

Older woman on laptop happy in her career

Studies indicate that eight out of the 10 jobs that make people happiest in America are not on the corporate ladder. Instead, they were positions with perks like flexible hours or positions that offered high levels of independence.

These facts suggest that choosing work that aligns with your valuesâeven if those values take you further off the beaten pathâis a good foundation for career satisfaction.

5. Work Toward Your Goals

Happy woman on laptop and phone works toward her career goals

San Francisco State University’s Ryan Howell co-authored a study in 2009 and found that working hard to improve a skill or ability may induce greater stress in the moment but also guarantees greater happiness on a daily basis and in the long term. “No pain, no gain,” he says.

If tasks aren’t enjoyable in the moment, the sense of accomplishment when the task is over changes that perspective. Howell found that reaching the goal isn’t even necessary to increase happinessâthe process of trying and stretching yourself is enough.

Learning new skills may make you happier, but it also makes you more valuable to your current and future employers.

6. Develop A Social Circle

Group of happy women at work talk during a meeting

Having a strong social (professional) network is key. It’s easy to hate your job when you don’t know your co-workers and it is even easier if you continue to avoid them. If you hate your co-workers, the situation isn’t going to change.

Don’t let another day go by without learning about your co-workers. Reach out to them and be curious about their lives. Two people can’t become friends without one of them starting the conversation.

7. Look For Opportunities For Growth

Young woman on laptop happy while working from home

If you feel like you’re always on the defensive in your job, then take a deep breath and look for an opportunity instead. Take joy in the fact that there is always a new project to start in the workplace. It doesn’t matter what you do or where you work, there is always something new that could be done.

Instead of punching the clock and settling into the same routine, take some time to search for new opportunities. Constantly defending yourself is draining for everyone involved. You’ll find it much easierâand much more pleasantâto look for opportunities to grow instead of making excuses.

Most of us are happy when people say good things about us. When you do good things for other people, you create happiness for them and set the stage to receive it in return. For example, compliments are so simple to give that we often forget about them, but they are so powerful that we should always find ways to recognize others. Try spending a day giving compliments instead of criticizing.

Gaining respect and happiness in the workplace is easy to accomplish when goodwill is abundant. Finding happiness is as much about the decisions and actions you take as it is about having good things happen to you. Try some of the above strategies and put yourself in a better position to achieve happiness.

Remember, if you are not enjoying your life…change it! Doing the same thing today will create the same results tomorrow.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.