Galen College of Nursing Board of Directors Chair, Kathryn Mershon, MSN, RN, CNAA, FAAN Named Honorary Fellow to the Prestigious NLN Academy of Nursing Education

June 30, 2015 — Louisville, Ky — Galen College of Nursing is proud to announce that Board of Directors Chair Kathryn Mershon, MSN, RN, CNAA, FAAN, has been named a 2015 Honorary Fellow to the National League for Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education. Mershon is among seven nurse educators named as honorary fellows, recognizing retired nurse educators or those in affiliated professions or public service who have made significant contributions to nursing education.

The National League for Nursing (NLN) established the Academy of Nursing Education in 2007 to foster excellence in nursing education by recognizing and capitalizing on the wisdom of outstanding nurse educators. Noted NLN CEO Beverly Malone, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Fellows support the mission and core values of the NLN and assist in the work required to prepare graduates from all types of nursing programs. They serve as mentors and resources for new educators and those in clinical practice who hope to someday enter the ranks of nurse faculty.

Mershon has more than 25 years of experience as a senior health care executive. Her background blends early clinical nursing with corporate senior management experience. For 13 years, Mershon served as a senior officer of Humana and was responsible for developing the corporate strategy relating to the quality, consistency, and cost effectiveness of nursing practice While there, she was instrumental in the foundation and development of Galen Health Institutes which operated pre-licensure practical nursing schools in three states, serving as President until 1992.

“We are fortunate to have a nurse leader like Kathy guiding our efforts as we continue to evolve and build quality nursing education programs to support the healthcare needs of our country,” said Galen College of Nursing CEO, Mark Vogt. “She continues to be a steadfast force in nursing education with an unwavering eye to the commitment and quality it takes to advance the profession.”

Mershon has been actively engaged in health and community activities locally and nationally. She has been a board member of the NLN on three occasions, chair of the NLN Foundation for Nursing Education (NY), a member of the founding Board of Stewardship Trustees of Catholic Health Initiatives (Denver, CO), and a board member of Alegent Health (Omaha, NE), The Louisville Chamber of Commerce, Trinity High School (Louisville), and Hosparus (Louisville). In addition to chairing the Galen College of Nursing board of directors, she currently serves on the board of The Friedell Committee (Lexington, KY), and is a member of the Quality and Safety Committee of Kentucky One Health (Louisville).

Editors and reporters: For interview opportunities, please contact Director of Marketing Anna Kitson at 502.410.6215, akitson@galencollege.dev.

Founded over 20 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers practical/vocational nursing (PN/VN), associate and online baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 3,000 students on its campuses in Louisville, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu. 

Galen Celebrates National Nurses Week by Giving Back

May 8, 2015  — Louisville, KY — Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways America’s 3.1 million registered nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. This year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has selected Ethical Practice. Quality Care as the theme for 2015. National Nurses Week 2015 runs May 6 to May 12, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of nursing as a modern profession.

During this week, Galen College of Nursing will be hosting a Dare to Care and local family needs the drive to honor Nightingale’s service efforts. Faculty, staff, and nursing students will be honored by receiving free pizza lunches and snack breaks, informative emails, fun fact quizzes, and cupcake treats on Nightingale’s birthday. Additionally, Galen will offer daily drawings for prizes in support of its students with gas cards, restaurant gift cards, Galen wear, and books.

Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, who comprise the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. Galen College of Nursing is recognizing all nurses and nursing students for their dedication and service.

Editors and reporters: For interview opportunities, please contact Director of Marketing Anna Kitson at 502.410.6215, akitson@galencollege.dev.

About Galen College of Nursing

Founded over 20 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States.  With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers practical/vocational nursing (PN/VN), associate and online baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 3,000 students on its campuses in Louisville, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.

Going Back to School for the Non-Traditional Student

The decision to go back to school can be a tough one to make.

Maybe you’re worried that too much time has passed, or you just aren’t sure how college can coexist with real adulthood, which often includes the responsibility of managing children, jobs, financial obligations, and the like. To be frank, it can be a really scary life adjustment! Add that to the stresses that you might have about being older than the average student and out of the loop, and well, it can get even scarier. We understand that, and guess what? You’re going to like what we have to say about the non-traditional student.

Let’s get technical for a moment.

A non-traditional student refers to a category of students that did not enter postsecondary education in the same calendar year that he or she finished high school, typically in the 26-40-year-old bracket and have a variety of educational and professional experience. They may attend on more of a part-time or flexible basis, and probably work at least part-time when enrolled. One thing they all have in common? This isn’t their first rodeo, and they have a little more life experience under their belts. While there are challenges to becoming a student later in life, there are also many perks.

Managing Your Time and Your Sanity!

Most non-traditional students have moved out of Mom & Pop’s long ago, and have been busy supporting themselves, and possibly a family of their own, for some time. Adding college into an already demanding schedule can seem impossible to do without losing your mind. There is a lot of pressure to be a superhero here, especially considering that nursing school IS hard. But having a solid game plan and a strong support network will make everything possible. You have experience juggling so much already, figuring this out will luckily be a little easier for you. Sit down and create a realistic schedule that you can live with. Communicate with your friends and family what you will need help with and let them help you. And remember that nursing school won’t last forever, so these adjustments will only be temporary. (And worth it!)

You Know What You Want

For some entering college right out of high school, it may be challenging to adjust to the culture, learn the ropes (and the lessons), experience independence for the first time, and simultaneously know exactly what they want out of their college experience. In fact, it’s not uncommon for younger students to switch majors a few times or spend time pursuing interests and goals that they may end up letting go of in a month or two. But an adult entering or re-entering the collegiate realm has a much more working knowledge of the way the world works, is more focused, and truly understands the importance of time management in a way that applies to the real world. So, remember – While it may be frustrating to sit in a classroom with a twenty-something who might be just a little green, don’t forget that we were all there at one time or another, and there may even be something you can teach that person to help them along their way. We’re all just trying to figure it out, but adult students definitely have the advantage when it comes to the built-in tools needed to succeed.

Better Coping Skills

It’s safe to say that if you’re returning to school as an adult, that probably means you’ve been managing your own life (and maybe even the lives of your children or family members) for quite a while now. You’ve got a firm grip on reality. You understand that it’s important to look at the big picture and are willing to work hard to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Not because this understanding was magically bestowed upon you, but because you’ve worked hard to earn this knowledge through what we like to call, “Life.” One bad grade doesn’t mean you should hang it up and quit nursing. You have the maturity to know that one bad grade means you have to ramp it up and try harder, and you also possess the confidence which will tell you that you will succeed if you work to continuously improve. While we can all agree that being an adult is sometimes overrated, we sure do appreciate it in these moments!

So, go on – make that information session appointment that you’ve been putting off. Now is not the time to be doubtful; it’s quite the opposite! You’ve spent a lot of time cultivating the awesome adult you’ve become, and you now have the skills needed to create the life you’ve always wanted with a rewarding career in nursing. Of course, it will be tough, but anything worth the work always is. You’ve got this.

Related Articles: Don’t Stress the (PAX) Test | Getting Into Nursing College | Emotional Rewards of Nursing |   First Day on the Floor: ICU

Getting into Nursing College

So, you’ve made the call, spoken to your nursing college of choice and have made an appointment to visit with the Admissions team. Congratulations! The good news? The hard part is over and you’re one step closer to starting your nursing career! The other news is that there’s still a lot of work to do before you’re actually enrolled in nursing courses. The most daunting part of the college admissions process can simply be uncertainty; not knowing what to expect can make you feel overwhelmed by all of the information you’ll begin to receive. We want to help rein in all of the pieces and simplify this process for nursing hopefuls, so you can hit the ground running and earn your nursing degree.

Face the PAX: The Entrance Exam

Some people are just naturally great test takers (and yes, us anxious test takers are envious), while for others, just the idea of taking a test causes a cold, clammy panic. Either way, we’ve noticed that many people tend to either greatly over, or greatly underestimate the NLN PAX (National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination), which is the standardized entrance exam for nursing program students. But you can pass this test! First, determine the best learning style for you. We like this short quiz at EducationPlanner.org to get you started. Do you respond best to visual aids, audio, graphs, or by doing? What’s the best way for you to study?

More often than not, the test fee is non-refundable, so don’t schedule the test unless you are serious about taking it. (Note: You have up to a year to take it, so don’t worry if you’ve just got cold feet!)

Next up – Remember to breathe. You can do this! Hit the books and begin studying right away. There’s no use in prolonging the inevitable. Create a timeline and stick to it, plain and simple. Most importantly, ask for help if you need it, and take advantage of ALL of the study guides and practice tests. It really can make all the difference. We recommend the following PAX study guides:

• Review Guide for RN Pre-Entrance Exam, 3rd Edition ISBN: 9780763762711 Author: National League for Nursing
• Review Guide for LPN/LVN Pre-Entrance Exam, 3rd Edition ISBN: 9780763762704 Author: National League for Nursing

Scheduling

This is major. We are all guilty of overestimating how much available free time we really have. Think about it and honestly tally up the hours of each day that are not spent working, commuting, taking care of personal and family responsibilities, or sleeping. Until we find a way to add more hours into each day, we’re going to have to work with the 24 we’ve got. Nursing students must be willing to make temporary lifestyle changes in order to earn their degrees and pass boards. There are many hours where you’ll need to be physically and mentally present; in class, clinicals, and study time, in addition to life’s other demands. The key is to be honest with yourself and make sacrifices you can live with for a year or two, knowing that you can reevaluate at the next step. And no matter what, hold on tight to some of that precious “me time” because you’ll need it to recharge and stay healthy (and sane!). Last but not least, make sure you have a support network of reliable friends and family who will be able to step in to help when you’re thrown the occasional curveball. Always have a Plan B, and while you’re in nursing school – might as well have a Plan C and D just to be safe.

Come Prepared

If you have questions about specific transfer credits, you’re not alone. Your best bet to get a quick answer to those questions is to bring your Official (unopened) Transcripts from any previous college coursework to your information session.  Also, make sure to bring your photo ID and high school diploma or GED (even if you’ve already completed a college degree). You’ll be taking in a lot of information, so bring a list of questions or concerns you’ve written out beforehand to help you stay on track. Get a head start and researching information on financial aid. Check out different types of loans and repayment plans and have an idea of how you’ll be paying for school. Get a step ahead and fill out a FAFSA here. If you have questions, just give the Financial Aid department a call and they’ll walk you through it.

Most of all – Believe in yourself! Deciding on a career path is a huge decision and a pivotal moment in life. You should take great pride in joining the elite ranks of Florence Nightingale! We’re happy to help get you in a classroom seat and on your way to becoming the amazing nurse you were always meant to be.

Galen College of Nursing Student Helps at Scene of Accident

February 11, 2015–San Antonio, TX — Galen College of Nursing San Antonio student Ramon Selvera jumped to the aid of an injured driver and passenger. Having witnessed a roll-over accident in which the driver was injured, Selvera jumped out of his automobile and immediately performed an assessment of the driver and passenger, then helped to keep him calm until emergency personnel arrived on the scene.

Active duty Air Force RN, 1st Lieutenant Jonathon Gann also witnessed the accident and Selvera’s act and later contacted school officials to identify the person on the scene who at the time only identified himself as a nursing student but was wearing Galen College of Nursing scrubs. The RN wanted to find out who this person was to recognize him for his life-saving actions and honor him with a certificate from his unit.

“I know you all are doing great things preparing your nurses because this student was caring and knew what he was doing,” said Jonathon Gann, RN to Dr. Audria Denker, the school’s Interim Campus President.

“We are so proud of Ramon, his caring assertiveness, quick thinking and ability to be calm and focused in the face of trauma,” said Denker. “It is our responsibility to teach our students to do just that and it is amazing when you see it in action. We can’t wait to honor him at the school. He said he just needed new scrubs, but we plan on doing more than that!”

When asked about the incident, Selvera said, “My instincts and training at Galen kicked in and I did what I have been taught. We were performing physical assessments in clinical, so the information was fresh in my mind.”

Galen College of Nursing has been solely focused on quality nursing education since 1989 and is uniquely positioned to offer students the opportunity to go from New to Nursing, to RN, all the way through BSN, inside one nursing education college.

Editors and reporters: For interview opportunities, please contact Galen College of Nursing Director of Marketing Anna Kitson at 502-494-3460, akitson@galencollege.dev or campus president Audria Denker at 502-544-6601, adenker@galencollege.dev.

Nursing Specialty Certification

Nursing is an incredibly diverse profession with opportunities to grow in various specialty areas; cardiac care, education, labor and delivery, nursing management, and pediatrics, just to name a few. No matter the profession, most of us do not know exactly where we will end up in our professional careers, and over time, our goals evolve and grow. (That’s perfectly normal and to be expected!) A career in nursing allows you to explore your specific interests and passion for care while leaving plenty of room for exploration and growth. You can work where and when you want with many options for full or part-time positions.

To maximize your earning potential, though, you might want to look into certifications. Nursing specialists who obtain certifications earn more than those who have no specialty certifications.  According to Monster.com, there are many popular certifications that can increase your value as a nurse while also helping you get a foot in the door of your desired specialty area. We’ve just begun to scratch the surface, but here are a few which can guide you along your nursing career path:

• CPHQ (Certified Professional in Health Care Quality) Going the extra mile to obtain health care quality certification shows your commitment to quality development measures and systems, which can eventually prepare you to take on an administrative role at your organization.
• CHPN (Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse) CHPNs are special kinds of people who work with grieving patients or patients experiencing terminal illness. They focus on the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• CCM (Certified Case Manager) CCMs are encouraged to adopt a much more holistic approach to the treatment of the patient. They are involved with the immediate needs of patients, but they also address less critical needs to maximize the overall health of patients.

Continue the conversation: Check us out on Facebook and tell us about your specialty and the certifications that helped you get there.

Americans Rate Nurses Highest in Honesty and Ethics

The people have spoken. And nurses are listening.

Americans have once again rated nurses highest on honesty and ethical standards in this year’s Gallup poll. (Related: Americans rated members of Congress and car salespeople the lowest among the 11 professions included in this year’s poll.) Nurses have generally topped this list since they were first included in the poll in 1999, and folks continue to rate those in the medical field highest on this list overall; runners-up for the number one spot were medical doctors and pharmacists.

Nurses are heralded as being on the front lines of patient healthcare. They are often able to provide more direct, one-on-one care, deliver information more frequently than other members of medical teams, and tend to develop more intimate and personal relationships with patients and their families as a result. But the value of a nurse doesn’t end there. Nurses also serve in leadership positions relating to health policy and reform, quality of care, administration, wellness and prevention, and more. We advocate on patients’ behalf whether we are at the bedside or in the boardroom,” says American Nurses Association President, Karen A. Daley, Ph.D., RN, FAAN.

If history is any indication, it appears that Americans continually value and have confidence in our nurses, and this is nothing but good news for the profession as a whole as demand for nurses in the workforce continues to increase. While we can all agree that paychecks are important, most nurses don’t go into the profession solely for monetary gain. Nurses become nurses because they are called. They have an unrelenting passion for helping people and strive to make the world a better place by providing compassionate and knowledgeable care to those in need. Hearing that calling, following it, and knowing that you’re in a respected and trusted field brings a deeper sense of job satisfaction that can be difficult to find elsewhere.

So, if you’re already a nursing student or a working nurse – keep up the great work! If you’re considering a future in nursing, rest assured that your choice will be sound one, because you just can’t do much better than having the most respected career in the country.

RELATED ARTICLES:  The Heart of the Matter: Emotional Rewards of Nursing

Galen College of Nursing Earns Accreditation From American Nurses Credentialing Center

October 8, 2014 — Louisville, KY — Galen College of Nursing is pleased to announce it achieved accreditation by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). ANCC Accreditation distinguishes organizations that demonstrate quality and excellence in the curriculum design and delivery of continuing nursing education (CNE).

Accredited organizations including Galen, meet comprehensive, evidenced-based criteria to ensure CNE activities are effectively planned, implemented and evaluated. Nurses in each of Galen four ground campus cities (Louisville, Cincinnati, San Antonio and Tampa Bay), can now gain access to the highest caliber of education to meet certification or licensure requirements, which in turn contributes to improved health care outcomes.

“We are proud to be recognized by ANCC for our commitment to continuous improvement and the highest quality continuing education for nurses,” says Galen President and CEO Mark Vogt. “ANCC accreditation gives nurses assurance that by choosing Galen, they will receive the best CNE available.”

ANCC Accreditation is a voluntary, peer review process intended to strengthen and sustain the quality and integrity of continuing nursing education, making it worthy of public confidence. Accrediting organizations, like ANCC, assess providers of continuing nursing education to ensure they meet rigorous global standards established by ANCC.

About Galen College of Nursing
Founded over 20 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers practical/vocational nursing (PN/VN), associate and online baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 3,000 students on its campuses in Louisville, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.

About ANCC
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing profession with the resources they need to achieve practice excellence. ANCC’s internationally renowned credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty practice areas; recognize healthcare organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments; and accredit providers and approvers of continuing nursing education. In addition, ANCC provides leading-edge information and education services and products to support its core credentialing programs. www.nursecredentialing.org.