Profile of a independent learner

1. Hi Everybody,
   
   I thought that due to the interest the distance education topic that we should introduce ourselves and share our creative endeavors.
   
   I am currently working on my general education requirements. So far I have clepped out of 6 courses. The clep option is a real time saver and I highly recommend it. I am a breast cancer survivor and have decided that I need to finally pursue my desire to be a professional nurse. I am not against traditional classroom learning but I love doing things differently, I always have. I am considering Deaconess College of Nursing and Excelsior. I was a medical assistant for years but I never bothered to sit for certification(20 years ago). The consequences of not becoming certified are becoming obvious now because I cannot be directly admitted into Excelsior. However, they do have an alternate admission process which I am currently reviewing. I love the independence that Excelsior offers. As for Deaconess, they offer a online asn program which as far as I know is one of a kind. You can start this program with no experience whatsoever. Very new program.
   I think what I like about Distance Ed is the flexibility and if I want to accelerate my pace I can. It is by no means easier. The only thing that is easier is the fact that your not running to classes.
   
   Hope to hear from all of you
   
   mona b

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2. 

   About mona b RN

   Joined: Dec '02; Posts: 840; Likes: 33
   Professional Student;); from US
   Specialty: Child/Adolescent Mental Health

   29 Comments

   Topic Closed

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3. 
   Feb 17, '03

   Hi Mona. My name is susan but I go by renerian. Rene is my middle name and rian is my dear daughters middle name. I enrolled in a dual degree BS/MS program for my science degree with a major in nutrition. Most of the distance learners are in nursing distance programs so I cannot really comment on that since I got my ADN at a community college. I am enjoying reading about everyone experience with the distance nursing classes. I just completed the last coursework for my MS degree and I applied to graduate which takes several months to get processed. I assume I will graduate sometime in the spring.
   
   Great news your a breast cancer survivor. Did you run into someone who inspired you or did you always want to be health care provider?
   
   I am really enjoying the distance learning threads.
   
   renerian
4. 
   Feb 17, '03

   Hi Renerian,
   
   I have always wanted to be a nurse. I became a medical assistant in my twenties and then the kids came along and time just seemed to fly by. Having breast cancer did renew my desire to be a nurse though. I had so many good, caring nurses but I also got caught up in junk they try to serve as health care. I tell you that when you get a caring competent health care provider, you never forget them. I could not believe how stressed the nurses were when I was in the hospital. Why I want to throw myself into the mix is beyond me. LOL. I think the calling to the profession is innate, therefore there is not much you can do about it.
   
   I really enjoy reading about other poster's experiences too. I love how some people don't let anything get in the way of their goal. This thread should be an interesting read.
   
   mona b
5. 
   Feb 17, '03

   I think so too Mona...........nice to meet you.
   
   renerian
6. 
   Feb 17, '03

   I'm Tim-GNP, and I am working on my PhD in Health Science Education via distance education. I attend classes through Touro U- you can check it out at:
   
   www.tourou.edu
   
   I originally began working on my D.Ed. [Doctor of Education] in Adult Education at Penn State University in Harrisburg--- which is 2 and 1/2 hours drive from my home [we lack quality programs where I live which are beyond the Master's level]. I began working on it shortly after I finished 4 years of driving to and from State University of New York at Binghamton [working on my MSN/GNP] which was about an hour and a half each way from my home. At any rate, one day, as I sat stuck in the 5:00 traffic around the 'capital beltway' I said "there has to be a better way."
   
   A very good friend of mine recommended distance education to overcome my problem of 5 hours [to school and home] of commuting twice a week. It is the best decision that I ever made. The reading is phenomenal [so are the papers], but it has been the most positive educational experience I have ever had. I am not accustomed to faculty treating you as a colleague--- I am used to the rote-mode memorization and 'thou shalt---' mentality of traditional academia. I am in the dissertation process right now, and hope to be finished within the next year or so [my dissertation is quite involved].
   
   I recommend distance education to anyone WHOLE HEARTEDLY! Just make sure whatever program you go to is regionally accredited!
   
   Nice to finally meet other 'distance ed'ers'
   
   Tim
7. 
   Feb 19, '03

   I liked not having to park, or sit in a classroom, or get notes from a missed class, or that lecture by a speaker I didn't care for, but I did miss having classmates.
   
   Finished with AAS from "Regents" in 1998
8. 
   Feb 19, '03

   Tim and oceanlover nice to meet you!
   
   renerian
9. 
   Feb 19, '03

   Originally posted by Tim-GNP
   [we lack quality programs where I live which are beyond the Master's level

   Hi Tim,
   Glad to meet you. I am also from PA and in addition to your comment above, I have found PA in general a bit behind in alternative education as a whole. I have had to select a nursing program in MO because the alternative nursing programs in PA are either on an everyother year rotation (evening programs) or they just don't have any alternative to their day programs. Which by the way have incredible waiting lists.
   
   I have be involved with Dis ED for several years and I have to say I don't miss the classroom one bit.
   
   Good luck with your plans, hope to see you here often.
   C
10. 
    Feb 19, '03

    Originally posted by oceanlover
    [B]I liked not having to park, or sit in a classroom, or get notes from a missed class, or that lecture by a speaker I didn't care for, B]

    
    DITTO on that!
    C
11. 
    Feb 21, '03

    Hi Everyone!
    
    I've been in EMS for seven years now, and will continue remain active with our local amublance service. After working as a Medical Assistant at a small clinic last year, I decided to pursue an RN degree. Once I have my license, I would like to work in as an ER Nurse. I've already done ACLS, and would want to go on and obtain Emergency Nurse certification once I am qualified.
    
    
    I enrolled at Excelsior College late Oct. '02, and have been very pleased with their program and online support so far.
    
    I live in a rural area, and had met a few RN's who had obtained their degree's from Regent's (now Excelsior). In fact, one guy was a Paramedic when I met him 8 years ago. He went on to become an RN and is now in Medical School!
    
    Distance learning works best for me, because of travel time and difficulties commuting from my location. I also like the control it gives me over time. As at least one other has mentioned, I don't have to worry about commuting, parking, and other details. Nor does my life have to revolve around a Prof.'s or School's schedule.
    
    I think it takes dedication, self-motivation, and an independant spirit to go the Distance Learning route! It's not for everyone, but it's a lifesaver for those who have no other alternative.
    
    I'm working on pre-requisites now, and hope to have them completed by the end of this year. Right now I'm (hopefullY) completing A & P and Microbiology, and hope to do those tests this April or May.
    
    It's definitely not easy. But the fact that so many others have done this while working (and some even raising a family!!!) keeps me inspired! I would like to take my NCLEX by spring 2005, but have promised myself I won't drive myself crazy if it takes a little longer!
    
    I'm so glad we have each other to keep us motivated, and really appreciate the input from those who have successfully completed Distance Learning programs. I really think it will become more and more of a future trend.
    
    Nice to meet all of you!

    Last edit by kavi on Feb 21, '03
12. 
    Feb 21, '03

    Good to hear from you Kavi. It sounds like we are all very motivated people when it comes to distance ed or non traditional learning. Your right about the motivation factor, if your not motivated-it won't happen. I think if we keep motivating one another through forums such as this one, we will be all the more successful.
    
    
    mona b
13. 
    Feb 21, '03

    Howdeeeeeee!
    
    I got my LPN about 6 years ago, and worked a year and a half in a neuro. clinic and the past 4 1/2 years in a psych. halfway house. I live and freeze in Minnesota.
    
    I am also an EC student. I started working on my ADN 3 years ago, and got pregnant a year later (the result of that whole thing is busy feeding blank paper through the printer as I type this ) so that slowed things down quite a bit. I just finished up my last test yesterday (weee haaaw!) and did my CPNE in Dec. so I am officially done.
    
    The whole process of independant studying actually changed me-- as a person and the way I do things. You might think I am stupid for saying that, but I do believe it and have talked to other people who wholeheartedly agree. This degree and the road to it has not only gained me a degree, but it has also made me a more independant, energetic, confident person.
    
    It was a nice way to complete courses, but it was also hard. A person may think it's hard to get up early and go to class, but it's even harder to force yourself to sit down and do it yourself.... especially when you have raggity little kids biting your ankles. :chuckle
    
    Best of luck to everyone in whatever way you have decided to do this!!!
14. 
    Feb 21, '03

    Originally posted by Spazzy Nurse
    .... especially when you have raggity little kids biting your ankles. :chuckle

    Sort of reminds me when I work from home (on those very RARE occasions). I am working, emptying the dishwasher as I read papers from work, flipping the laundry as I teleconference a meeting, let the dog out while I download a PDF file, peel potatoes while I listen to a taped meeting from a week ago, etc.
    
    Sure does give a whole new meaning to the word MULTI-TASKING!!!
    
    I also agree it was much easier to get up and go to class than it is to get up and be the one responsible for starting the class. Some folks have the disillusion that distance Ed is easier. I have actually spoke with one of my former professors about this very topic and she told me as in instructor, teaching an online class or overseeing a distance Ed course is actually more difficult for the instructors as well. The main reason is the need to outwit the technology. She said that in the classroom she gives one test for those who make the class and one for makeup. When she teaches the same course online, she has to make the test so that each test is different in format and content. Why, two students could essentially be taking the test at the same time online and talking with each other on the phone exchanging answers.
    
    I never really thought about that and admittedly neither did she until she found out that several students had in fact cheated this way. Ahhhh, technology it can be dangerous.
    
    Glad to here you are finished and hope that the future is good to you.
    C
    

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