Student Spotlight: Ken F’s Road to Nursing Management


Ken Fielder, 50, was born into a family of nurses. His mom was a pediatric nurse, and his younger sister is an ICU Nurse. “Sometimes, we would talk shop and compare how the nursing industry has grown and changed since my mom’s time.” In 2019, Ken completed the RN to BSN program at Aspen University.  … Keep Reading

How to Find the Right Nurse Mentor


Please enjoy this guest author post from friend of Aspen, Raquel Miller, RN, BSN aka “Nurse Rocky”. Raquel is an ICU travel nurse and founder of Hey Nurse Rocky, a platform that promotes creativity, community, and confidence building in nursing.    “Generally speaking, there are two kinds of learning: experience, which is gained from your … Keep Reading

What Can You Do With an MSN In Nursing Administration?


As a continuation of our MSN in Administration and Management series, experienced nurse administrator and author, Maureen Bonatch answers the question “What can you do with an MSN in Nursing Administration?”   The physical demands of years of working as a floor nurse influenced my decision to return to school. I wanted to work toward … Keep Reading

RN to BSN Resume Refresh Tips


As a healthcare professional and RN working towards your BSN, your nursing career needs to keep moving forward, even as your education continues. You may be working per diem or part-time — if not full time — as you pursue your bachelor’s, and you doubtless have bills to pay and mouths to feed. In other … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Brandy K. RN to MSN “Moving Mountains”


Country song “Prayed for You” by Matt Stell reminds Brandy of her RN to MSN journey every time she hears it on the radio. For Brandy, no mountain is ever too big.  Obtaining a graduate degree means many different things to everyone. Our own backgrounds, perceptions, and experiences influence how we may feel about our … Keep Reading

Nurses Guide to Magnet Hospitals


In 1993, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) announced it’s Magnet Hospital Recognition Program for Excellence in Nursing Services program. The American Nurses Association and the ANCC recognize Magnet hospitals as those who create and sustain a culture of excellence. In 1997, the program became known as The Magnet Nursing Services Recognition Program. But what … Keep Reading

5 Nurse Careers That Require A BSN


Many prospective and experienced nurses are unaware of how many exciting career opportunities exist outside of bedside nursing. While the skills you gain through delivering patient care at the bedside provide an excellent foundation for your nursing practice, these skills are also easily transferable into a variety of other unique nursing roles. Looking to work … Keep Reading

7 Ways COVID-19 Will Change The Future Of The Nursing For The Better


Please enjoy this guest post about the future of nursing from Sarah Jividen of Mother Nurse Love: In 2020, COVID-19 hit the US with a force that brought unprecedented changes within the nursing profession. Not since the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 – that sickened ⅓ of the entire world’s population over the course of … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Theresa G. Proudly Pursued Her DNP


Please enjoy this personal essay from Dr. Theresa Gress, RN, BSN, MSN, DNP. When Theresa was a child, she said she would “become a nurse before becoming a doctor.” Truer words have never been spoken.  Some of us have many pathways to success. Some of us do not. Regardless of the walk it takes to … Keep Reading

So You Want an MSN in Nursing Administration?


Nurse administrators — many of whom earn an MSN in Nursing Administration prior to or after they assume the position — draw from a blend of nursing, business, and leadership skills. Education levels, titles, and settings for nurse administrators may vary, but generally, they often oversee the nursing staff, patients, and administrative duties.  Many nurses … Keep Reading