Alison Johnson New Bern, NC
Here’s Alison’s inspirational story about her long journey to become an RN. She is achieving her goal, while homeschooling a special needs daughter, holding down several jobs, and having problems working directly with Excelsior.
My Initial Nursing Career
"I am 38 years old, happily married with two daughters; a 20-year-old who knows everything and a 14-year-old with special needs. I’ve held various job positions as an LPN. I worked at an adult home care facility, Alzheimer’s unit, and pediatric private office. I stayed at the pediatric office for eight years. I loved working with kids! I had found my calling. But I would sometimes have this nagging feeling that I could do more. The down side to the private office was the long hours. During the busy season, I was working 10 hour days, rotating weekends, and only having a few holidays off. This schedule eventually put strain on the family life. During this time, I contemplated going back to school to obtain my associates degree. I wanted more work options that would allow me to work less and earn more money. I had even looked into a program, but my bank account wouldn’t allow it. I then took a position in the children’s clinic at the local health department."
Four Years of No Progress With Excelsior
"During my time at the health department, I was motivated by a friend to go after my dream of getting an associates degree. I found Excelsior College and, after scrapping up the money, I signed up for my first course, Microbiology. Because I tried to complete the course on my own working directly with Excelsior, I always made excuses as to why I didn’t have time to read and study. There was no motivation or encouraging emails or phone calls, so time slipped away from me. I never finished a single course with Excelsior."
Discovering Achieve Test Prep
"Then one day, almost four years later, I received a promotional letter in the mail from Achieve Test Prep. Of course, I was skeptical in the beginning. There are too many people and companies out there that just want your money. But something told me to try. I felt a little spiritual push. I called and I asked every question I could think of to try and find the gimmick. But all I heard was sincerity from the people I spoke with. I never once got the impression it was about money. These people legitimately want me to succeed! I signed up for the free virtual class. I was sure that this free virtual class would prove to me that this was just another company in the business for the profits. But, as I sat on my bed, in my PJs listening and participating in the virtual class, I realized this was the real deal! This was my answer! This is what I needed to be successful."
Getting Started With Achieve
"When I started with ATP, I signed up for microbiology first. I needed to finally complete it. And from day one I haven’t had one single regret! Achieve’s flexible hours allowed me to choose the best time to attend the virtual classes. During this time, we had a number of serious challenges. I ended up homeschooling my special needs daughter, and as my husband works out of town a lot, I have a lot of time as a single parent. I have been home schooling my daughter, taking courses through Achieve Test Prep, and working two part time jobs. And just to make life interesting, we also have four dogs to tend to."
Motivating Instructors
"And through life’s challenges, ATP has been there with encouraging emails and motivating instructors. It’s refreshing to know even though there may be many speed bumps in the road, there is someone out there to help you get over the hump. There is someone to lend a helping hand to pull you out of the mud hole and put you back on track."
The Result?
"I have currently completed 6 of the 8 nursing fundamental courses. I have the two FCCA courses and then the CPNE. I am so close to being finished, I can taste the sweet victory on my tongue! 2016 will be my year!"
Conclusions
What advice would you give someone who is considering Achieve Test Prep?
"I would say that 2016 could be your year too. Achieve Test Prep has great advisors who will guide you on your journey. They are available to answer any and all of your questions. If you want more opportunities to advance in your career, want to earn a higher pay, or want more employment options, they can help you achieve your goals. Achieve offers their courses during various days and times to fit anyone’s schedule. The instructors are extremely helpful, offering many resources to encourage each student to grasp and understand the subject content. I would not be as far as I am with the courses if it wasn’t for the motivation from Achieve Test Prep. I recommend to anyone who has ever had a passing thought of earning a higher degree, to at least contact them. Simply talk to them. Ask questions. Take the free virtual class. Your dreams can become reality if you take the first step!"
"This student is part of Achieve’s Ambassador program and was asked to give a summary of their actual experience while attending our program and was compensated for their time. "
LPN to RN Bridge Program Online
