Deborah Oswalt
Grawn, Michigan
Excelsior College®, Associate of Science in Nursing

Deborah Oswalt’s hospital career started in the mailroom. She worked in the copy/mailroom before going to LPN school. She then worked as an LPN for five years before pursuing her RN license and Associate of Science in Nursing degree through Excelsior College®. Now she works as a nurse in the operating room.

“I work for the same company, but I’ve gone from home care to the operating room and I love it,” said Deborah. “I was working as an LPN, and I wanted to go back to school and keep working. The College Network® was the best way to go.”

“The best part of the program was that I was able to study until I felt comfortable that I knew the material well and could then take the test,” Deborah said. “Some classes I could do in a matter of weeks, others took months. It was really great to do it at my own pace.”

Married with four grown children, Deborah mostly studied at work. “I worked nights doing home care, and all my patients were sleeping. I did about 80 percent of my studying during that time.”

She does recommend using as many resources as possible. “Go to the library, find other texts, visit chat rooms, and post questions,” Deborah said. “Get good resources and that will help you.”

Deborah was motivated to earn her RN license to have more opportunity at work. “I know people can be concerned about the cost of earning a degree, but your time is worth something, too,” Deborah said. “This program is convenient and was the best way for me to finish my degree.”

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