René Riley
Springfield, OR
Regis University, RN to Master of Science in Nursing

“I was one of those girls who always wanted to be a nurse. I entered nursing school right out of high school. Several of my classmates told me they had dentures older than I was!” René Riley said of her entry into the nursing profession. “I had to put myself through school, and the local community college only offered the Associate Degree in Nursing program. Flash forward twenty years—I’m in my 40s, raised a child and feel now is the time to reach my goal. I wish to earn my MS in Nursing by 50. I’m 45 now.”

René chose The College Network® so she didn’t have to make too many sacrifices in her already busy life to achieve her goal. “A College Network representative visited our hospital. I made an appointment. I chose The College Network to decrease the challenges of advancing my degree. I like the idea of going at my own pace. I work full time, do on-call shifts, and have lots of hobbies. I set my schedule. The only pressure comes from me; I know the success I achieve is dependent on my commitment. Financially, it’s cheaper than attending classes.” she said.

René reminds future students that independent study takes hard work and commitment. “I would like students to know that they have to work for their success. I have read comments that imply they should be spoon-fed the information. I encourage students to acquire additional resources other than just the modules. It helps to get well-rounded information, not just the stuff you have to know,” she said.

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