People without a high school diploma will earn 200,000 less during their lifetimes than graduates, and at least 800,000 less than college graduates, according to statistics published by the Educational Resource Information Center.
Today, people who never finished high school have a variety of options to help them earn their diplomas and turn their lives around.
Careertel, for instance, represents the Liberty High School Diploma Program, which is giving adults without a high school diploma the opportunity to become high school graduates through home-based distance learning.
“We at Careertel can help you get your high school diploma and achieve your goals toward a career,” said Jerome Polvay, president of Careertel. “If you set your goals, before you know it, the impossible will be possible.”
The program, approved by the Vermont State Board of Education, is designed to be a convenient way for busy adults to get their diplomas without taking valuable time away from work and other obligations. Exams are submitted by mail, faculty advisers offer help by phone and course material is provided with each class.
Studies show that a student with a standard high school diploma, as opposed to an equivalency certificate, has a higher chance of securing employment and surviving the rigors of higher education.
Liberty’s curriculum, including such courses as government, science, math and U.S. history, is carefully selected to enable students to get the full high school experience and successfully complete the prerequisites to move on to higher education, vocational training or a job that pays a living wage.
Deciding what job to pursue after college entails more brain cells that most activities. Unlike deciding on what car to buy or what clothes to wear, one must give the decision its due because it will effect your happiness and quality of life for the next three to four decades.
Most people believe that a career in travel nursing is stuff that dreams are made of. For those currently following this career path most of those who have experienced this lifestyle agree that it is a great way to make a living but there are a few who argue and refute this. But all agree that it’s entirely up to you whether your career in travel nursing becomes to a dream come true.
How do you start on a career in travel nursing?
Let’s divide the answer into two parts: travel and nursing. We’ll tackle the latter first. To be able to pursue a career in travel nursing, you must of course be equipped with a creditable nursing degree. Now some may possess one-year-diplomas and call themselves professionals but unfortunately for them, not all hospital or healthcare employers accept that as enough credentials. If you only have a vocational degree tucked under your belt, then perhaps you’d rather pursue a career in care giving rather than travel nursing. Caregivers, after all, still get to travel across the globe. It all comes down to the skills.
The second half of a Travel Nursing career is the traveling. So you’re the proud holder of a nursing degree and you’re duly licensed to practice nursing. The next step to tackle then is learning how to go about your travels. Most people prefer to seek recruitment agencies for help in this matter. These agencies are ably experienced in assisting people interested in making a fortune in travel nursing. But you must beware! There are several recruitment agencies that may just be a scam to whisk your money away. And remember, using their services means paying some fees and if in some instances the fees are high so be careful and be wary. Ask questions and don’t go with any agency that you don’t feel is being 100% honest with you and if there fees are out of line then find another agency or you can always go it alone.
A few things to consider when traveling are the need of a passport. First, check with the embassy in your country of choice and see if they require a visa. Second, make sure that all your nursing documents, proof that you have graduated from a reputable school and have passed the necessary examinations, are all duly authenticated. A career in travel nursing may mean jumping from one country after another so it would definitely reduce your stress level if all your papers, even your resume, are supported with valid reference documents.
How do you adjust or embark on a life of travel nursing?
Experienced travel nurses provide us with plenty of advice and tips to make sure that first time nurses in this particular career will have an easier transition into the field.
Double-Check Everything
At least three to five days prior to your departure make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything. Make a checklist of all essentials and cross them off the list as you pack them. From documents to the clothes you’ve packed, make sure that everything in your list is accounted for. A career in travel nursing is a demanding job and leaves little room for error so it’s best to start on the right foot.
Research Your Destination(s)
A travel nursing career requires that you to go to different countries meet different people and adjust to different cultures. Researching destinations beforehand will help avoid miscommunication, reduce the possible culture shock and basically just make your experience a whole lot more enjoyable and less stressful.
Ask For An Early Move-in
An early move is suggested by experienced travel nurses because it enables you to relax and breathe a little before embarking on your new travel nursing job. Familiarize yourself with the place and the people. And best of all, enjoy the new sights because one of the major perks of having a career in travel nursing is of course… the travel.
While the compensation and perks are quite exceptional because the Travel Nursing Career is such a high demand, highly sought after position it’s a bit more difficult to secure than most other nursing positions. As a result, most employers are very picky so make sure that you have what it takes. And if you don’t, then improve your skills (education and or experience) or find another sector of the nursing profession to make your career.