Becoming a nurse or advancing your nursing career during the COVID-19 pandemic is possible and recommended with accredited online RN programs. However, there are scams out there that can be difficult to spot.
Scams typically use high-pressure tactics to get victims to decide quickly without thinking through the details or consulting others. Here are some tips to help you avoid being a victim.
Table of Contents
Ask Questions
It’s important to ask questions when evaluating potential online programs. Legitimate registered nurse online programs will have a website, contact information, and a clear list of curriculum requirements. It will also be clear if any fees are associated with the program. If you have any doubts, contact the school directly to learn more. Additionally, be wary of any recruiter who insists on communicating via email and is hesitant to provide detailed descriptions of their housing or travel nursing assignments. If you are suspicious, join a few travel nursing Facebook groups and search for “scam” to see if anyone has posted about them.
Look for Accreditation
Online nursing programs can be the perfect way to re-launch your career or pursue a new study area. However, looking for accreditation before enrolling in any virtual program is essential. Accreditation ensures that a school like William Paterson University meets specific standards for its curriculum, and it is necessary to choose an accredited online nursing program if you are using financial aid.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has made finding a traditional nursing program harder, many online options provide a quality education and hands-on clinical experience. These online degrees are ideal for nurses looking to become RNs or advance their careers with a bachelor’s degree. They also provide the flexibility to balance school, work, and life while learning. The knowledge gained through an RN to BSN program can help you make a difference in the future of healthcare.
Check the Credentials
Most online programs use a complex software program that students log into to watch video lectures, complete assignments, and take quizzes and tests. However, many students still need to attend school buildings for classes or clinical work, and most accredited nursing schools have a physical campus.
The alleged scheme used forged diplomas, transcripts, and other documents to help nursing candidates obtain LPN/VN licenses in states and secure jobs “with unwitting healthcare providers throughout the country.” Federal officials have not yet found evidence of patient harm caused by these nurses.
It would be challenging to create a blacklist of fake schools because fraudsters constantly change their names, Internet domains, and other information to avoid getting caught. However, both say that prospective nursing students should check with the board of education in their state for a list of legitimate institutions.
Read Reviews
Online nursing programs are excellent for nurses juggling work, school, and family life. However, knowing the difference between a legitimate registered nurse online program and one just out to take your money is essential.
Nurses should use reputable bibliographic databases when researching evidence-based information. These databases have established and vetted reviewers who evaluate research articles for quality and accuracy.
Scammers often target travel nurses and post fake job ads in popular travel nursing Facebook groups. It is helpful to join and monitor several groups to spot these bogus listings quickly. Nurses who are duped or almost scammed by predatory recruiters usually post about their experience in these groups to warn fellow travelers.
Do Your Research
It’s essential to do your research and choose a program with a reputation for quality. Look for accreditation, verify credentials, and ask questions.
RNs who want to advance can find many APRN programs online. However, most of these programs require clinical experiences in a real hospital or healthcare setting.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way nurse educators train their students. Many brick-and-mortar schools have closed during this time, and students have looked for alternative online programs.
Nursing is a hands-on profession; many employers expect candidates to have on-the-job experience to succeed. Nonetheless, most employers will take a degree from a legitimate online nursing program seriously. Choosing a credible graduate nursing program is essential for your career.