As summer winds down and kids get ready to go back to school, take some time to reconnect with nursing colleagues you haven’t spoken with in awhile. Send an e-mail, make a phone call, or mail a card to say ‘Hi’ and stay on touch. Staying connected creates synergy and that’s what Nursing Connections^TM is all about.

Donna's Book Pix: When Generations Collide by Lynne C. Lancaster and David Stillman This insightful book is a must read for anyone who interacts with other humans! With people living and working longer, there are at least 4 distinct generations living and working together with very different values, viewpoints, attitudes, and skills. Although the book focuses on workplace challenges and solutions, (book subtitle: How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work) the information contained therein has implications for dealing with people in any situation. It helps to break down barriers and create understanding and appreciation for others, no matter what the age group. Click here for more info.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow
NHT is a coalition of 42 nursing and health care organizations working together to wage a communications campaign to attract people to the nursing profession. The site includes lots of information about various specialties in nursing along with salary info helpful even to an experienced nurse.

Career Article:
Closing the Generation Gap in Nursing
The days of “one size fits all” are gone when it comes to recruiting, retaining, managing, and educating nurses. Besides ethnic diversity, the fact that Americans are working and living longer than ever before means that several different generations can be employed at the same workplace. And while diversity can add texture and strength to the workplace, it can also cause conflict, dissension, and high turnover. Read more.

News You Can Use:
Nurses House is a national fund that extends short-term financial assistance to registered nurses in need as a result of injury, illness or disability. The organization was founded in 1922 and has served over ten thousand nurses in all 50 states. The organization has been struggling to find funding in recent years. Corporate donations are down as a result of spending cut-backs and there has been an increase in applications from nurses in need. Nurses House is running “A Dollar from Every Nurse” campaign to raise money. According to Susan J. Farley, Executive Director of Nurses House, "If every RN in the U.S. were to donate just one dollar to the fund, we would raise well over 2 million dollars.” Please make a donation to Nurses House, and encourage others to do the same. You never know when you might need them. Learn more about Nurses House and find out where to send your donation at http://www.nurseshouse.org/ .

Quote of the Month:
You have to learn how to fall before you can learn to fly. — Paul Simon

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Sasha Parker, RN, helps people look good and feel good and trains other nurses to do the same. She is President and Founder of Esthetic Skin Institute, Inc™ (ESI). Sasha is a pioneer in a growing specialty for nurses known as Medical Aesthetics. She is a licensed Massage Therapist and Aesthetician. She is certified in Collagen, Botox, Sclerotherapy, and Mesotherapy. Sasha is also a certified trainer of medical professionals in the European Green Peel® procedure in the U.S. and is a recognized trainer by Inamed Aesthetics for Collagen Implants. Sasha holds training and certification programs across the U.S. to teach nurses how to perform these procedures and to set up their own practice. Sasha is in the process of forming the Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses, Inc. (AMEN). Sahsa also owns a private home health agency in Broward County Florida since 1997.

Upcoming Events:
Come meet Donna at Nursing Spectrum’s Career Fitness® Expo in Cherry Hill, NJ on September 24, 2004. Donna will be presenting her empowering new keynote address Nurse Power!^TM. Additionally, she will present a workshop titled Success is a Journey, Not a Destination. Donna will also be signing her best seller Your First Year as a Nurse – Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional. For more info call 800-866-0919 or go to Nursing Spectrum and click on “Expos.”

Attend Donna’s trademarked seminar Career Alternatives for Nurses^TM in Columbus (Worthington), OH on September 27. This is the only full day seminar of it’s type offered anywhere in the country. For more info call 800-866-0919 or go to Nursing Spectrum and click on “Seminars.”

Register today for the Dear Donna Double Header being held in Las Vegas, NV on October 18 & 19. Career Alternatives for Nurses^TM and How to Start Your Own Business or Consulting Practice will be offered back to back on those dates. Attend one or both seminars, relax, enjoy, and network with your colleagues. For more info call 800-866-0919 or go to Nursing Spectrum and click on “Seminars.”

For additional program info visit http://www.dcardillo.com/events.html

Your First Year as a Nurse:
Looking for the perfect gift for a student nurse, new graduate, or someone you are mentoring or precepting? Order an autographed copy, with personalized message, of Donna’s popular book Your First Year as a Nurse today. The book is being used by hospitals across the country as part of their new graduate orientation program. Many facilities are also giving the book as a gift to nursing student externs and as a give-away at student nurse luncheons and recruitment events. Several universities are using Your First Year as a Nurse as required reading. Bulk discounts are available from the publisher (800-726-0600). Also available wherever books are sold.

Book Donna Today
Planning a Nurses Week celebration, educational conference, or leadership training program? Looking for a speaker for a new graduate orientation program, student nurse luncheon, or recruitment event? Donna has a program to meet your needs. Her 2005 calendar is already filling up so don’t miss the opportunity to bring the country’s leading career management expert and motivational speaker for nurses to your event. Call 800-801-5796 or e-mail at donna@dcardillo.com for rates, availability, and program topics. Fill out an inquiry form if you prefer.

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