It’s a little over a year since I first published Nursing Connections™. Since that time, I have received so much positive feedback from readers. The Entrepreneur Spotlight seems to have become a favorite feature. One reader recently told me that she has read every book I recommended so far (14 in all) and hasn’t been disappointed yet. I will continue to strive to bring you cutting edge news and information, inspirational and informative reading, and profiles of innovative and talented nurses who are breaking new ground every day. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Donna's Book Pix: Becoming Influential: A Guide for Nurses by Eleanor J. Sullivan Sullivan tackles the abstract subject of influence in this powerful little book. She explores what it is, why nurses need it, and how they can get it. The use of the word 'influence' here is masterful in conveying the concept of empowerment. There has probably been no better time than now for nurses to harness the power of influence in order to create a strong and vital tomorrow for the profession. Sullivan manages to cover an array of diverse core concepts such as negotiation, career management, networking, goal setting, becoming politically aware, effective communication, image, dealing with difficult people, and more in a concise, easy to read format. She also covers an often overlooked topic in nursing circles, that of learning to "play the game" at work and making the rules work for us. Throughout, concepts and action steps are clear and direct.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Nurseradio.org
Nurseradio.org features one-hour interviews with nurse leaders and nurse healers that are available around the world 24 hours a day through internet streaming. This is a joint venture of the New England School of Whole Health Education and the American Holistic Nurses Association. Listeners can choose from a list of 27 – and growing – nurses who talk about their backgrounds, roles, and experiences. The interviews are played using Real Player or Windows Media and there is no cost to listen.

Career Article:
Learn to Speak With Confidence
Every nurse has to make a presentation of one type or another in his or her professional life. Whether presenting at grand rounds, conducting a department in-service, doing community education, teaching health-related classes or speaking at orientation, good speaking skills are a necessity. Read more.

News You Can Use:
ABC-TV is looking for RN's who are compassionate, charismatic, and love what they do for a new ABC Television/DreamWorks production entitled, "Miracle Workers." The goal of the program is to bring together a team of some of the nation's top physicians and match them with people urgently in need of their particular medical expertise, who might not otherwise be able to obtain such help themselves. ABC is presently casting nurses for a Host Medical Team to guide the viewer from episode to episode. This team will befriend the audience throughout the series and focus on all aspects of the patient and family. If you fit the above description (a California license is desirable since the show will be taped in Los Angeles), e-mail your resume and a recent photo to miracleworkers@hotmail.com to be considered for the show. Feel free to e-mail or call (323-954-2067) Allison, casting manager, with any questions or for more information.

Quote of the Month:
An expert at anything was once a beginner. — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Tracey Christenson Wolfman, RNC, BSN is a nurse with daycare issues. She is co-owner of We Care Adult Care, Inc. We Care provides adult daycare which is an alternative to long-term care facility placement and also provides relief to caregivers who are caring for loved ones at home. The business was incorporated in 1998 and finally opened it's doors in 2000 after construction, administrative, and licensing issues were taken care of. Today, along with her partner Dawn Johnson, RNC, BSN, they have approximately 80 patient clients in their roster and 15 employees.

Tracey got the idea to start an adult daycare center while working as a travel nurse in Florida where she saw several such centers. With her background in long-term care, she had seen many elderly people admitted to long-term care facilities who were only there because they had no one to help with activities of daily living or with healthcare monitoring. After researching the business further, she saw a need for a certain level and quality of care and service in her home state of New Jersey.

What Tracey likes most about being self-employed, "The freedom to be able to provide service that meets my standards of quality of care." What she likes least, "The administrative part such as payroll, employee evaluations, etc. It takes away from hands-on care, which is why I got into this business." The best thing she did in getting started, "I took courses at my local community college offered by the Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) on how to write a business plan. This allowed me to secure a loan and built the foundation for my business. That business plan, and the subsequent relationship with my bank, also won me awards and publicity. It was an imperative step in the start-up process." To learn more about Tracey's business go to http://www.wecareadultdaycare.com/ .

What's New?
Due to the increasing popularity of DVD’s and CD’s, the videocassette and audiocassette version of Career Alternatives for Nurses™ home-study program is being phased out. The price has been reduced on our remaining inventory. Order your copy at a bargain rate today while supplies last!

Come Meet Donna at:

Nursing Spectrum Career Fitness^SM Expo

August 30	San Antonio, TX
September 28	Houston, TX

Career Alternatives for Nurses™

October 12	Arlington, TX
November 7	Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa, Groton, CT

Double Header – Las Vegas, NV

November 14	How to Start Your Own Business or Consulting Practice
November 15	Learn to Speak with Style

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

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