From Florence in Crimea to Dorethea Dix in the Civil War, nurses have had a long history of caring for ailing soldiers. I recently visited military nurses at the German Army Hospital that receives all wounded servicemembers transferred from Iraq and Afghanistan to U.S. military facilities. Read on for my impressions of the visit.

Donna's Book Pix: Men in Nursing: History, Challenges, and Opportunities by Chad E. O’Lynn and Russell E. Tranbarger Nurses Chad O'Lynn and Russell Tanbarger offer a unique insider's view to how men work, succeed, and survive in nursing. From the barriers and stereotypes men must overcome, to the basic daily work needs they have as nurses, this book covers the entire spectrum of career-based issues men face today and have faced in the past.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
allnurses.com
From its nursing and student nurse discussions, career advice, and success stories allnurses.com helps empower those considering nursing, mentors nursing students, and offers practical advice to nurses in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Career Article:
Support Our Military Nurses
Earlier this year, I was contacted by a member of the nursing staff at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, the Army hospital that receives all wounded servicemembers transferred from Iraq and Afghanistan to U.S. military facilities. Read more.

News You Can Use:
Survey Shows Magnet Status Yields Positive Perceptions
Findings from a national random sample survey of RNs showed that RNs from Magnet facilities rate elements of the work environment higher. However, the survey also revealed organizations in the process of applying for Magnet status rated higher in the eyes of their RNs than Magnet organizations. Read more.

Quote of the Month:
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.
— Aristotle

Donna’s Blog:
I’ve always been interested in the history of nursing. I have a small collection of nursing memorabilia, including some old textbooks and photos. I even have a nurse’s cap, which used to be part of a nurse’s uniform, to be worn when outdoors. I was bummed when I found out nurses were no longer using them when I started nursing school in the early 1970s! We have such a rich history, and I have always felt proud to be part of that legacy. Read more at http://www.nurse-power.net/blog

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Vicki Hess, RN, is owner of Catalyst Consulting, LLC. She helps individuals and organizations to create a shift in viewpoint that results in sensational service to their coworkers, their customers, and themselves. She does this as a speaker, trainer, writer, and consultant. Vicki is author of the 28 Day Diary™ series and the soon-to-be-released book SHIFT to WOW at Work: Creating a Professional Paradise for You, Your Coworkers and Your Customers. She also created a CD and workbook for conflict resolution called, Bullies, Babies & Brats: Get Along With Anyone at Work.

Vicki made a decision to parlay her experience as a clinical and human resources educator at a large healthcare system into a business. As an RN with a master’s degree in human resources, she decided to break out on her own in pursuit of life balance. Vicki remarks, "My youngest son was starting middle school, and I thought, ‘What better time than now to work from home and be on my own.’"

Vicki’s advice to other nurses considering entrepreneurship: "Go for it! I have never looked back. My former employer was my first client, and I have worked for them every year since I’ve been in business." She adds, "Being an entrepreneur is a wonderful thing to do for your children, too. My oldest son has worked for me as a bookkeeper, and his first summer job was a power washing business that he set up and ran himself. He noticed right away that he was working far fewer hours than his friends who were making minimum wage and making lots more money — plus he enjoyed what he did … what a great lesson to learn at 18 years old!"

To learn more about Vicki, her products, and her services, visit her www.VickiHess.com.

Upcoming Seminars:
Career Alternatives for Nurses®
October 8, 2007 - Las Vegas, NV

How to Start Your Own Business or Consulting Practice
October 9, 2007 - Las Vegas, NV

Come Meet Donna:
Nurse Power!™
Learn to Speak with Style
Nursing Spectrum Career Fairs
August 14, 2007 - Ontario, CA
September 11, 2007 - Mt. Laurel, New Jersey

Nursing Symposium 2007
September 27, 2007 - Atlantic City, NJ

Nurse Power!™
St. Lukes Alumni Nurses Education Conference
September 28, 2007 - Chesterfield, MO

Live Chat:
Nurse Entrepreneurship
September 19, 2007
http://www.nurse.com/chat

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

Book Donna Today
Planning a convention, 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. 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.

Your 1^st Year As A Nurse Ordering Information
Order a personalized, autographed copy of Your 1^st Year as a Nurse directly from Cardillo & Associates. It makes a great personal or professional gift.

For colleges and healthcare facilities, Your 1^st Year as a Nurse can be purchased at a bulk discount from online booksellers and directly from the publisher. Contact us for more information at (800) 801-5796.

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