Best wishes for an enjoyable holiday season and a happy, healthy new year!

Donna's Book Pix: Assumed Dead Eleanor Sullivan, RN After an unconscious John Doe arrives at the intensive care unit of St. Teresa’s Hospital, head nurse Monika Everhardt learns he might be a man thought killed on 9/11. Can Monika discover the man’s identity "for his mother's sake"? This is only one of the mysteries the nurse sleuth is faced with in Assumed Dead. This book, third in the series, follows Twice Dead and Deadly Diversion.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Nursing Fact Sheet
In an effort to clear up misconceptions about the nursing profession, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has compiled a page full of nursing facts. Although the information is a good resource for the media, nurses might learn a thing or two themselves. Did you know there are more than 2.9 million RNs worldwide?

News You Can Use:
Gaps in Disaster Preparedness
Closing the Seams: Developing an Integrated Approach to Health System Disaster Preparedness, a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers' Health Research Institute identifies the gaps in disaster preparedness in both public and private health care. According to the report, the shortage of healthcare workers, combined with a lack of preparedness, may leave future disaster victims without the care they need. For more information, go to nursezone.com.

Quote of the Month:
The time is always right to do what is right.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.

Donna’s Blog: Nursing’s Future
To those of you who will encounter new graduate nurses in the workplace, through your professional associations, and even in your community in the near future, extend yourself to them. Welcome them into the profession with open arms. Help them, support them and encourage them. Thank them for choosing nursing and let them know that you’re there for them. Read more at http://www.nurse-power.net/blog

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Elizabeth G. Rudolph, RN, MSN, JD, is the founder of the National Center for Legal Nurse Consulting, in Memphis, TN. Her company helps nurses to use their skills to become professional legal nurse consultants. She offers live seminars, e-courses, audio courses, mentoring, internships, and more, including a one-day certification for Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC).

Elizabeth, an attorney and nurse with 18 years of experience practicing healthcare law says, "I wanted the time freedom that comes with owning my own business and the opportunity to explore my interests while still taking care of my family. I love being able to attend my children’s sporting events or take them to the doctor without worry that I am jeopardizing my income."

She urges nurses interested in opening their own businesses to "talk with someone else who has done it. Get a feel for the reality of owning your own business. Then go for it. It is the most liberating, empowering step you can take."

But, she goes on, "It takes money to make money. This sounds cliché, but it is all too true. If you try to nickel and dime your business, you will never get beyond nickels and dimes. While you can bootstrap in some areas, you have to be willing to spend the money needed to make your business the best it can be."

Elizabeth also reminds nurses that those who are self-employed can’t count on a paycheck every two weeks like those with a regular job. Entrepreneurs have to be willing to be flexible and live with some uncertainty.

To learn more about Elizabeth’s business and services, go to www.legalnurselocator.com or call (901) 496-5447.

Upcoming Seminars:
Career Alternatives for Nurses®
March 10, 2008 — Atlantic City, NJ

How to Start Your Own Business or Consulting Practice
March 11, 2008 — Atlantic City, NJ

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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