Happy 2006! Wasn't it just yesterday that we were worried about Y2K? Time does fly but there is always time to learn something new, take positive action in your life, or get off the fence and make an important decision. My best wishes for a fulfilling, productive, and satisfying year. May you become more of the 'you' you hope to be.

Donna's Book Pix: The On-Time, On-Target Manager by Ken Blanchard and Steve Gottry This powerful little book tackles the big subject of procrastination, something that plagues many of us. It is a fable written in the style of the ever popular “Who Moved my Cheese?” and the “One Minute Manager.” This is not the same old, same old on the subject. The book highlights how your procrastination effects others in your circle (family, co-workers, colleagues), something many of us never think of, and offers simple and practical strategies to start on the road to recovery. If you’re a procrastinator, don’t put off reading this book.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Forum for Shared Governance
Shared governance is a term that is frequently bandied about in nursing. But how many of us fully comprehend the meaning and the importance of the concept? Here’s the place to find out everything you ever wanted to know about the subject and then some.

If you have a cool nursing web site you’d like to share, please send it to me at editor@dcardillo.com.

Career Article:
To Act or Not — It's Your Decision
Anthony Robbins, the self-help guru, says, “I believe it’s our decisions, not the conditions of our lives that determine our destiny.” That powerful statement implies that we each are more in control of our current and future situation than we might believe. Decisions create action, and action creates results. Making decisions today will shape your tomorrows. Read more.

News You Can Use:
The Medical Musical Group (MMG) is recruiting new members for its symphony orchestra and chorus. MMG promotes health and music around the world. It is made up of musical physicians, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare professionals as well as family and friends. MMG holds several concerts each year in the US and overseas. For more information or to apply call 888-DoReMi, e-mail: vanmmg@hotmail.com or visit www.medicalmusical.org.

Quote of the Month:
Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.
— Matthew 7:7

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Leigh Giordano, RN, BSN, MA is a nurse with a 'beautiful' specialty. She is owner of Novellino, Inc. a medical esthetic skincare company. Leigh offers a full range of cosmetic services including Botox injections, dermal fillers (collagen, etc.), photofacials, laser body hair removal, skin rejuvenation procedures, and more. She is also adjunct faculty at Esthetic Skin Institute (www.EstheticSkinInstitute.com ) in Florida. Leigh has authored a step-by-step manual for nurses on "How to Jump Start a Medical Esthetics Practice" - valuable advice on running your own business after becoming a medical esthetician -- and mentors the nurses who use her manual. It is available for purchase on her web site at Nurses Manual.

Leigh has worked in many different specialties over the years including case management, gerontology, and cardiac care. About 3 years ago, while getting Botox injections herself, she decided that this was what she wanted to do. She saw an ad for a training course in a nursing magazine and signed up. Shortly thereafter, she quit her job, started her business, and never looked back. Leigh contracted with a physician to be her medical director and, to gain more experience, practiced on her family and friends until she felt comfortable with the procedures. She notes, "This is the best thing I have ever done in nursing. My work is very rewarding because my treatments do work."

When asked what she likes most about being in business, Leigh replies: "Independence, flexibility of schedule, and being in control of my own life. If I want to take a trip or have time off, I just don't schedule any appointments for that time." What she likes least about being self-employed: Lack of security. Leigh's advice for other nurses wanting to get into business: "Take business classes, especially in accounting." She adds, "You have to be very persistent and open minded to succeed in business. Growing pains are not easy. It takes grit, determination, and a lot of hard work to succeed. Businesses succeed because of hard work, not because of luck." Learn more about Leigh and her business at www.novellino-skin.com.

Come Meet Donna:

Seminar Double Header - Atlantic City, NJ
March 6, 2006	– Career Alternatives for Nurses™
March 7, 2006	– How to Start Your Own Business or Consulting Practice
Positioning Yourself for Success in Managed Care
January 12, 2006	– Watertown, MA
Tufts Health Plan – Open House
Nursing - The Next Generation
January 31, 2006	– Voorhees, NJ
Virtua Health System – Open House
Nurse Power!™
February 10, 2006	– Dewey Beach, DE
Delaware School Nurse Association – Winter Conference
Nursing on the Cutting Edge
February 23, 2006	– Atlantic City, NJ
New Jersey Student Nurse Association Convention
Nurse Power!™ Skills to Survive in the New Millennium
March 3, 2006	– Van Nuys, CA
Nursing Resource Coalition – Annual Advisory Board Conference

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

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.

Career Alternatives for Nurses™ Product Specials
The audiocassette and VHS versions of Career Alternatives for Nurses™ are being phased out, so we are offering you special close-out prices on those. Hurry — this offer is valid while current supplies last!

Video Cassette (VHS) – 2 tape set originally $149.95 now $105.99 plus shipping and handling
Audio Cassette – 4 tape set originally $99.95 now $69.99 plus shipping and handling
Order your copy today.

Newsletter Archives