As the world recently commemorated the 60th anniversary of D-Day, a turning point in WWII, my thoughts turned to veterans everywhere but especially to our nursing colleagues who have served during numerous wars over the years. This issue of Nursing Connections^TM is dedicated to them.

Donna's Book Pix: We Band of Angels: The Untold Story of Nurses Trapped on Bataan by the Japanese by Elizabeth Norman.

During WWII, 10 navy nurses and 68 army nurse were captured by the Japanese in the Philippines. They were held for 3 1/2 years in deplorable conditions with nothing but water and moldy rice to eat. One nurse recalls that "The men in captivity called us angels and would say, 'If you angels can take it, we can take it.' " It is a story of courage, survival, and the indomitable spirit of nurses. This book is living history. Click here for more info.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Military Nurses in Vietnam
This is one very long page of someone's personal web site. The Military Nurses in Vietnam page is an extensive compilation of personal accounts, poetry, letters, and photos about and by nurses who served in Vietnam. It also includes information and links to related books, articles, professional papers and reports. Make a cup of tea and immerse yourself in this poignant collection.

Career Tip:
Speak well of yourself and your profession
Someone once said, "Be careful how you speak about yourself because others will take you at your own word." That has great implications for nurses. Remember that expression the next time you are tempted to talk negatively about yourself, your work, or the nursing profession in general. See a related article Promote Don't Pummel Your Profession.

News You Can Use:
On May 29, 2004 in Washington, DC, the World War II Memorial was dedicated to all who served during the Second World War. During WWII, over 59,000 US nurses served in the Army Nurse Corp alone, almost half overseas. More than 200 nurses died. Did you know that Arlington National Cemetery has a special section devoted to nurses who have served in the military? I had occasion to visit "The nurses section" of the cemetery several years ago and was very moved. As I walked amongst the gravestones, I felt a sense of history, legacy, and pride. See a related piece at http://www.mdw.army.mil/fs-m07.htm. It's worth a trip to pay your respects. While at the cemetery, be sure to visit the Women in Military Service Memorial which highlights the contributions and sacrifices of nurses and other military women. And while in DC, be sure to also visit the Vietnam Women's Memorial (this one brought me to tears) located near the VietNam Veteran's Memorial Wall.

Quote of the Month:
The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a one's determination. — Tommy Lasorda

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Lori Radcliffe, RN is funny, svelte, and fit. She is president of 'Jest' for Fitness and Food Productions. Lori is a registered nurse, a certified personal trainer, and a professional speaker. She has a degree in kinesiology (the study of the mechanics of body movement) and additional certifications in Pilates, kick-boxing, and the LEBED method which is dance and movement therapy for breast cancer survivors. She has been dubbed the health and fitness guru for nurses. In her former life, Lori was a stand-up comic and beauty queen. In her "spare time" Lori teaches community kick-boxing and Pilates classes through the education department of a New Jersey Hospital. Lori also teaches nurses aides classes and still does the occasional shift in a long term care facility "to keep her hand in." Lori has produced a video "Bones of Steel" which combines a nutritional and exercise regimen for healthy bones. She is working on a second video to accompany her new program FatLossPRN which will be launched soon. Learn more about Lori and her products and services at http://www.jest4fitfood.com/

Upcoming Events:
Join Donna on July 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a special 2 hour interactive workshop on public speaking skills, Learn To Speak With Style. The event is being held at Brookdale Community College, Freehold, NJ Campus. For more information and to register go to NAWBO Central Jersey Web site.

Join Donna in Nashville, TN on August 9 at the Forum on Healthcare Leadership. She will be presenting two workshops entitled Resumes That Get Results and Take Your Career to the Next Level. Donna will also be doing a book signing of Your First Year as a Nurse.

June Special:
Order Career Alternatives for Nurses^TM on video or audiocassette only and receive a 20% discount from the list price. This offer applies only to the video and audiocassette version. This offer is for Internet orders only and must be received by midnight on June 3, 2004. Click here and type 20% OFF on the bottom of the form in the box marked "Tell us how you heard about the product." Be sure to enter 20% OFF to get the offer.

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