If you’ve read my articles, attended my presentations, or perused my Dear Donna advice column, you know that I’m a nut about networking: networking for career advancement, job seeking, information and idea sharing, support and camaraderie. However, the fact remains that nurses notoriously underutilize this valuable tool for personal and career success. So, in support of one of my favorite subjects, this month’s edition of Nursing Connections™ is dedicated to networking.

Donna's Book Pix: Professional Networking for Dummies by Donna Fisher This comprehensive guide breaks down the why’s and how’s of networking. Whether you are shy and reserved or outgoing and gregarious, everyone can glean something from this fun, easy to read text. Learn how to overcome inhibitions, make small talk, stay in touch, maximize opportunities at meetings and conventions, and develop a networking mindset.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Nursing Discussion Forums
There are many different places to network, not the least of which is in cyberspace. This web page provides links to the vast number of online discussion forums and newsgroups that exist for nurses. And just in case you’re not familiar with networking on the web, this site (designed for teachers but generic in its content), offers practical information and advice about subscribing to Internet mailing lists, netiquette, cyber-lingo and terminology, and more: http://www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/edu/listman.htm.

Career Article:
How Networking Can Work For You
Networking may be an overworked buzzword, but it’s the most important thing you can do for personal and professional success. But what exactly is networking? Read more.

News You Can Use:
The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) recently issued a statement calling for baccalaureate preparation as entry level to nursing. The statement asserts, “Nursing’s work of the future will be complex and challenging, and it will require a nurse with far different skills than we expect today.” The statement also assumes that the baccalaureate curriculum will be reframed. This has been a controversial topic in nursing for 20 years or more. Is it an idea whose time has come? Let me know what you think. Read more at http://www.aone.org/aone/pdf/PracticeEducationPartnership0405.pdf.

Quote of the Month:
A smart man knows everything; A shrewd man, everyone. — Unknown

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Patricia Iyer, RN, MS, LNCC is a nurse who is well known to the courts - but all for good reasons. She is a certified legal nurse consultant and president of Med League Support Services, Inc. She offers legal nurse consulting services, serves as an expert witness and fact witness, teaches courses on legal issues for nurses, and has an online web store that offers over 100 products. Pat is past president of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (www.aalnc.org) and a prolific writer who has co-authored or edited over 17 books. She has also developed numerous manuals, videos and toolkits on medical-legal issues for nurses and attorneys.

Pat notes that getting started in any business is very challenging: "It requires taking risks, being persistent, and believing in yourself." She recalls the challenge of learning to sell and states, "Every 'no' gets you closer to a 'yes' but it's hard to remember that at times." There were many times when she wondered what she had gotten herself into and questioned whether she was up to the task of 'playing in the big leagues.' She obviously worked through that because 18 years after starting the business she has three full time employees and more work than she knows what to do with. She gets business primarily through referrals and repeat business. When asked what she likes most about being in business Pat says, "I like the control I have over my environment. I no longer have to deal with the political issues associated with being an employee. I have the freedom to implement changes and ideas without having to go through a lot of red tape." To learn more about Pat Iyer and her business, visit her web site at www.medleague.com.

Come Meet Donna at:
Live Chat: An Evening with Dear Donna

June 15

Time: 8-10 pm

Click here for a direct link to the chat

Conventions
National Association of School Nurses (Annual Endowment Fund Dinner)

July 1

Washington, DC

For more information call 866-627-6767 or go to http://www.nasn.org and click on conference

Nursing Spectrum Career Fitness^SM Expo

August 30	San Antonio, TX
September 28	Houston, TX

Seminars
Career Alternatives for Nurses^TM

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

Seminar Double Header – Las Vegas, NV

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

Other
How to Write an Award Winning Bio
Provided by NAWBO Central Jersey Chapter

July 13

Brookdale Community College, Freehold NJ Campus

For more information click on NAWBO Central Jersey Web Site

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

Educational Tour of Scandinavia August 6 - 13, 2005
Join Donna on a fun-filled and educational trip to Norway and Sweden. Visit local hospitals, attend CE sessions on professional writing, speaking, and business ownership, relax and enjoy! If you’ve never traveled with a group of nurses, you don’t know what you’re missing! Find out more at http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Tour/.

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