Nurses Week, which is just around the corner, is a time when we nurses receive special recognition and treatment for all the great work we do and for the difference we make 365 days a year. And while we’re accustomed to having others do nice things for us that week, this week is also a good time for us to do nice things for each other — and start a chain reaction in the process. This month’s newsletter is a little whimsical so enjoy and Happy Nurses Week!

Donna's Book Pix: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter’s life isn’t all chocolate frogs and Wingardium Leviosas. His Muggle relatives hate him, his Potions professor has it in for him, and now there’s an escaped convict after him. It’s enough to make anyone throw in his wand. But not the Boy-Who-Lived: With help from his friends, Harry taps into the well of good inside him and compassionately deals with life-and-death situations (can you relate?). With Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (the seventh and final book in the series) due out July 21, Potter mania is heating up again. Jump on the Hogwarts Express and join in. Everyone needs a little magic in his or her life.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Planet SARK
Author/speaker SARK has created a website that is a "place of learning, teaching, loving, and sharing what it means to be a succulent human ‘bean.’" Bright, zany, colorful, and chaotic, the site is a treat for the senses and a balm for the soul. Especially worth downloading are her "Support Sheets for Making Creative Dreams Real" (link found on the Radiant Resources page). Print them out, follow the advice, and make your dreams come true.

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

Career Article:
In Nursing, Pay It Forward
In case you didn’t read Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde or see the movie of the same name, the concept is simple: Commit random acts of kindness for others without wanting or expecting anything in exchange — and ask that person to do the same for another. In other words, rather than expect to be "paid back" for a favor or a kindness, ask the person you do something nice for to pass it on or "pay it forward" to someone else. Read more.

News You Can Use:
Migraine May Protect Against Cognitive Decline
Women with a lifetime history of migraine have less cognitive decline over time than women without migraine, according to a new study published in Neurology. Researchers think that antimigraine medications, as well as diet and behavior changes, might play a role in the apparent protective effect of migraine on cognition.

Researchers compared scores on immediate and delayed recall tests and on the Mini-Mental State Examination administered between 1993 and 1996 and again in 2004 and 2005.

The 204 women with a history of migraine scored lower on tests of immediate and delayed memory at the beginning of the study, but their performance declined significantly less over time compared with that of the 1,244 women without migraine who participated.

Quote of the Month:
It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.
— Albert Einstein

Donna’s Blog:
Last evening I attended a meeting of my state nurses association to participate in a discussion about a new resolution the association is proposing. The resolution, referred to as "BSN in 10" would require that new graduates from diploma and associate degree programs who graduate after a certain year would be required to complete their BSN within 10 years. Read more at http://www.nurse-power.net/blog/

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Joanna Cain, RN, BSN, is owner of Auctorial Pursuits, Inc. She provides a variety of writing, editorial, and consulting services for publications, periodicals, industry collateral (marketing materials), consumer, and advertising purposes.

Joanna created her own niche in nursing after becoming dissatisfied with her position. "I was so frustrated. I’ve always been very independent and enjoyed doing my own thing, but I was at a loss as to where to turn. I met with a friend of a friend who objectively looked at my skills and work history. She suggested that I combine my two degrees — English and nursing. I went home, did a Google search, and randomly started calling medical writers to pick their brains. I wrote up a business plan and started soliciting clients. That was in 2004, and I haven’t looked back."

Joanna’s advice to other nurses considering business ownership: "Go for it! You can be a nurse businessperson and still have a heart! I think more nurses should go into business...there is a lot of good to be done by nurses in the business world."

She adds, "I would like to also encourage nurses not to leave the profession. Realize your full potential and power as a nurse. If you are frustrated in your current role, look around, talk to others, and move into another area of nursing that is totally different from what you are currently doing. Nursing still needs you! "

To learn more about Joanna, her business, and her services, visit her website at wwww.auctorialpursuits.com/services.html.

Come Meet Donna:

Upcoming Seminars
Career Alternatives for Nurses®
July 16, 2007 - New York, NY

How to Start Your Own Business or Consulting Practice
July 17, 2007 – New York City, NY

Success is a Journey, Not a Destination
St. Joseph Health System
May 5, 2007 – Clinton Township, MI

Nurse Power!™
Rhode Island Hospital Nurses Week Celebration
May 8, 2007 - Providence, RI

Nurse Power!™
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore Nurses Week Luncheon
May 9, 2007 - Baltimore, MD

Nurse Power!™
South Jersey Healthcare Nurses Week Celebration
May 16, 2007 - Vineland, NJ

Nurse Power!™
Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital - NYP
May 17, 2007 – Saddle Brook, NJ

For additional program info visit http://www.dcardillo.com/eventseminars.htm.

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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