This is the last edition of Nursing Connections^TM for 2004 as we will not be publishing in December. We’ll be back in January on a new early month publishing cycle. Have a great holiday and remember to take time for yourself.

Donna's Book Pix: Why Good Girls Don’t Get Ahead but Gutzy Girls Do: 9 Secrets Every Working Woman Must Know by Kate White This is a classic book on “career judo” for women. It goes beyond assertiveness and focuses on getting what you want, getting to where you want to go, and getting better at 'playing the game.' If you can’t relate to any of that language or think it doesn’t apply to nurses, you especially need to read the book. For those of us who have spent entirely too much of our lives being polite, wanting everyone to like us, following the rules, and believing that we’ll be rewarded just for doing a good job, this book is a must read.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
American Association for the History of Nursing
The AAHN site includes extensive information and links about nursing history, conducting historical research, and using archives. It also includes interesting information about gravesites of many notable nurses, a calendar of nursing history so you won’t miss any important dates, and a monthly feature exhibit. Be sure to check out their online gift store for nostalgic nursing note cards, paper dolls, and posters.

Career Article:
Become More Assertive, One Step at a Time
Assertiveness is frequently misunderstood. Some people believe you have to be confident to be assertive. But being assertive is less about being confident and more about valuing yourself and your profession. It’s about believing that you’re entitled to be somewhere, that you have basic rights as a human being and as a healthcare professional, and that as much as you give respect to others you deserve the same in return. Don’t confuse the concept of assertiveness with the more negative “aggressive,” which is often defined as being pushy, boisterous, or overbearing. Read more.

News You Can Use:
The International Council of Nurses (ICN), the Florence Nightingale International Foundation (FNIF), and the Burdett Trust for Nursing released The Global Shortage of Registered Nurses: An Overview of Issues and Actions. The document provides a global overview of the nursing workforce; it discusses the challenges associated with shortages; and describes a policy framework for interventions. The full document can be found at www.icn.ch/global/shortage.pdf. Although the document is lengthy (60 pages), much of it is graphs and charts. It is a fascinating look at the global nursing crisis.

Quote of the Month:
The only thing that separates successful people from the ones who aren't is the willingness to work very, very hard. — Helen Gurley Brown

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Kathy Dempsey, RN is a nurse with some scaly associations. Along with her partner Lenny the Lizard, Kathy helps individuals and organizations grow by "shedding their skin." She is president of The Learning Agenda. Truly unique experiences make Kathy one of the most sought after speakers, writers, and facilitators on issues of change, organizational development, and strategic planning. Best known for her creative, unique and innovative approach, Kathy's presentations are engaging, highly interactive, and packed full of content and fun!

Kathy has co-authored three books: Irresistible Leadership, Thriving in the Midst of Change, and Shed or You’re Dead^TM: 31 Unconventional Strategies for Change and Growth which is the recipient of a Writer's Digest International Book Award. To learn more about Kathy and Lenny and their products and services or to sign up for 60 Seconds of Shedding, their weekly e-newsletter, go to http://www.thelearningagenda.com.

Upcoming Events:

Winter/Spring 2005 Program Preview

March 18	New Jersey Emergency Nurses Association, Atlantic City, NJ
March 19	Nursing Students Association of New York State, Tarrytown, NY
March 31	American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants, Anaheim, CA
April 12	Nursing Symposium 2005, Foxwoods Casino, CT

Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek Career Fitness Expo’s

February 16	Houston, TX
March 2	Los Angeles, CA
March 30	Seattle, WA
April 28	Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Double Header Seminar in Atlantic City, NJ
March 7 - Career Alternatives for Nurses^TM
March 8 - How to Start Your Own Business or Consulting Practice

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

Book Donna Today
Planning a Nurses Week celebration, 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. Her 2005 calendar is already filling up so 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.

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