Remember last year when you swore that you’d never again spoil a holiday season by stressing over it? This year live up to your vow. Spend time with loved ones. Revel in tradition — or make your own. Cut back, kick back, and relax.

Donna's Book Pix: A Daybook for Nurses: Making a Difference Each Day by Sharon Hudacek, RN, EdD October 5: Bound by paperwork, short on hands, sleep, and energy . . . nurses are rarely short on caring. — Sharon Hudacek. Read A Daybook for Nurses and be heartened by quotations, stories, poems, and inspirational thoughts especially for nurses. These daily motivational vignettes will provide inspiration and encouragement to nurses as they work each day to make a difference in the lives of the patients, families, and communities they serve.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Drive Hunger from Your Community
(Google search page for food banks)
There are three ways that supporters of hunger relief can help: Donate money; donate food; donate time. Donate money by contributing as an individual or by becoming a food bank sponsor. Donate food by participating in annual Turkey Drives or other food drives. Donate time by exploring volunteer opportunities at a special event or a food bank facility. No one should be hungry.

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

Career Article:
Seven Strategies for Managing Conflict
Wherever there are people, there will always be conflict. It’s a simple fact of life. Opinions vary, and miscommunications and misunderstandings occur. People have differing values and priorities, and most of us resist change. All of these things create conflict in our life and our work. Conflict itself is not the problem, but rather how we deal with it. The good news is that effective conflict management strategies can be learned and mastered. While there are many different types of conflict, let’s discuss some strategies for managing interpersonal conflict. Read more.

News You Can Use:
Holiday Sleep Deprivation
It’s that time of year when many nurses find themselves working late shifts and trying to keep their eyes open at holiday parties or spinning out of control trying to do everything for holiday gatherings.

If you’re responsible for taking on extra shifts during the holidays, as well as for purchasing, preparing, and cleaning up the holiday meal, there are ways to make this seemingly impossible load easier.

Plan ahead. Cooking and freezing some of the holiday meal ahead of time helps to lighten the load on the big day.

Be selective. Trying to get to every holiday party is sure to exhaust you; rather, pick and choose the ones you go to and catch up on sleep whenever you can.

Don’t overindulge. Alcohol and rich foods might put you to sleep, but it won’t be the kind you need to feel refreshed. Limit your intake of heavy foods and alcohol so that you wake up feeling rested.

Adjust to new hours. This is the time of year when nurses tend to float on other shifts to fill in for their vacationing peers. If you’re switching from day to night shift (or night to day), do so for three or four shifts in a row.

Delegate. You’re only human. Let someone else clean up.

Quote of the Month:
I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.
— Anne Frank

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Barbara Bartlein,RN, MSW, CSP, is a real pro. In fact, she’s known as The People Pro. She helps businesses sell more goods and services by developing people. Barbara offers keynotes, seminars, and consultations to build businesses and balance lives. She went into business for herself in 1996 after owning several other businesses with partners. She explains, "I made the decision that I no longer wanted partners as by definition, partnerships tend to be unequal. In other words, I was tired of making other people money." She is author of Why Did I Marry You Anyway? 12.5 Strategies for a Happy Marriage and is featured in Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul and Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul.

When asked what her biggest challenge or obstacle was in starting her own business Barbara reflects, "By far, my biggest obstacle has been thinking too small. When I wrote the book, Why Did I Marry You Anyway? I thought it was a big deal to write the book. Then I realized a companion couples workbook would be of value. Then I developed a four-CD program. Soon afterward, I designed two new websites to offer services based on the book. I am now in the process of selling the foreign rights." She adds, "In the beginning, not having a regular paycheck was nerve-racking. That’s gotten a lot better as the business has grown." Barbara loves the flexibility that being a business owner offers. "I am involved in all aspects of running the business, and it keeps my days varied and fun. Yet, I can usually still go out and golf on a nice afternoon."

When asked what advice she would give to other nurses who are considering starting a business Barbara offers, "Keep your overhead very low. I have a home office with contract workers. I pay no employees other than family members. This makes it easy to quickly make a profit."

To learn more about Barbara, her business, and her book, visit her websites at www.ThePeoplePro.com, www.WhyDidIMarryYouAnyway.com, www.MarriageCounseling101.com, and www.PersonalityTest101.com.

Come Meet Donna:

Nurse Power!™
Communicate with Confidence
Touching the Future of Children Conference – Penn State College of Medicine
November 7, 2006 – Harrisburg, PA
For more information, visit their on-line Conference Brochure

Nurse Power!™
2006 Annual Meeting – National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN)
November 9, 2006 – Nashville, TN
For more information, visit www.nann.org

Nursing the Next Generation
Press Ganey National Client Conference
November 13, 2006 – New York, NY
For more information, visit http://www.pressganey.com/education_events/national_conferences.php

Live Online Chat – Nurse Entrepreneurship
December 13, 2006 – Time: 8 – 10 p.m.
Click here for a direct link to the chat http://chat.nursingspectrum.com/

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

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.

Career Alternatives for Nurses® Product Specials
Time to start thinking about your holiday gift giving - we are down to the last of our audiocassette and VHS versions of Career Alternatives for Nurses® which are being phased out, so we are offering special closeout prices. Hurry — this offer is valid only 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. ONLY A FEW COPIES LEFT!

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