When I’m worried and I can’t sleep/I count my blessings instead of sheep/and I fall asleep counting my blessings . . . Another Thanksgiving is on the way. What have you got to be thankful for? Take a deep breath and make a list. In fact, the first item on the list could be the fact that you can take a deep breath. Read on about COPD Awareness Month and more . . .

Donna's Book Pix: The Journey Called You: A Roadmap to Self-Discovery and Acceptance Julie Fuimano, RN This practical "life manual" teaches the importance of learning how to reveal the essence of who you are so you can more deeply enjoy the unique gifts you have been given. Readers learn how to build confidence and improve self-esteem, take action to create positive change, and identify obstacles to success. To bring about positive results in life, career, and relationships, check out The Journey Called You.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Nursing Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery
The granite statue of a nurse in uniform, sculptured by Frances Rich, honors the nurses who served in the U.S. armed forces in World War I, many of whom rest among the hundreds of nurses buried in Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 21 — also called the "Nurses Section."

Career Article:
Is Your Career on Target?
Nursing is much more than a job. It is a career. And as such, it needs tending to and nurturing. Like your garden, it needs occasional weeding and fertilizing to get the results you want. While some nurses just keep plowing along, taking each day as it comes, a smart nurse has a plan for his or her career, one that is a work in progress that is continually evaluated and revised. So, rather than letting the cards fall as they may, use the following career assessment tool to see where you stand and where you need to go from here. Then use the tips below to be sure your career is on track. Read more.

News You Can Use:
COPD Awareness Month
November is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. However, early detection and treatment of COPD can slow the disease and improve quality of life. This month, take the opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of this disease and its risk factors. To learn more about COPD, visit http://www.LearnAboutCOPD.org.

Quote of the Month:
To accomplish great things, you must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.
— Anatole France

Donna’s Blog:
Public polls frequently rank nurses as tops in credibility for all professions. Most nurses are proud of this fact and love to hear this. But the Center for Nursing Advocacy is not jumping for joy. Their assertion is that credibility does not equate respect. Read more at http://www.nurse-power.net/blog

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Dina Berger, RN, ADN, CCRN, started Uniforms Proper, a uniform store in Freehold, NJ, in December 2006. Dina attended my Career Alternatives for Nurses® seminar years ago and finally got up the courage to create her own "alternative."

"I contemplated the idea for about a year after I was not able to find uniforms for myself in my surrounding area. Being a registered nurse for about 12 years, I feel that I know the industry," says Dina.

Uniforms Proper carries a large selection of uniforms, including all the latest trends and designs. Uniforms are also available via mail order.

"One of my objectives was to make uniform shopping ‘non-industrial’ — similar to shopping in an upbeat retail clothing store environment."

The No.1 lesson that Dina learned in business: capitalization.

"You want to be sure to have sufficient funds to sustain your business in the first two years. Having enough funds will allow you to develop a customer base over time."

The thing that Dina likes most about being self-employed is being her own boss and watching her business grow. "I am able to use my own marketing strategies and watch them succeed. I have no previous retail or business experience. I just used a lot of creativity and knowledge gained as a shopper," she says.

Of course, it’s not all rainbows and kittens: "Meeting payroll and keeping the accounts payable current" is a constant challenge.

Special offer: Dina is offering 10% off everything at her store to customers who mention this article. Uniforms Proper is located at Holiday Plaza, 3443 Route 9 North, Freehold, New Jersey. Visit http://www.uniformsproper.com and save 10% off all merchandise by entering the promo code 3443 on the front page of the website. Shipping is free for orders totaling more than $50. Call (732) 308-7788 to place an order or ask additional questions.

Upcoming Seminars:
Learn to Speak With Style for Fun and Profit
November 1, 2007 — Tinton Falls, NJ

Career Alternatives for Nurses®
March 10, 2008 — Atlantic City, NJ

How to Start Your Own Business or Consulting Practice
March 11, 2008 — Atlantic City, NJ

Come Meet Donna:
NSNA 25th Annual MidYear Career Planning Conference
November 15, 2007 — Kansas City, MO

What Did You Say? Learn to Communicate with
Confidence and Clarity in the Healthcare Setting
November 27, 2007 — West Long Branch, NJ

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.

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