I often receive questions from nurses about how to develop or advance their writing skills and opportunities. With that in mind, I have devoted this month’s edition of Nursing Connections™ to one of my favorite subjects: writing.

Donna's Book Pix: Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Bud Gardner Of all the books I have read in the Chicken Soup series, I found this one particularly powerful. It not only entertains and inspires, but also teaches. By reading the stories, anecdotes, and quotes from famous and successful authors, you’ll learn how to unlock the writer in you, find your writing voice, conquer your fears of writing and publishing, overcome obstacles including writer's block, and learn to write from the heart. Someone sent me a copy while I was agonizing over writing my first book and frozen in panic and self-doubt. The book helped me to "thaw" and move forward. It continues to inspire me today and always reminds me of why I need to keep on writing.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Nurseauthor.com
This site is sponsored by the Nurse Author and Editor publication. Its Online Nursing Editors’ List provides direct e-mail links to over 200 nursing journal and book editors with direct, “one-click” links to many author guideline pages. It doesn’t get much easier than that! Nurse Author and Editor is a quarterly publication for both experienced and novice nurse writers and editors.

Career Article:
Develop the Writer in You
Recently, while having lunch with several nurses, one of them said, “I’d love to write, but I have no writing ability.” I chuckled to myself remembering that there was a time in my life when I was absolutely convinced I had no capacity to write. Read more.

News You Can Use:
The Florence Nightingale International Foundation (FNIC), the premier foundation of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), has launched the Girl Child Project: Mobilizing Nurses for the Health of Urban Girls. The Project seeks to mobilize nurses around the world to support the healthy development of girls ages 10-14 in urban cities. It addresses a broad spectrum of issues faced by today’s city girls but a key aim of the project is to encourage nurses, working with various partners, to develop strategies and guidelines for policies, programs and services that reduce health risks for young girls and promote healthy public policy. Learn more.

Quote of the Month:
When you write from the heart, you not only light the dark path of your readers, you light your own way as well. — Marjorie Holmes

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Nurse entrepreneur: Joan Borgatti, RN, MA, is a nurse with a past. Like many other nurses, she has worked in a variety of specialties and settings in her 25+ year career. Two years ago, she decided to put all of her great experience to good use by fulfilling a long time dream of starting her own business, Borgatti Communications. Joan says, "I decided it was time to do more of what I love and cut out what I don’t love." Joan provides career and life coaching to nurses who are looking for help and direction in setting goals, deciding where to go from here, and creating balance. She adds, "I try to keep nurses in nursing. I tell them they don’t have to leave the profession to be happy." Joan also offers writing and editing services and coaches and consults for writers and authors. She also speaks at nursing conventions, association meetings, hospitals and nursing schools on related topics. Joan is the author of two books, Because I Can and Frazzled, Fried…and Finished? A Guide to Help Nurses Find Balance.

When asked what she likes best about being self-employed, Joan states, "I love the versatility. Each day is different. It’s exciting to have clients all over the country and to be able to help people have a better life." Her least favorite thing: Marketing. "I’ve made peace with the idea that I have to market my services but this is something difficult for nurses to do - to say 'This is what I can do for you.' " Joan’s advice for other nurses considering starting their own business: "Do what you love. You’ll be working long and hard so you should be really enjoying what you’re doing. Every day is fun for me." She adds, "Try not to get so absorbed with your work that you isolate yourself. Stay connected. Collaborate with other nurses doing something similar. We can learn so much from each other and help each other. When you have a generous spirit, it all comes back to you." Amen. Find out more about Joan and her business at www.joanborgatti.com.

What’s New?
Donna is a Diva! She has been named a Diva in Nursing for 2005 by the Institute for Nursing, the foundation of the New Jersey State Nurses Association. The designation is given to 10 NJ nurses each year "who have set their own high standards of excellence and made a notable difference in the lives of so many." This year’s recognition gala takes place on December 1st at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton, NJ. The Divas and Dons Gala is a major fundraiser for The Institute. Proceeds go toward much needed educational scholarships and research grants to nursing students and nursing scholars. To consider being a sponsor or to attend the event, please contact Ita Zafar, RN, Development Director at (609) 883-5335 ext. 21 or email institute@njsna.org

Come Meet Donna:
Nursing Spectrum Career Fitness^SM Expo

November 1

Houston, TX

Career Alternatives for Nurses™ Seminar

October 12	Arlington (Dallas), 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

Learn to Speak with Style — 3-Part Workshop Series October 25, November 2, & 10 — 6 - 9 pm, Freehold, NJ For more information and to register, please contact Judy Hathaway at 732-842-7898 or visit www.nawbocentraljersey.org

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

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
The audiocassette and VHS versions of Career Alternatives for Nurses™ are being phased out, so we are offering you special close-out prices on those. Hurry — this offer is valid 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.

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