It’s time to get practical: Is your life out of control? Consider working with a life coach or simply making use of an online calendar. Fed up with the way nursing is viewed by the presidential candidates? Learn how to parley with political leaders. This month, it’s all treats and no tricks.

Donna's Book Pix: A Practical Guide to Finance and Budgeting: Skills for Nurse Managers KT Waxman, RN, MBA Nurses who climb the managerial ladder often find themselves crunching numbers to oversee department finances. But without proper training, these budgeting responsibilities are often overwhelming. A Practical Guide to Finance and Budgeting breaks down the confusing financial side of healthcare so that nurse managers can get the job done.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
Time Management Tools
Scheduling tools such as the free online calendars offered by Google and Yahoo can help you keep a handle on your work and personal schedules so you don’t get pulled in 20 directions at once. You can color-code events, set reminders, and your friends' and family's schedules right next to your own. For free time management tools, visit http://calendar.google.com or http://calendar.yahoo.com.

Career Article:
Nurses, Politics, Power
Years ago I attended a legislative day sponsored by my state nurses association. I sat in on a session of the house and met my local assemblyperson. I learned about state government and how bills are passed. I realized that day where the real power lies — in the legislature. I also realized that, as a nurse, I have the power to influence the process. Read more.

News You Can Use:
Nurse in Washington Internship (NIWI)
The NIWI program provides nurses the opportunity to learn how to influence healthcare through the legislative and regulatory processes. Participants learn from health policy experts and government officials, network with other nurses, and visit members of Congress. Two scholarships for the March 9-11, 2008, program are available; the deadline is early this month.

Quote of the Month:
Your time is limited; so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
— Steve Jobs

Donna’s Blog:
I have been working with a life coach for the last several months. This is the second coach I have worked with, not counting my personal fitness coach who I work with only periodically, in the last several years and have gained benefit each time. A life coach — or any type of coach for that matter — helps to bring out the best in you. They help you to stay focused on your goals whether they are related to fitness, writing, weight loss, building a business, being more assertive, trying to find your passion, creating balance in your life, or whatever — and the coach keeps you accountable. Read more at http://www.nurse-power.net/blog

Encore Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Janet Celli, RN and Susan Whitney, RN, operate a most 'shocking' business. They sell Automatic Electric Defibrillators (AED’s) and train and certify individuals and organizations in their use. "We have placed AED's in law firms, churches, on golf courses and even on our expressway here in Florida. Every toll booth you go to in central Florida has a rescue ready AED and a supervisor that knows how to use it" says Janet. Janet and Susan are co-owners of CPR Associates and have over 25 years of combined nursing experience between them. In addition to AED sales and training, they provide CPR and first aid training and certification as well. Janet adds, "We are very passionate about our business because it brings the life saving capabilities that we have in the hospital out to the public. With 350,000 people a year or 1,000 people per day dying from cardiac arrest we can teach the lay public that they truly can make a difference."

One of their clients is a country club in Hawaii where they placed 2 AED’s. They return to Maui every six months to do a refresher course with the appointed staff and check on their devices. Now there’s a business plan I like! Oh, did I mention that Susan and Janet are both avid golfers? To learn more about Janet, Susan, and CPR Associates, visit their web site at http://www.cprassociates.com/.

Upcoming Seminars:
Career Alternatives for Nurses®
October 8, 2007 - Las Vegas, NV

How to Start Your Own Business or Consulting Practice
October 9, 2007 - Las Vegas, NV

Learn to Speak With Style for Fun and Profit
November 1, 2007 – Tinton Falls, NJ

Come Meet Donna:
Nursing Spectrum Career Fairs
October 12, 2007 - New York, NY
October 26, 2007 - Edison, NJ

Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN)
October 3, 2007 - Washington, DC

Enloe Medical Center Recruitment Event
October 13, 2007 - Chico, CA

Thomas Hospital 18th Annual Patient Care Symposium
October 23-24, 2007 - Charleston, WV

Lois Franco Pollack Memorial Symposium - Robert Wood Johnson Hospital
October 29, 2007 - New Brunswick, 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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