Fall brings many new graduate nurses into our ranks. And, while many new and experienced nurses think that the new nurses’ education is now over, in fact it is just beginning in many ways. New grads are our most precious resource and, as such, every nurse has a responsibility in the process of nurturing them; it is not the sole responsibility of unit educators, managers, and preceptors. This month’s edition of Nursing Connections™ focuses on ways to support and encourage our newest colleagues.

Donna's Book Pix: Your 1st Year as a Nurse by Donna Cardillo, RN No, I’m not going to review my own book. However, I did want to tell you that while doing research for this book, I interviewed scads of new graduate nurses. I uncovered the seven major challenges they face in their first year and made recommendations for overcoming those challenges. The book is required reading in many nursing programs and is being widely used by hospitals as part of their new graduate orientation and student nurse internship programs. Recruiters, preceptors, and mentors have reported the book has helped them gain insight into the unique fears and challenges faced by new graduates, which in turn, helps them to better support the new grad.

Cool Nursing Web Site:
GEM-Nursing
GEM-Nursing is an e-mentoring community for nurses. It pairs experienced nurses with nursing students to answer questions, share experiences, and generally support and nurture the student nurse. GEM-Mentoring is a joint venture between The University of Michigan, School of Nursing and the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau. The site also provides general information about the nursing profession. Click on "Learn more about the Gem-Nursing Program" to register as an online mentor or to contact an organization representative in your area.

Career Article:
How to Welcome New Grads into the Fold
It's that time of year again — graduations, pinning ceremonies, and new graduate nurses appearing in patient care areas. Although many new grads are paired with preceptors or mentors, these people aren't solely responsible for a new graduate's growth and development. Read more.

News You Can Use:
Hurricane Katrina created an immediate and ongoing need for nurses to provide onsite services in shelters, first aide stations, and healthcare facilities in the region. Nursezone.com has compiled a comprehensive list of opportunities by state along with licensing information, various relief organizations, and what various nursing organizations are doing to help. Find out more.

You can also donate money to Nurses House (www.nurseshouse.org) which provides financial support to nurses in need. They have already begun to receive requests from RN's who were effected by the hurricane and expect more in the weeks to come. Nurses House funds are extremely low right now and they can use all the support they can get to offer assistance to RN's in need along the gulf coast and throughout the nation.

Quote of the Month:
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. — Mother Teresa

Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Sue Masoorli, RN is a nurse with a point – an IV insertion catheter point. Sue is owner of Perivascular Nurse Consultants, Inc. Her company provides infusion therapy education, training, and certification to nurses through public seminars as well as for hospitals, nursing homes, and infusion agencies. Her most popular programs are IV and PICC line certification courses. Sue also provides legal nurse consulting on infusion therapy issues and provides related seminars. Sue decided to start her own business 18 years ago after being fired from her home infusion company job. While there, she recognized the need for per diem and part time infusion nurses so she decided to initially start a supplemental home care agency. The business took off immediately. She started out with a business partner, but when it became apparent that the partner wasn’t as driven as she was, she bought the partner out and has been flying solo ever since except for the dozen or so subcontractors she works with regularly.

Since education was Sue’s true love, she implemented an education component to the business although the home care business generated most of the income for some time. When the home infusion market flattened because of nursing gluts and Medicare cutbacks, Sue decided to focus exclusively on education. “You have to be able to think on your feet and change with the market” she remarks. What Sue likes most about being self-employed: Flexibility. “You can pick and choose what you want to focus on. No one is telling you what to do. I can be more open-minded to change and creativity because there is no red tape like in the hospital.” What Sue likes least about business ownership: “You never get away from it. It’s there 24/7, even when you’re on vacation.” When asked what advice she would give prospective entrepreneurs, Sue says, “Figure out what your niche is and then check out the competition. You don’t want to be doing the same thing as a million other people. Then, once you have an idea, figure out how you will market and sell the idea.” To learn more about Sue and her business, visit her web site at http://www.pncnurse.com.

Come Meet Donna at:

Nursing Spectrum Career Fitness^SM Expo

September 28

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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