Dear Donna Career Advice
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, Nurse.com's career advice columnist and president of Cardillo & Associates, is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur and author of "Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional" and "The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career."
She brings more than 20 years of clinical, management and business experience to her role as career guru.
She brings more than 20 years of clinical, management and business experience to her role as career guru.
Do you have any advice on getting a job away from the bedside that pays the same?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Laila, There are many different things you can do in nursing beyond the bedside that pay well and offer good benefits. Occupational health, research nurse or other positions f... read more
Do you have any advice on getting into travel nursing?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Gracie, I'm glad to hear you are doing well. It would make the most sense for you to do some informational interviewing (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/Interviewing) with nurses who ... read more
I complained about unfair hiring practices at a facility to which I applied for a job. Now they want an interview, but why?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Anonymous, It is impossible to know what the motivation is behind the interview. But if you are interested in working there, all you can do is go on the interview and present ... read more
How can I find a nurse coach and get off of a "not for rehire" list?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Teena, The best way to find a nurse coach is by getting a referral from your state chapter of the American Nurses Association (whether or not you are a member) or other nursin... read more
How can I find a nursing position that requires minimal lifting?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Deb, The great thing about nursing is there are a variety of positions, work settings and types of work. So there is something for everyone. Many positions do not require any ... read more
Is there anything I can do now to help me find an OR nurse position after I graduate?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Marcie, The advice about needing to have one to two years of med/surg experience before moving elsewhere is outdated and was never right for every nurse anyway. There are many... read more
I have been overseas for five years, any suggestions on how to re-enter the workforce?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Christine, Start by doing some volunteer work as a nurse in a healthcare setting while you continue to look for paid employment. Consider a free clinic, public health departme... read more
How do you deal with favoritism without risking your position?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Connie, It is always challenging for me to address a situation like this without knowing all the details and the players. However, based on what you are telling me and my limi... read more
Date: Feb 8, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I have been an OB nurse for eight years and have a BSN. I would like a job aw.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Laila, There are many different things you can do in nursing beyond the bedside that pay well and offer good benefits. Occupational health, research nurse or other positions f... read more
Do you have any advice on getting into travel nursing?
Date: Feb 7, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I am an LPN and former EMT. I have been in the profession many years, primaril.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Gracie, I'm glad to hear you are doing well. It would make the most sense for you to do some informational interviewing (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/Interviewing) with nurses who ... read more
I complained about unfair hiring practices at a facility to which I applied for a job. Now they want an interview, but why?
Date: Feb 6, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I finally have an interview at the hospital in which I did my clinical for two.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Anonymous, It is impossible to know what the motivation is behind the interview. But if you are interested in working there, all you can do is go on the interview and present ... read more
How can I find a nurse coach and get off of a "not for rehire" list?
Date: Feb 6, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
How can I find a nurse coach? What can I do if my last employer has me on a "n.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Teena, The best way to find a nurse coach is by getting a referral from your state chapter of the American Nurses Association (whether or not you are a member) or other nursin... read more
Date: Feb 3, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna.
I have been an RN for 28 years. I recently had back surgery and have a liftin.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Deb, The great thing about nursing is there are a variety of positions, work settings and types of work. So there is something for everyone. Many positions do not require any ... read more
Is there anything I can do now to help me find an OR nurse position after I graduate?
Date: Feb 3, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I am a nursing student and really want to work in the OR after I graduate. I w.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Marcie, The advice about needing to have one to two years of med/surg experience before moving elsewhere is outdated and was never right for every nurse anyway. There are many... read more
I have been overseas for five years, any suggestions on how to re-enter the workforce?
Date: Feb 2, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I was an FNP with more than 10 years of experience. I quit working to move ov.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Christine, Start by doing some volunteer work as a nurse in a healthcare setting while you continue to look for paid employment. Consider a free clinic, public health departme... read more
How do you deal with favoritism without risking your position?
Date: Feb 2, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I am working in an ICU at a small, private, community hospital. The salary is .. Dear Donna replies- Dear Connie, It is always challenging for me to address a situation like this without knowing all the details and the players. However, based on what you are telling me and my limi... read more
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*Due to the sheer volume of questions received, Donna Cardillo cannot answer every question or respond privately to any questions. All questions answered will appear on Nurse.com, and some may be printed in Gannett Healthcare Group publications. Last names and e-mail addresses will be omitted.
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Upcoming Events
*Join Donna Cardillo on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 7:30 AM US/Central for an in person live event on 'Career Alternatives for Nurses®' in Dallas, TX and earn Nursing Continuing Eduction(CE) credits for your participation.
Go to www.Nurse.com/CEseminars for more information.
Go to www.Nurse.com/CEseminars for more information.
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