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.
Is there a nursing position where I am not on the floor, but can still help patients?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Chrissy, Every setting and place of employment is different. Clearly you are not in a place that promotes your own professional development, confidence or sense of satisfactio... read more
I'm a pediatric NP but have not worked in 5 years. How do I reenter the job market?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Mary, I recommend you start volunteering in a related setting while you work on reentering the job market. Volunteering is a great way to gain recent experience, get up-to-dat... read more
Should I pick an online or traditional program to get my BSN?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Linda, Just do it! The sooner you get started, the sooner you will finish. Read "Go back to school and change your life" (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/BacktoSchool) and "How to get ... read more
I have struggled with depression and have no confidence I will get another nursing job. What should I do?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Depressed, When asked why you have been out of work, you can say simply you had personal matters that needed your full-time attention, but you are ready to get back to work fu... read more
How should I choose a nurse practitioner track when I go back to school?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Jennifer, The two nurse practitioner tracks are similar, but the acute care track is targeted specifically to nurses who might be hospitalists or employed in other hospital ro... read more
Is it normal to be considering a new career in nursing even though I have issues with needles?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Karen, There are many individuals coming into nursing at various stages of their lives and careers. You would fit right it! Most nurses have issues with something. We're all h... read more
After being criticized for looking sleepy, I am developing a phobia of meetings. What can I do?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Sleepy, I recommend you see a counselor such as a clinical social worker or psychologist who can give you some feedback, advice, support and coaching. Clearly something is goi... read more
What jobs are available for lactation counselors?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Chantal, Positions exist in hospitals, OB-GYN offices/clinics, birthing centers and social service agencies such as Planned Parenthood and the La Leche League. There certainly... read more
Date: May 22, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I entered nursing in my 40s and am working at a skilled nursing care center. .. Dear Donna replies- Dear Chrissy, Every setting and place of employment is different. Clearly you are not in a place that promotes your own professional development, confidence or sense of satisfactio... read more
I'm a pediatric NP but have not worked in 5 years. How do I reenter the job market?
Date: May 22, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I am a pediatric NP with more than 30 years experience, but have not worked fo.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Mary, I recommend you start volunteering in a related setting while you work on reentering the job market. Volunteering is a great way to gain recent experience, get up-to-dat... read more
Should I pick an online or traditional program to get my BSN?
Date: May 21, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I want to go back to school after 20 years as an RN to get my BSN. Should I pi.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Linda, Just do it! The sooner you get started, the sooner you will finish. Read "Go back to school and change your life" (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/BacktoSchool) and "How to get ... read more
I have struggled with depression and have no confidence I will get another nursing job. What should I do?
Date: May 21, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I have struggled with atypical depression for several years. I am unemployed a.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Depressed, When asked why you have been out of work, you can say simply you had personal matters that needed your full-time attention, but you are ready to get back to work fu... read more
Date: May 21, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I am looking at colleges to become an advanced practice nurse. What is the dif.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Jennifer, The two nurse practitioner tracks are similar, but the acute care track is targeted specifically to nurses who might be hospitalists or employed in other hospital ro... read more
Is it normal to be considering a new career in nursing even though I have issues with needles?
Date: May 18, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I'm reinventing myself at age 42. I am considering a nursing career, however I.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Karen, There are many individuals coming into nursing at various stages of their lives and careers. You would fit right it! Most nurses have issues with something. We're all h... read more
After being criticized for looking sleepy, I am developing a phobia of meetings. What can I do?
Date: May 18, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
Ever since I accepted a management position in 2008, I have been criticized f.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Sleepy, I recommend you see a counselor such as a clinical social worker or psychologist who can give you some feedback, advice, support and coaching. Clearly something is goi... read more
What jobs are available for lactation counselors?
Date: May 18, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I will be taking an ANCC-recognized lactation counselor certification course. .. Dear Donna replies- Dear Chantal, Positions exist in hospitals, OB-GYN offices/clinics, birthing centers and social service agencies such as Planned Parenthood and the La Leche League. There certainly... 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 Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 7:30 AM US/Eastern for an in person live event on 'Career Alternatives for Nurses®' in Newton, MA 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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