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.
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
What nursing jobs have you had that didn't really work out for you?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Karin, Interesting question! Although there was one job I stayed at for only a short period of time, I can't say that it "didn't work out." I learned so much about the healthc... read more
Have you had any questions asking how RNs can transition from critical care to long-term care?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Jill, I'm not sure if there are any previous posts on this particular situation but I will give you some advice on making the transition. For starters, read "How to Change Spe... read more
I graduated with a BSN. Could you give me some advice to help me find my first job?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Toya, No, you do not need to start in the hospital as a floor nurse. Not only are those jobs hard to come by these days, but also many nurses never work in the hospital their ... read more
How can I learn what salaries local employers are offering to RNs in my specialty?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Kathie, National salary averages for this specialty are between $55,000 and $70,000. Salaries can vary greatly from employer to employer depending on the type and size of comp... read more
I am an RN, just recently licensed in the U.S. How do I start a job search?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Gladys, Taking a refresher course would be a good idea, since you are foreign educated and lack any recent experience. It is not a guarantee of employment but will help you to... read more
How do I begin a job search after 12 years away from nursing?
Dear Donna replies- Dear Diana, You certainly have great experience and credentials. There are many possibilities for you even without additional education. Why not inquire about doing substitute scho... read more
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
What nursing jobs have you had that didn't really work out for you?
Date: Feb 1, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
You have talked about different nursing jobs that you have had. What nursing j.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Karin, Interesting question! Although there was one job I stayed at for only a short period of time, I can't say that it "didn't work out." I learned so much about the healthc... read more
Have you had any questions asking how RNs can transition from critical care to long-term care?
Date: Feb 1, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
Have you had any previous questions asking how RNs can transition from critica.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Jill, I'm not sure if there are any previous posts on this particular situation but I will give you some advice on making the transition. For starters, read "How to Change Spe... read more
Date: Jan 31, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I graduated from a BSN program in May 2009. I have not worked in the field yet.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Toya, No, you do not need to start in the hospital as a floor nurse. Not only are those jobs hard to come by these days, but also many nurses never work in the hospital their ... read more
How can I learn what salaries local employers are offering to RNs in my specialty?
Date: Jan 30, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and I am an RN who has a BSN. For 15 yea.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Kathie, National salary averages for this specialty are between $55,000 and $70,000. Salaries can vary greatly from employer to employer depending on the type and size of comp... read more
I am an RN, just recently licensed in the U.S. How do I start a job search?
Date: Jan 27, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
I am a foreign grad nurse, recently licensed here in the U.S. I don't have any.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Gladys, Taking a refresher course would be a good idea, since you are foreign educated and lack any recent experience. It is not a guarantee of employment but will help you to... read more
How do I begin a job search after 12 years away from nursing?
Date: Jan 26, 2012 | Dear Donna
Question - Dear Donna,
Where do I begin searching for a job or more education after homeschooling fou.. Dear Donna replies- Dear Diana, You certainly have great experience and credentials. There are many possibilities for you even without additional education. Why not inquire about doing substitute scho... 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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Go to www.Nurse.com/CEseminars for more information.
Go to www.Nurse.com/CEseminars for more information.
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