Rating: 
Summary: Okay if you are looking for generic career advice
Review: I expected this book to be more tailored to the experiences of a first-year nurse. Instead it seems like a book of Career Advice 101 slightly skewed to the nursing profession. Gems like: don't show up late, find a mentor, don't wear dirty clothes, and be nice to your coworkers are common sense and old news if you're constantly reading up on career strategy like me. If you have sought out career advice before then you are probably too advanced for this book.
Rating: 
Summary: The First Challenging Year of Nursing
Review: I have been a nurse for almost 30 years, and would have benefited greatly from a book like this. Nursing school is wonderful for teaching a lot of technical information, and if a student is in a 4-year program, some professionalism, but Donna's book takes the reader to the next level--that of fully embracing your new life as a nurse and practicing nursing as a true professional.She gives many helpful tips on interacting professionally with patients and doctors (oh, how intimidated I was by doctors in 1976!). She discusses the value of networking and becoming connected with others in our profession through the Internet. She talks about how to avoid burnout, a situation seen quite a bit today with nursing shortages nationwide. Donna outlines the value of setting goals and journaling, techniques designed to enhance self-worth and value. This book is a must-read for either a nursing student or a new graduate, as it is just filled with common-sense ways to make the most of an extremely valuable profession. After all, if you are going to take 2-4 years out of your life to pursue a nursing career, don't you want to make it the best decision you ever made? Donna's book will help you see clearly that nursing is an honorable and valuable life journey.
Rating:
Summary: A mentoring plus!
Review: I have been an RN for two years and read the book for the first time to prepare for a presentation I was going to give to transitional nurses. I enjoyed the book tremendously and wish that I had read it much sooner! It is definitely a must read for all new nurses as well as those who wish to become leaders and help mentor new nurses thrive in their new profession.
Rating:
Summary: Very Informative for a new 56-year old RN grad.
Review: I have just entered a another career phase in life--the 3rd to be exact! Ms. Cardillo's book was exceptional, giving me the confidence to face rejection. I interviewed at three different hospitals before landing my first nursing position. Her book made me realize that I had not found the "right fit" for me and yes, I could become an RN after all these years.
I would heartily recommend this book to any new graduate. Indeed, I certainly did not consider the basic interviewing strategies and ideas a slap in the face to a college graduate. Most of us need all the help possible when trying to land our first job in any career field.
The sections on "Staying Connected" and "Taking My Career to the Next Level" were especially appealing as I am planning to work until I cannot put one foot in front of the other. Cardillo's book offerred hope to every generation of nursing who wants to work and find the wonderful and excited meaning and purpose that the field provides.
The book flowed with ease and passion. A great reference tool.
Rating: 
Summary: unhappy
Review: I purchased 5 copies sight unseen, based soley on quality articles I have read of Cardillo. This book is an insult to the intellegence of new nurses. Much of the content is true and could be helpful if not presented in such a condesending manner. Now I have 5 books I intended to hand out to the new nurses I mentor - never would I suggest they read this book. Cardillo is a great writer, I'm shocked she really wrote this!
Rating:
Summary: What A Lucky Find...
Review: I purchased this book without really knowing what it was about (while purchasing the req'd texts, I might add). Little did I know that the information I would learn would be almost more important than what the textbooks would be teaching me.
I have read this book cover to cover a few times already. I've highlighted the important points, written things in etc.... This book is fantastic and I've been recommending it to all of my colleagues in my classes. Thanks to Ms. Cardillo, I've made business cards, purchased a student membership with the local nursing association, and I'm feeling more and more confident about myself as a competent "nurse." I will finish my program in July and I just can't wait!
Rating:
Summary: It renewed my confidence.
Review: I received this book as a Christmas gift after going through the toughest 3rd semester. I was ready to give up and doubting my ability to become a nurse. I read this book and realized that my feelings were normal and that my strong desire to be a good nurse is what I need to focus on. I will graduate in May and will look back on this book many times in the next year when I need to refocus and continue on. Thank you for your encouragement and real life examples to understand we all start somewhere and how to get through that initial time without giving up. Sincerely, future RN, Laura Gomes.
Rating:
Summary: This book is helping me a LOT!
Review: I'm an older nursing student and I was in the
Borders bookstore looking for a book to help me with
care plans. This book jumped out at me.
It was just what I needed. Specially the part about
writing down the good things I do and rereading them
when I get down in the dumps.
I highly recommend this to any and all nursing students as well as first year nurses.
Mary
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive advice for EVERY new nurse
Review: Ms. Cardillo provides a wide range of advice. Some of it is basic, but is crucial for 20-something recent grads who may never have been exposed to the material before. I've seen young women at career fairs "dressed up", which to them means appearing as they would for a night of barhopping! This book can help them to avoid mistakes like that. For experienced professionals who are new to nursing, it's an excellent review of the importance of making contacts, identifying goals, prioritizing tasks, avoiding burnout and steering clear of negative thoughts and influences. Common sense, maybe, but easy to forget. And the book is a pleasure to read, chock full of anecdotes and advice from experienced nurses and new grads. Even if reading it only helps you avoid one serious misstep during your first year, it is well worth the price and few hours of reading time.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read For the New Nurse
Review: This book has given my a great boost of confidence as a new nurse. It made me realize my feelings of anxiousness and just being apprehensive about my new career are totally normal and felt by many others. I feel by reading this book it is going to be a an asset to my carreer. Donna Cardillo is truly a inspiration to the nursing profession. Her words of wisdom have encouraged me tremendously. This is surely a book I will reference many times in the future.
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