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Question:

I'm an RN with a BS and I have been in professional practice for nine years. I will soon have my MBA and have no plans to return to clinical practice. My next step is to further my studies and gain 30 additional hours in a specialty area, then obtain my PhD. I have no desire to remain connected to the clinical aspect but would like to use my degree and past experiences to make myself more marketable. What resources are available to make this transition as seamless as possible?

Cleo

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Cleo,

It sounds like you are on an upward trajectory! I understand that you don't want to stay in clinical practice, but you don't mention what you do want to do – management, consulting, training, or something else? Perhaps you aren't sure yet and want to explore your options.

I recommend that you join and start attending meetings of the American College of Healthcare Executives (www.ache.org). At the very least, attend some of their local meetings as a guest. When there's something you want to do, it makes sense to rub elbows with those already doing that thing. Even if you're just exploring your options, this is a great group to hang out with as is the Association of Nurse Executives (www.aone.org). You never know where the spark, idea, or inspiration will come from. You have to get yourself out there.

Be sure to have business cards made for yourself for networking. Read "Make the Right Impression With Business Cards" at www.dcardillo.com/articles/buscards.html. Networking makes everything happen.

Best wishes,
Donna

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Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” 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.” Information about the books is available at www.Nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.Nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.Nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call 800-866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.