Reevaluate your skills and increase your focus on self-reflection.

Nurses are uniquely educated with lots of theoretical background in the sciences and humanities.  Earning college degrees requires picking up computer skills as well and these can be an asset as you look for a new career or setting up your own business.  Oprah is very in-tune with spirituality and how to tap into a consciousness of abundance.  Sign up for her online news letters.  I found this link via Opra and wanted to share with you so that you can take courses like this for free.  Oprah is a magnet for money because she has tapped into this realm of abundance that she readily shares with her followers.

http://www.quantumjumping.com/lp/subconscious?sr=1&cid=Content-UK-Attraction&aid=the-secret-law-of-attraction-broad&placement=mail.google.com&ot

I mentioned the job of Personal Assistant because business owners and successful people need someone to help them out with everyday business.  You can free lance and set up a website to show your skills.  I believe that you can do it on your own and not go through an agency.  I was told by March Recruitment that for every job there are literally hundreds of applicants.  March Recruitment

Create a website for your company or service that you are going to market.  Word Press is worth exploring.
To register your company also do an online search and if needed go to the local library.  Some have business sections with books and magazines for new business start-ups and a librarian assigned to help with searches.  As with anything there is a learning curb and there may be anxiety.
In the UK go to Companies House for information on starting a company and registering a trade-name.

Reevaluate your worth.
http://theyec.org/3-questions-to-reevaluate-your-marketing-strategy/  I find it interesting how people use their creativity to make money.  Think about your talents, skills, hobbies and the connections you have to help you market your service or product.Deborah King has a few videos on the benefits of learning to forgive that we experience as liberating personally, then the ripple effect goes on and on, thus affecting those around us and the world.  Peace is important in our personal lives and for the world.
We all get stuck in the pits of our own thinking and finding fault and blaming is one of them common to us all and we all need teachers who can bring up these issues and show us correct thinking and ways of living.

Tich Nhat Hanh talks with Oprah about Peace.
I wish you many blessings in your life and that you find peace and joy and you reshape your life and destiny.  Don't fret about tomorrow for today is all we have and keep you focus in the present moment.  Don't let anyone or anything rob you of your joy.  Prosperity consciousness is an important part of your personal and spiritual development and the journey is made easier by having gifted Master's who are here just to share their knowledge.
Please feel free to contact me at lawrencerita511@gmail.com

Will Smith is shares how he thinks and creates prosperity and success in his life.  I am in the process like all of you and want you to be able to move ahead with your life instead of getting stuck in the quagmire of legal issues.  Deal with whatever is at hand one at a time and give the matter you focus and full attention.  Sit quietly before you attend to a matter, quietly with your eyes closed and bring your attention to the space between your eyes or third eye chakra where you will tap into your Higher Consciousness.  The answers will come to you within as you allow negativity and fear to dissipate in the presence of your Higher Power.  Repeat the names of God that are meaningful to you, or a Mantra that holds power in it for you, and trust that your answers will come to you.
Linda H. Aiken has published and researched on correlation between higher mortality rates related to low nurse to patient ratios.  Nurses like Theresa Brown are sharing their opinions and experiences on line to promote more transparency about the conditions that nurses face in the work place.  She Nurses are on the front line.  The good news is that hospitals will be required to post their staffing levels and patient census in real time on line for the public to view.  When things go public they tend to stop!
Also check out this blog about cases where nursing licenses have been defended in Florida Nursing Law Blog

By learning from others who have been successful it is possible to do so also.

10 Tips for First Time Entrepeneurs  As a nurse undergoing a state board investigation or discipline it is important to take the first steps to make money in business.  You will hear from people who will doubt you and tell you why it won't work.  Everyone that I have read about in business has experienced the same thing. The situation you now face really is a golden opportunity to step into a business and earn more money than you could ever have done as a nurse.  As you move forward with your life read books and scriptures that give you confidence.  I recently moved and just as I was waiting to leave the town where I had lived for the past year I read a sign on a church billboard  'Whosoever trusts the Lord is kept safe.'  Proverbs.  It felt like an affirmation for me and there is a  serendipity: the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.  Once you embark on the spiritual path answers will come out of the blue and you will notice things around you more and see the connection to your life.  That's how it works.

I took the advice of a spiritual Master in the mid nineties about being careful about what we allow to come into our awareness through our senses.  It is important to still the senses and that can be done through positive thinking and meditation.  If you overhear a negative comment, step away and consciously cleanse your mind of that input.  Just like you would 'reset' a computer.  A friend of mine who is a Christian, Jimmy Ezzell has a television in his home (hard to avoid with children living at home,) but the news is never put on.  Why?  Because the news programs are full of stories that are upsetting and negative.  Be aware that there is a frequency to every sound that comes your way and it can be either uplifting or not.  Jimmy  always reads positive books and shares that inspiration with everyone.  He has challenges too and I read a recent post on face-book where he shared how difficult it can be to be disciplined and make those cold calls and everything else that is necessary to do to make a business work.  The Secret has quotes from past great minded people whose thinking and influence are valuable today, because positive thinking works.  Read through the list and learn from those who were able to master their mind and negative thinking and realize their dreams.

Meditation is the most important spiritual practice.  Tony Samara has some excellent videos that can help you learn and gives instructions on Third Eye Meditation.

Oprah Winfrey introduced Eckhart Tolle to viewers and can been seen here interviewing the author and teacher.  This is the kind of reading that is important to become familiar with because it will help you to transform into positive thinking and avoid the tendency to identify with the negatives of the situation.  Always take the high road in every situation.
My very best wishes are with you as you move forward with your life and see positive things unfold as you transition into earning money through a different means by opening your own business.
Please feel free to contact me Rita Lawrence

Everything works for the good if you choose it.

Arizona Topix has a group under the heading 'how many nurses licenses.....' for nurses to share their personal experiences with the state board of nursing.  'Let each person tell the truth from his own experience.' - Florence Nightingale.
The AACN has made a powerful statement about what nurses face day to day in the workplace, calling for nursing practice to be guided by six essential standards.  'Standards for establishing and sustaining healthy work environments...negative, demoralizing and unsafe conditions in workplaces cannot be allowed to continue!'

Pema Chodron is a Buddhist Monk who writes about uncertainty and change.  During the process of an investigation or disciplinary action or other more serious and life altering measures it is a time for self development and learning from teachers such as Pema who can help you get through the despair.  The challenge is to allow what has to be and to soften in the process instead of resist.  This is the way of enlightened beings.  One saint says 'Sweet is thy will O Lord.'  We have a saying 'run for your life!' and sometimes that's tempting, but to stand tall and let your light shine, takes inner courage.  'Strength does not come from physical capacity.  It comes from indomitable will.'  Mahatma Ghandi.  There is a tab for ways to change negative thoughts to positive ones on the site if you would click on 'Pema Chedron.'

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Healing-Shame-That-Binds-You/dp/1452603618  John Bradshaw writes and shares about shame.  Shame is something that can be deep rooted in our childhood and it becomes magnified when put under stress of having a state board investigation etc.  When left powerless to earn a living and your fate lies in the hands of those who have accused you and those who have made the charges against you, it evokes a feeling of shame.  The best way to approach the challenge is to look on this opportunity to go deeper into your quest to know yourself and root out this part of yourself that isn't real but superimposed onto your personality through social conditioning.
www.sos.org is a web site with information about third eye meditation called Joyti meditiation which I encourage you to learn.  H.H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj encourages people to think positively.  'Every time we are about to have a negative thought, word, or deed which is detrimental to our progress, we  should try to nip it in the bud.'  I can attest to the fact that it's a life time's work and can share that it is best to accept that you think negative thoughts.  It is a milestone in your growth to get to the point where you are aware of such thoughts and can then turn your awareness to how it makes you feel.  Immediately go to a repertoire of positive thoughts that evoke bright and good feelings such as a nice experience, a memory of nature etc.  Be ready to switch channels as quick as a switch on the t.v. channel. Thinking of your Higher Power, Jesus, or one of the prophets of the Old Testament for instance who is an empowering figure for you will help with this process.

I am from Kenya originally and love the way animals get along.  Perhaps we can learn a lesson or two?

St. Hilda's, Birmingham will have a guest speaker on Tuesday 1st October, Dr. Julie Jones, nurse ethicist will speak about her role with the NHS related to decision making for budgets.  Please mark your calendars and send in questions via email to her if you cannot attend in person.

Money is important.  Suze Orman says 'To live a life of material and spiritual abundance everything about you must be in harmony.'  

Lice Removal  When you are unable to work in your profession it's time to think about business!  One service that mom's will appreciate is lice removal for kids.  No matter where you live this is a problem whenever kids mix at school.  The more affluent areas are the most promising for this service.  Click on the tab and you will see the services that are offered includes laundering clothes.  Some mom's just would rather have their child treated in a contained environment away from home.

Think of house sitting and child care before and after school for professional couples who can afford your service.  At this time in your life you have to put your needs first as a business person.  You can always be charitable and generous with giving to support the mission of your church, Higher Power etc. when you have the money entering into your business bank account. 

Many children have to travel back and forth to boarding school.  In the UK I read an article that parents get better deals for boarding school fees in the US.  If you live in the UK you could place an advertisement in The Lady magazine.  

When you start out with an idea it starts to materialize when you visualize every step in the process to your success.  Prayer is important and then know that the Universe will bring the conditions necessary for you to bring all you need.  Meditation is when you sit still and listen.  The answers are inside and if you still the mind with the focus between the eyes you will know what to do.

Write every goal down with short term, medium term and long term dates and objectives that you can follow to keep tabs on your progress.

You are not alone and many are facing the same challenges as you are at this very moment.  Be supportive with each-other and connect via the MeetUp tab and form groups wherever you are to network and provide business and job leads.  

My prayers and very best wishes are with you in the days ahead.  I have set my goals for this week and will keep you posted about the website and how I am doing with my book manuscript.

Please feel free to contact me at lawrencerita511@gmail.com

Rita.

Keep knowing and keep growing.

San Francisco Bay Bridge is a familiar landmark where ever you may live in the world.  Let this iconic bridge represent your crossing from one profession into another.  There may be fog as the picture shows, but you will see your way through to the other side.

Two organizations that have arisen out of the disturbing climate in the NHS http://www.patientsfirst.org.uk/ and  http://dignifiedrevolution.org.uk/ because they want to support families and to also address issues that face staff working in the health care arena in a time when budgets are cut and clinicians put at risk. Trusts such as Morcombe bay and Mid Staffordshire have eroded public confidence.  Articles have been published about those involved ...'Nurses hauled....'  It seems quite demeaning for those who were caught up in a system that created loose-loose situations.  In the Mid Staffordshire case Dr. Hugo Mascie-Taylor, lead investigator said the facilities were 'simply too small to provide the adequate level of clinical care to patients.'  1200 patients died.  While nurses on the front line were 'hauled' before disciplinary boards the Chief Nursing Officer, Janice Harry retired and has had zero charges filed against her.  She said 'I'm not to blame.'  I don't think it's individuals either but a system that is broken.
I read a blog by the previous Nurse Executive at Morcombe bay which I will paste:
(This was taken from the Morcombe Bay Website under the blog tab.)

I’ve spoken and written before about the ‘leadership tree’, that leadership comes from all different parts of an organisation and that we all have a role to play.  Recently, initial plans were announced for staff within the department of health to spend time on ‘work placements’ on the front line, up to 20 days a year.  I am sure there will be much debate around this, but it did start me thinking if this would be a good system to introduce across our hospitals for all non-patient facing staff?  20 days is a lot, but it is less than 2 days a month dedicated to learning what goes on and understanding the issues staff face on a daily basis.  I can think of several challenges around this, but not sure the challenges would outweigh the benefits? I would be very interested in your thoughts on this.

I agree that nurse leaders should be required to have hands on experience on an ongoing basis and receive feedback and be evaluated by their peers.  Just as a Nursing Professor is required to have practical clinical experience on an ongoing basis I think the same thing applies to administration.  The focus should be taken off research and presentations which can fluff up a resume and of course build professional competence, but patients must come first.  It's an easy days work to sit in an office and give assignments to nurses but never to experience what it is like to work under those conditions.

I really would like to say to nurses to get a gut and speak up.  Join Patients First and let them know what is not working where you are employed.  Don't be afraid of calling doctors.  Any consultant who is earning 150k a year should be woken up if that's part of their pay.  'A consultant obstetrician had warned hospital management about poor care at the maternity unit leading to deaths of babies.'  Sunday Times, 15.09.13.

I follow Mark Levin and like his thinking.  For those outside the US, he's a radio host, author and former staff member for The US Attorney General.  He believes in limited government which is in alignment with the US Constitution which was designed to protect our liberties.  In an article written in  www.spectator.org/archives/ Mark Levin quotes Alexis de Tocqueville (1859) 'America could be at risk of being consumed by a system that ...covers the surface of a society with a network of small complicated rules, minute and uniform, through which the most original minds and the most energetic characters cannot penetrate, to rise above the crowd.  The will of man is not shattered, but softened, bent, and guided; men are seldom formed by it to act, but they are constantly restrained from acting.  Such a power does not destroy, but it prevents existence; it does not tyrannize, but it compresses, enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies people, till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd.'

'Trapped in mediocrity' is the summation of care provided by 14 hospitals with the highest mortality rates in the UK per Sir Bruce Keogh, where they have a culture that ignores the concerns raised by patients and staff.  Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary blamed Andy Burnham, Shadow Secretary for 'ignoring warnings of poor standards of care and muzzling regulators when he was in office.

Nurses need to start earning money

There are on-line courses offered by universities for free https://www.futurelearn.com/ from e-learning markets such as Stanford, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  

Sisters are doing it for themselves and calling themselves 'Mumpreneurs.'  Check out http://www.startupbritain.co/ to see how to set your business up and jump on the band wagon!

This is a time in your life to focus on your faith and personal and spiritual development. 

I recommend www.unity.org to access resources and articles to support you and strengthen you.  They have excellent writers and spiritual leaders who can help you learn.  They also have a prayer line 24/7 and you can send prayer request on line.

For those of the Jewish faith there is www.tweetyourprayers.com where prayers are written and left at the Western Wall known as The Kotel in Jerusalem.

I have recently become acquainted with Dr. Susan Shumsky who offers books, resources and radio shows on Saturdays at www.divinerevelation.org

My very best wishes are with you as you overcome your inner fears and obstacles.  It is a time of growth and transcendence.  

Please feel free to contact me at lawrencerita511@gmail.com

Rita

Support, Love, Abundance and Community

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Learning-from-those-who-influence-us.html?soid=1110175474241&aid=ofeaiS1N230

I encourage you to read this story by Marsha Friedman who shares about her journey to success.  She learned from Wallace Wittles http://scienceofgettingrich.net/ and really take it in so that you will feel that energy shift and become inspired.  Another link for you to check is from the person I love to read Napoleon Hill www.NapoleonHill.com read what is offered on these two sites and check out some of their books from the library.  Another book to read is www.thesecret.tv  I am currently reading 'The Secret Power' by Rhonda Byrne and recommend that you join me. 
Please support one anthoer by joining together in community by linking on www.MeetUp.com use the ACRONYM 'NUSBD' for 'nurses undergoing state board discipline.'  Remember that you are not alone and others care about you.
LOVE is often understood as an emotional feeling between people who are close.  It is also a state that can be constant.  Positive thoughts and thinking of things that make you feel happy and alive help keep that state alive.  Negative thoughts, as you know, do the oppositive.  My very best wishes are with you to continue to think positive thoughts and become inspired to create abundance and wealth through an alternative path as you face your challenges.
Please feel free to contact me directly.  Rita
lawrencerita511@gmail.com

12 tips for spectacular ecommerce success

12 tips for spectacular ecommerce success
Bussiness Zone

I hope that nurses who are undergoing state board discipline are feeling up to the challenge to move on with their life.  Forget the stigma that comes with being investigated etc.  Don't let others define who you are.  You are a winner who has been able to study and pass exams and now you have to get your feet on the ground and earn money.
The Business Zone is a site to help entrepreneurs in the UK.  They help people like you develop on-line businesses which you can do from a library.  I have found that by opening a twitter account the free website that I have can be accessed from there.  Once you are able to build up a network of followers people will find you by a google search.  I know what it's like not to have the money to buy a domain name and pay for a website and hosting etc.  Don't let money become an obstacle as it will come.  The obstacle is just a stepping stone for you to reach your goals.
I want you to understand 'MONEY IS IMPORTANT!"  I recommend that your master managing your money.  Suze Orman http://www.suzeorman.com/ is a great teacher and has lots of tools and resources on her web site to help you learn.
Dave Ramsey http://www.daveramsey.com/home/ is someone who is also gifted at getting the message across to followers of the importance of managing money and clearing debt. like school loans.  You have to make the decision to turn your life around and take control of your finances even at a point in time when you feel that you don't have any resources.
Do use positive affirmations about money.  The Secret a book written by mentors old and new who have used techniques to bring wealth into their lives http://thesecret.tv/visualization.html have many useful tools available on their web site.  Check out their visualization site and practice this type of mental imagery and positive thinking.
Remain optimistic and any negative thoughts that come into your head see them go by like clouds across the sky and switch to positive thoughts just like changing channels on the t.v.
Your future is bright and I want you to affirm this daily and keep repeating the things that you have that are wonderful in your life, thus you will attract more abundance.  Grace loves gratitude.  It's like their married to each other.  Be joyful and be content!  Meditate daily.
Thinking of all of you in new found abundance and empowering yourselves to create the best life ever.
Rita.

Institutes are addressing barriers to safe nursing practice

"The progressive world is necessarily divided into two classes - those who take the best of what there is and enjoy it - those who wish for something better and try to create it."  ~  Florence Nightingale.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."  ~  Martin Luther King 

Nurses undergoing state board discipline should not feel dis-empowered to reach out to State Representatives and MPs to discuss their case.  Please ask your local politician to connect with Rep. Tony Shipley (R-TN) to gain more understanding about the issues that a nurse faces when investigated/disciplined by the SBRN.

Also send a copy of your resume; any outstanding achievements academically or in the work place; as well as a copy of your college course curriculum (pre-requisites and core requirements for your nursing program). All clinical placements and research you have been involved in so that you portray your level of education, experience and expertise.

Highlight the need to support legislature that requires a 5:1 nurse/patient ratio.

Some of the information you can give to your local politician in the US are as follows:

www.nursetogether.com Catherine Garner writes that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has identified barriers to effective practice that nurses are challenged by in the health care system and recommendation for 4 key changes: 

1. Nurses should be able to practice to the full extent of their education and training; encourages higher levels of training and education; full partners with MD's and other health professionals in redesigning health care in the US.

2. Barriers to effective practice are: regulatory and policy barriers; fragmentation of the health care system; high rates of turnover; difficulty transitioning from school to practice; aging workforce and other demographics. 

Scope of practice is determined by each state's legislature and can vary.  The IOM sees this as a political decision and not related to safety or nurses ability or training.  Restricting a nurse from practicing to his/her full potential according to the level of education and work experience preparedness is viewed by The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as anti-competitive conduct and seeks to provide reforms related to the "widest choice of competent cost effective health care providers."

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) has published six standards for establishing and sustaining healthy work environments.

1. skilled communication

2. true collaboration

3. effective decision making

4. appropriate staffing 

5. meaningful recognition

6. authentic leadership

The (IOM) says there exists an "historical lack of inter-professional co-operation and cultural barriers to patient safety.  The Nurse-MD collaboration is the strongest predictor of psychological empowerment for nurses.

Linking the inter-professional components of communication, true collaboration and effective decision making it is sad to say that 8% of MD's recognize nurses as part of the decision making team.

I recollect asking a lawyer on the Board of a hospital where I worked what he thought were the main reasons for medical mistakes and he told me it was due to communication barriers.  

Appropriate staffing:

Studies reflect negative patient outcomes when nurses have too heavy a workload and that the maximum number of patients a nurse should be assigned in the acute care setting is 1:5.  Dr. Aiken's research at the University of Pennsylvania can be accessed at www.nursing.upenn.edu.  Duke University are the quintessential source of data on nurse:patient ratios that I refer to and can be downloaded  ttps://faculty.fuqua.duke.edu/~fdv1/bio/ratios3.pdf

Medical mistakes kill 250,00 people in the US and costs $30 billion each year.  Nurses intercept 86% of all medication errors made by other health care providers.  On average, Peter Pronovost MD, Johns Hopkins Hospital, reports a "patient receives a little more than half of the therapies they are supposed to."

I hope politicians are taking stock of the barriers that nurses face in the work as health care providers and some insights into why nurses encounter difficulties with their practice in the workplace.  The one person I believe whose head has been put on a plate for practicing to the level of her education and experience and should be supported by nursing associations and indeed the AZ state board of nursing is Amanda Trujillo.  When a nurse neglects to listen to his/her patient's wishes before of fear of having a full blown investigation and put in jeopardy of loosing the license that has been earned through long hours of study and dedication to patient care, its a sad day for all nurses.  We need to stand behind nurses and stand up one by one to show support.  Too often people are afraid of being caught in the radar and perhaps fear retaliation; act as judge and jury in their own minds; or just don't care because it isn't their ordeal.  Just think about the situation as one which might be the one you will face one day and how you would like others to respond.

Thinking of those nurses undergoing state board discipline and sending positive thoughts and well-wishes your way today.  Rita.

Doing what's best.

Sometimes people are afraid to speak up because the fear reprisals.  This fear comes from the feeling that your are alone in your struggle.  It takes time for people to stand up one by one and add their voice.  The power and confidence comes from within as you learn to trust your intuition and gain confidence in your ability to move ahead with your life.  Each day you will have doubt it is only natural for your mind to wander and think of negative scenarios.  The realities of existing through the ordeal of undergoing state board discipline are real.  As I mentioned yesterday Amanda Trujillo is about to loose her home and car.  In the US it is essential to have your own transportation because there aren't public transport services available to cover the wide areas and distances.  Amanda is finding it difficult to find employment.  Nurses are licensed to be advocates for their patients and expected to actively intervene if a plan of care isn't in the patient's best interest.  Following this guideline Amanda none the less has found herself defending her license for educating her patient about the option of choosing hospice rather than having a liver transplant.
Florence Nightingale said "Let each person tell the truth from his own experience."  I hope that nurses who are undergoing state board discipline will soon reach out to others and share their experience.  In isolation silence prevails but in community the volume goes up and up!  I encourage nurses to use the acronym NUSBD and join in groups through www.MeetUp.com and support one another.  Share experiences and help each other learn what is working for you and what is not.  Learn about local resources and where to go for advice in your area.  I'm with you in thought and spirit, but of course it would be impossible to link you to all the resources you will need but together you can.  Although it may be cold and bleak on the inside and outside the sun always will shine through!  Like the wagoners travelling through the wild west did bring the circle together and stay tight!

Florence Nightingale also said "How very little can be done under the spirit of fear."  Don't let others intimidate and make you feel shamed.  I have found through personal experience that it is better to involve as many people and agencies as possible for when things go public they tend to change.  If fear rises and you can feel this energy in part of your body like the abdomen and chest area (solar plexus is the term for this energy center) you will have to note your thoughts and how this thinking made you feel and change the thoughts to positive ones.  Breath deeply and feel the inner shift once you infuse your mind with positive thoughts.
Daily affirmations are hugely beneficial to having a positive mental mindset.  Write down three positive affirmations of your own or use this example to begin with:
I am worthy of defending my rights and having legal representation.
I bring qualities of goodness and dedication to serving others and that will continue.
I trust in my ability to adapt and earn money in whatever form of occupation I choose.
Repeat your positive three times daily for seven days.
My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you to reach your personal goals and grow in self-knowledge and inner strength.  I recommend a daily practice of meditation, journal and vegetarian diet.  I personally practice yoga because it brings inner and outer fortitude.  The exercises alone are beneficial and the connection that comes with the body and soul is something to be experienced if you want to learn to know yourself.
www.TonySamara.org has meditation instructions for those who would like to learn.

Trust in your ability to get through the process and be happy.

In the West we have great value for justice and people's right to work and yet I see a trend with nurses who go through the investigation and disciplinary system with the Board of Nursing unable to get these rights met. People often prejudge nurses who are put under investigation resulting in being marginalized in their personal as well as professional lives.  Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) has recently posted information regarding how the system works for most people who are ten times more likely to be tried by an agency than a court.  The rules are different as information is withheld from the person who is accused.  Many nurses are unable to pay the fees for legal representation or are unaware that they can and surrender their licenses.  The fear factor plays an enormous part and if they are unused to being approached in a manner which is forceful from my own experience they succumb to their fear.
I have a more positive vision for how this process can be done if nurses will stand up for themselves and their right to protect their license and ability to work.  Rep. Tony Shipley (R-TN) has recognized that there is a need to protect licenses and he passed a law to have the SBRN report to a committee within 74 hours of any suspension or revocation.  This means that the agency has then to explain and provide grounds for this level of intervention.  I will be interested to see if there are changes in the number of licenses that are suspended or revoked since this law was passed.  He also introduced a law which has the SBRN report any fines over $1,000.  For most people this is a lot of money especially during a time of crisis and not being able to earn income.  Most of the state board of nursing websites do not report fines but ones which I have visited have fines ranging from a few hundred dollars to ten thousand!
I advise any nurse to contact his/her MP or State Representative to disclose the charges and how you were approached.  All details are important for politicians to learn how the process is handled and the impact it has had on the individual nurse.  Many I think are in fear and are shamed by being on a list that is mailed out to all license holders statewide.  For most people this type of public humiliation is overwhelming and degrading.  I encourage nurses to come out of the corner and be strong and confident in his/her ability to go through the process and stand tall.  Florence Nightingale shone a light and I want you to keep shining yours. Florence Nightingale is considered the Mother of Nursing and in fact did not want licensing bodies.  Perhaps seeing a powerful establishment that is removed from the realities of nursing practice which would not have been the case if those responsible who were closer to the nurse and environment in which he/she worked were decision makers.  The trend for revocations has increased over the past five years and with the present care setting it is unlikely to reverse.
Some practical and supportive advice for nurses undergoing state board discipline:
1. I always have to make it clear that I have great faith in One Creator and to turn to the One you know and call Him by name to assist and guide you through the process.  Sometimes it is during times of stress and personal challenge that we become clearer about our relationship with God and rely totally on Him to help us through a crisis.  This is your time to learn that and accept who you are and trust in your ability to draw upon this inner strength and power.  Don't let go and give up but know each day you will go a little further and deeper because the Power that you are drawing from is far greater than any human factor.
2. On the metaphysical level see the situation as being of equal size or smaller than yourself and breath deeply to abate any fear.  Learn to enjoy life with this hanging over your head because you will learn to trust your ability to move forward.
3.  Fear is about as negative an experience as we can experience and it doesn't serve us at all.  We are far removed from the evolution of man when the fight or flight mode of response reacted as quickly as our knee jerk response does today.  We have a higher brain and if we retrain our thoughts to pause and train our mind to think positive thoughts we shall be less likely to continue to feel fear.  Write down what you think and if that is true.  Ask yourself what your Higher Power's teachings are for the content of your thinking and what he/she would do in the same situation.  Pray and write down what comes up from your inner intuition about the situation and rest assured that you are being guided.
4.  I highly recommend that nurses connect by way of www.meetup.com  Mother Teresa said that it is better to connect person to person than to wait for leaders.  Studies have shown that supporting others improves well being through increasing certain hormones.  Once you befriend someone you can share the experience being mindful to make sure that you don't disclose details that should be kept between yourself and your lawyer.  Perhaps small groups will be able to help stabilize any nurses who are more vulnerable because of the investigation period being prolonged for instance.  It will be interesting to hear from nurses and share stories about how lives are changed and uplifted because of this experience.  Transcendence is always possible despite how tragic and stressful the situation is.
5.  Make sure that you do the very practical things that will help you survive the process.  Legal advice and representation is a must and researching for a lawyer who is specialized in license law is essential.  Keep a notebook with you to got down any information where ever you are is helpful to your case.
6.  Rest and relaxation are important.  I recommend that you meditate daily.  There are instructions on the website that I follow that I find works very well www.TonySamara.org  Attend Church or any other type of spiritual meetings you are draw to.  Take up yoga which helps to relax the body and gain an inner equilibrium.  Walk in nature and enjoy time in solitude.  Perhaps you have been used to being around people everyday and now find that you are alone.  Turn the experience into a positive on by viewing it as a time for self contemplation and journaling.  Keep a daily journal and note thoughts and feelings that arise.  When a negative thought arises jot it down and the feeling that you experienced.  You will then become aware of how negative thoughts bring you down and start to have positive thoughts.  It's a choice we have and we can either be unhappy and feel bad or work on ourselves until we get it right.
7.  Sleep is necessary and I recommend that you don't turn to pills to make you sleep but rather set up a routine such as bathing before bed and drinking hot milk which has a natural sedative.  Daily exercise should help make the body tired and ready for rest also.  You can meditate as you are going to sleep and that helps focus the mind and let it calm down.  Repeat the name of God inside and focus your attention between the eyes.  You will find the instructions on the above website.
8.  Don't worry, be happy should become your motto.  Repeat it as you walk around.  Feel and believe that you don't have to worry and feel the difference when you choose to be happy!
My thoughts are with each and everyone of you are you learn to adjust and stand up for your right to defend your license and work.
Please feel free to contact me lawrencerita511@gmail.com as I am always happy to hear from those who are undergoing state board discipline.  Always in my heart and prayers.

Motivate, motivate, motivate and turn trouble into a platform for abundant living...

I believe that nurses can adapt to alternative careers and actually make more money than they could have in nursing although money is not the main motivator for going into the nursing profession for most.  "Money is important" is one of the most clarifying statements I have ever heard and it was said to me one day be a friend and someone whom I have respect for Jimmy Ezzell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yBFZDPcJtk  I encourage you to take the time to watch his video and others on the subject of marketing and selling.  He will "fire you up" and help you to develop the personal skills necessary to adapt to the world of marketing health products for instance.  I happen to know Jimmy and because he is a good Christian family man I think that he's a good mentor for those who need to adapt to new ways of earning money.
There are times in life when you will have to do what you have to do to make it through and it won't be easy but don't give up.
Many of the best motivators say that success is hiding around the next corner after you have been through a period of defeat and struggle.  Many also speak about the process involved in the struggle to success as a process of inner growth and strengthening through which you come to know your true self and connect with the more positive and higher aspects of our being or soul.  It then becomes a journey to be embraced and as you transition from lower negative energy that can make you have feelings anger and resentment over facing investigations and discipline, you will actually like to let your life unfold and follow the way to a lifestyle and way of earning money that will be a joy to you.  It may take time and if you view your efforts as stepping stones to a greater goal you won't get caught up with labeling the efforts that don't work out as failures.  Remember that every effort you make will be supported by Grace if you allow it to be and draw in that Grace through trust in yourself and your Higher Power.  I will always include spirituality in what I share with you because without God, Consciousness, Creator or whatever context you have for Him, remember Him in all that you do and ask for guidance and protection.
I have moved to the UK from the US because I could stabilize here because the government had benefits that I could survive on for a while.  I have managed to become more independent over time and hope to be completely independent in time.  My goals are around writing and publishing.  I will also have some videos for you to watch and hope that nurses will follow my lead and as the song from Oklahoma said "Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again!"   Meditate daily by sitting quietly and closing your eyes.  Focus your attention on the space between your eyebrows and watch whatever is before you.  Repeat the name of God that has meaning for you and you will find that once the mind is engaged with repeating God's name it will be stilled.
Let your friends know what business you are doing if it is sales for instance and ask them to buy products from you.  If you need help with what kind of business to start find out which ones offer entrepreneurial classes through your local library.  They will help you develop your ideas and translate them into a business plan.  I mentioned ways to fund a business in my last article and your can also find other resources through the Small Business Association.
Having the time to explore your potential is a positive thing and it's now up to you to make use of this time to broaden your horizons.  No one can limit your talents and your ability to earn money.  Show people your true character and rise up to the occasion and set the personal development steps you need in place.  Being able to transcend difficulties is something we have to learn and it comes down to having a positive attitude.  I recommend being very selective and conscious of who you associate with.  Make sure that you surround yourself with positive and supportive people who are motivated and don't sit around and say negative thing.  Words are extremely powerful and you want only to speak what you want to actually manifest and influence your life.  Always says good things about others or like your mother would have told you don't say anything at all!
I mentioned Jimmy Ezzell at the beginning of this article because he is someone who is living his dream and he once shared with me that he doesn't watch the news for instance because as we all know it contains mostly negative stuff.  Like Jimmy, read motivational books and spend time contemplating who you are and what life is about.  Journal daily and weed our your negative thoughts and behaviors like weeds in your garden as Jim Rohn my favorite leadership coach would say.  It's all about personal development and spiritual development.  Before you can know God you have to know yourself.  They go hand in hand.  Remember the stepping stone to spirituality is ethical living and that means being true to yourself also so do the things that are meaningful to you.
Perhaps like me, you have felt as a nurse that too much of what we do to help people actually is driven by the pharmacological industry and if you keep up with the news Kline, Smith and Glaxo is in the news again for unethical business practice now involving sales in China.
Children are often identified as ADHD after six years old when they enter the school system.  It's always a puzzle to me why teachers don't have to have a minor at least in psychology.  They need to know things like learning theories as Bandura outlined and how to motivate children and use behavior modification techniques in order to empathize and identify emotional problems in children.  There are four categories of learners for instance (Visual, Audio, Tactile and Kinaesthetic.)  Doesn't it sound likely that the learners who are visual (most of us are) don't get their attention distracted and can learn without other aides getting bored and labeled?  Like the saying goes "Those who think they know, don't know..."  Unfortunately the mental health system is too engaged with pharma and children pay the price.
I do hope that you will look at this apparent catastrophic event of having a state board investigation or discipline as an actual positive opportunity to pick your self up and start out on the most abundant and powerful course your life could take and seize the moment.  Don't let anyone rain on your parade!  You are unique and you have the power within to overcome any obstacle with God's grace.  Keep your inner energy or vibration high by constantly being grateful and having positive thoughts.
Please feel free to contact me lawrencerita511@gmail.com
My very best wishes are with you always, Rita

Networking enables nurses to get the contacts needed to be successful in business.

 As nurses we have a propensity to be proactive for our patients and now we have to learn the arena in which to draw into our circle the people who can help us restructure our lives to earn the income we need for our life style and keeping the home fire burning so to speak.  I read a quote by Mandella recently that went something like this "Things seem impossible until it gets done."  So true when you are under investigation and you are unable to work it's an overwhelming situation and you are on unfamiliar territory.  But hears where your strengths will get you through.  As a nurse I'm certain that you had a repertoire of people and agencies that you could turn to for resources and information for your patients.  In the same way you can now start to get into the arena of the business world and learn the ropes of entrepreneurship.
Depending on your experience at home, school and in the work place with computers you may want to enroll at a local college and take basic classes.  I find a lap top works best for me and you can always check out I pads.  The smart phones are excellent if you feel comfortable with working with a smaller instrument but it allows you to keep a stead stream of incoming and outgoing contact with the links you choose.
A friend who runs a local library is able to generate income and survive in a time when many are being closed because she has engaged with artists who come and perform; writers who give talks and storytelling.  She has learned to be innovative and part of her marketing is going to have to involve the use of social media which is a challenge for her at this point.  I remember when I joined facebook and twitter how confusing it seemed and now am learning more about google circles and am getting ready to write a book and share more with different groups.
http://www.crowdfundingplanning.com/ provides solutions to raising the needed capital to start a business.  Perhaps you are really good at cake decorating for instance and can work on a business plan to reach customers.  Who do you want you ideal customer to be?  Perhaps you want to develop your own precipices that are organic and have less sugars for instance.  Geared toward children but keeping the calories lower and thus avoiding obesity.  Cakes for diabetics?  The ideas can be endless and once you follow your interests and hobbies and channel them into a business model that can provide income you will be able to join networks such as www.ewomennetwork.com which has local chapters throughout the US.
The basic premise of eWomen Network is that you do something helpful for someone else first.  This is my philosophy also and that is why I find good things keep coming back to me because you link and connect in the community when you give.  I mentioned volunteering at the Library before and that is where I have made so many beneficial connections and am able to work on projects and get the resources and support that I need. Reaching out to others not only helps others but is uplifting for our own being and soon you will have circles of people and goals outside of the sphere of nursing that your golden opportunities will shine before you!
Write daily positive affirmations about yourself and on a time line write out what you want to manifest in your life over the next six months, the next year and the next five years.  Be specific about the money you want to earn and start writing out the steps you need to take to make it happen.
Remember you are not alone and if others give you the cold shoulder because of the difficulties you face just let them go.  You are better off without them anyway and as Oprah says "Surround yourself with positive people."
Start writing your goals and networking on line and see how much things change for you!  Feel free to contact me lawrencerita511@gmail.com

Laws for nurses Rep. Tony Shipley (R-TN)

The one politician who is very much awake to the fact that there seems to be no oversight of the State Board of Nursing is Rep. Tony Shipley.  When he saw that the state board of nursing had disregarded state laws he took action to protect nurses who undergo state board discipline by writing two laws that a) any nurse who has a license suspended or revoked must be reported to a committee within 74 hours and b) any fines above $1,000 must also be reported.  I have checked various state web sites and some don't mention fines or the amounts they asked nurses to pay, others have listed up to $10,000.

I have heard that nurses are not supposed to be investigated while at work but whether this is an actual fact I really don't know.  I know from my personal experience that I had my license reinstated and then the case was sent out of state without notifying me.  I just happened to come across the charges when I applied to an agency I had previously worked for in that state.  In the meantime I had to find a lawyer who specialized in license law who responded within the allotted time frame, otherwise the whole thing would have been over with before I would have known about it.

My lawyer advised me to put together a portfolio to portray my professional experience and character with references etc.  I had signed up with a nursing agency I had once worked for and for months was unable to get an assignment.  One of my contacts on facebook asked me for a copy of my resume because he had a connection at a local mental health center and I presumed that he wanted to help.  Following this the agency offered me a three day assignment at a free standing hospital.  There were two building opposite each other housing three units.  Medications were missing on many of the patients and when I faxed orders to the pharmacy they didn't arrive until the following evening at 9 p.m. which is way to late to help.   On the second evening I followed a professional looking lady into one of the buildings and stood close by as she spoke to the staff at the desk.  She actively ignored me and I wondered why she was there and why she didn't want to acknowledge my presence.  The person whom she had spoken with said she was from the "Board,"  She went on to tell me that the Dept of Health & Environment was due to give an inspection the following morning.  My third shift was cancelled the next day.

I felt very uneasy about the whole experience and talked it over with a friend who was in disbelief too.  It seemed very odd that the agency had only ever offered me this one post and that I had sent my resume out just prior to this to someone with the same connections on facebook.  One in particular was appointed to head the Board of Healing Arts which essentially oversees the nursing boards and had been the Chair of the hospital.  All very odd!

I felt manipulated by the agency because I was only given this one assignment during the legal process I had to go through.  It was the timing and the events that took place that made me feel that there was collaboration between agencies.  Maybe they are allowed to do this but when you are one nurse up against such massive entities it is a little overwhelming to say the least.

Nurses will relate to this kind of experience and feel perhaps so overwhelmed and embattled and confused that it makes it harder to stand up for oneself.  But I want to encourage anyone who is going through the process to just do that and not let events side line you.   If you can put into writing what you know about the charges.  Unlike a charge from a court for instance, a nurse is not told what the charges are or who brought them about.  

When I was contacted initially by the Board of Nursing someone literally yelled at me over the phone.  I recommend now that if you are approached to be courteous and professional and state that you will give them your lawyer's contact information.  If you can hand them a card just do so, otherwise tell the person on the phone that you will have your lawyer contact them within 24 hours.

During this time of waiting and responding to charges try to do things that build your inner self up.  Do the things that support your physical well being such as good nutrition and rest.  Meditate daily by simply closing your eyes and sitting still.  Focus your attention between your eyes with your eyes closed and repeat whatever name of God is meaningful to you.  Ask for divine help and know that you will receive the guidance and protection that you pray for and take the necessary steps to find a good lawyer.

There are alternative careers for nurses and you might look into some of the areas of interest that would work for you and spend your time transitioning and choosing a different career while you go through the legal process.

In life we have so many opportunities to grow and part of that growth is letting go and expanding into new areas of interest.  Trust yourself that you can make it through the changes and look at ways of materializing the lifestyle and money that you need.  www.MargaretMLynch.com  Try tapping for money as demonstrated by Margaret Lynch who helps people get rid of lower self blocks to achieving wealth and success in life.  Don't feel that you have been stripped of your power to earn money.  It just means that you will have to reorganize your life and give something else a shot.

I always recommend that you contact your local state representative and give as full an account of what happened and how the boards approached you and handled your case. 

Good luck and speed with your process and changes that you need to make for yourself.  You can do it and you will find the right path for you even though you may not have chosen to have to do it.

www.TonySamara.org or www.DharmaDialogues.org  The one site that I find has the best information for those seeking spiritual growth.  I hope you enjoy meditation and follow the advise given on this site.

Please feel free to contact me lawrencerita511@gmail.com 

What you think will impact your actions and life.

http://www.brucelipton.com/bruce-event/change-your-mind-transformational-dialogue-radio
Dr. Bruce Lipton has specialized in an area of psychology called Behavioral Epigonetics (Biology of Beliefs) which deals with the mind's influence over our body's genetics and can cause disease as well as reverse and cure disease depending on the kinds of thoughts and emotions we emit.  As I have proposed before you have a choice to use your time wisely as you make adjustments in your life and gather resources to work through licensing issues with the State Board.  The above link will open up to a radio program that is scheduled to start on June 18th and I hope you will tune in and learn how to control your mind and make it work for you.

You may say to yourself that the problem is so overpowering that you won't be successful in defending yourself which may mean not being able to keep your license and ability to earn a living.  Find time each day for meditation and find the still place inside.  Try starting with fifteen minutes a day and increase to one hour.  Sit in the same place at the same time if possible.  Tell your mind that you are going to meditate and it will also get used to co-operating with your new behavior.  Keep a journal and write down thoughts that come up after your meditation and at the end of each day write down thoughts that were negative and see whether they were valid or coming from a base of fear of negative core beliefs about yourself and your ability to manage the problems that your are facing.
You can go online and download Cognitive Behavioral forms that help organize your thought monitoring.  This is important to do and where you feel there is a negative core belief work on it through positive affirmations, exploring deeper into its meaning related to your past etc.  You will feel freed from a lot of negative emotional baggage that you don't need hindering you now that you are going to see yourself as worthy and having the ability and scope of knowledge to pull together the resources to defend your license.
For nurses in each state I recommend setting up groups on MeetUp.com to get together for support.  Be aware not to share sensitive information to your particular case but having other nurses who can share with you is a good thing.

Make an inner shift.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXtywJ_ozyY&list=PL428FDAA90A7E67E4&feature=endscreen
When a life changing event takes place such as can happen to nurses as well as doctors who get caught up in  circumstances in the work place as many are finding in the Mid Staffordshire Trust for instance.  I have often heard nurses comment that there aren't any other places to work when they were asked why they thought the nurses stayed when conditions had deteriorated to the point where families were holding vigils outside to show their concern over the lack of care of their loved ones.  This shows me that nurses must develop more moral courage and take the chances that may be needed to get out of dangerous working situations.  It might mean patching together some temporary assignments and figuring it all out as you go along, but the worst thing to do is freeze and stay when your inner intuition must be screaming for change.
We have many warning signs around us at times but refuse to pay attention because the mind will give us all kinds of answers.  Learn to go into and connect with your heart and listen to what you really want and really need to do for your life.  I hope that you are not part of a bigger investigation as the Mid Staffordshire Trust where the Police force have been called in to investigate for criminal liability on the part of the staff involved.
If it is a matter of money and fear of not having any if your leave your current job watch the above video and work through the blockages that are causing you to feel that you will not be able to provide for yourself.  Do an on line search and sign up for mailings about job opportunities form nursing agencies.  Have your resume up to date and send it out to those agencies that have the placements that you want.
Keep a folder for copies of letters of recommendation and past evaluations.  School reports with course content can be helpful also.  Stay organized and the more you can showcase your talents the stronger your appeal will be.
I have emphasized in the past the importance of developing spiritually as we are spiritual beings and that is where your power lies.  Find the right path for you.  This week I reconnected with someone I got to know in California who has developed a world wide following now and she offers practical advice for living without and bigger religious context.  I will share this link so that you can begin to see the work that you need to do inside.  http://www.dharmadialogues.org/ Catherine Ingram's Spiritual Teacher was Indian and the other person whom I have found interesting is http://www.tonysamara.org/  Tony studied with Buddhist Monks during his adolescents and later with Sharmans.  You have to find the kind of teachings that blends with your soul and will help you heal and make sense of what happens in life.  Not that there will be a concrete conclusion to your search but an inner expansion and knowing of what is right for you, what is beneficial to hold on to and what is better to let go of.
I hope that you are coping and do not be pulled into negativity because of others judgmental attitudes toward you.  Keep writing down positive affirmations and repeat them at least three times per day and feel the shift inside as you practice.  One example is:  I have the capability to deal with life's problems and remain calm and steady inside... When faced with problems I am able to mobilize and pull together the support and resources I need... Life has its ups and downs and I like everyone else must go through them and this too will come to pass.
Please feel free to contact ,elawrencerita511@gmail.com

The positive side of the coin...Change.

Most of us want to feel secure and know what life is about.  We build up a false sense of confidence based on what we think we are and miss who we really are and who we are becoming as we go through various changes.  Because we are inclined to want to control it's hard to fathom that it's okay to let go and let life take its course even when things get way out of control as is the feeling when there is a State Board Investigation.  I don't mean to say that you don't focus your attention and access all of the appropriate resources but find a space within yourself that says "It's going to be okay no matter what the outcome."  Sit back into the situation and try to relax.  You are navigating, or learning to navigate through an unknown legal system and naturally you will feel overwhelmed.  Try to envision the situation in the same proportion to your own size or another difficult circumstance in your life that you had to overcome.
I believe that a new life can result when the old one is cleared and sometimes this is what happens in life and there is no use in wasting your efforts in struggling against what is to be.  This quote expresses the right frame of mind to approach the change you face: "New beginnings often disguised as painful endings."~  Lao Tzu.  Know that there are infinite opportunities for personal grown even if a halt or end comes to your professional grown in your chosen profession.
Spend time journaling and reflect on your interests which might inspire you to take courses to prepare for another profession.  Make an appointment with a college counselor and take an aptitude test to direct you toward an appropriate area of study.  Be open to the changes and take the steps necessary to earn a living in another field.  Perhaps you are an entrepreneur and would benefit from a meeting with the Small Business Administration or program that inspires new business owners in your local university or community.  Do some research on line and spend your time constructively.
Write a list of things to accomplish this week and expand your horizons while dealing with the legal matters at hand.  Don't feel too overwhelmed to go on with your life because time is ticking by and your future will slip through your fingers if you hold your breath and wait.  Sometimes the State Boards will hold up a license for a very long time even though no action is being taken.  Be proactive and succeed.lawrencerita511@gmail.com

You can keep making a difference in the world.

Today I read a post by Tony Robbins who is a renowned coach which said that it's important to let the world know you are alive and active in it!  Think about what that means to you as you face a challenge with the Board of Nursing.  You can keep your focus on the issue and how to navigate through the legal system and how to maintain a living otherwise you will be like a possum and wait until it's over and the result may not be what you want.

That is why I teach nurses to become proactive with the process.  The place to start is way before any investigation is launched by doing things to keep yourself protected legally and financially.  This means getting a prepaid insurance plan so that you will have resources to get an Attorney who is specialized in license law to defend your license.  Do the research ahead of time and it may come in handy for a friend when they are frantically looking for an Attorney.  Keep a business card with you at all times and if you are approached directly by an investigator from the BON you will simply present the card and tell the person that they can contact your Attorney and he/she will set up an appointment.  Then call your Attorney and keep your cell phone with you as you will need to keep in close touch with your Attorney about any appointments and documentation that your will be required to present.
Meet with your insurance representative and find out about a short term insurance plan that would provide income for a period of a year or more so that you can have the extra financial security of knowing that you can continue to provide for your family.  Keep all these documents in a file and be sure that your payments are kept up to date.  Some short term insurance companies will role over into a Life Insurance Policy at the date it matures.  Check on these things so that you are always keeping the money you have put into the policy.
Business is a good thing and there is nothing to loose by becoming an entrepreneur and in your spare time you can do what you most like to do and earn extra income.  The extra income may be a source of income for you in the event that you are unable to work under your license.  Although some nurses work in areas such as coaching and writing and use their nursing credentials I recommend not to do this because what you make yourself vulnerable to having an issue attached to your license that can expand into your business.  Keep license and business separate entities and make sure that in your bio you do not make reference to your nursing background so that people do not assume that you are providing a nursing service.
Be aware that there are laws involving a business license and it's best to consult with an attorney to set up your business with the state and register it properly.  There are several sites like www.wix.com where you can develop your own website and blog.  There are no costs unless you wish to upgrade.  Start social networking with Twitter.com, Facebook.com and LinkedIn.com and develop a following as a marketing strategy. 
Be clear about what your vision is and write this down.  In your mission statement write what it is that you wish to do/influence through your work.  Let your friends know what you are doing and begin to network in all situations.  Join local and national networking groups and attend meetings and seminars to get referrals and to gain knowledge about starting and building a business from experts who present.
It might sound like a lot to do but if you have a plan A and a plan B as they say you are prepared to meet the unexpected.  Your confidence will build as you learn about building a business.  Many of the network marketing companies have all the coaching and leaflets to sell products available to your at a minimum fee.  Keep accurate records of all your expenses and use the information when you file your tax returns.  If you have a tax accountant you might find out about how often to file and what items are tax deductible that you will need to provide your business service.  This may include office equipment and technology such as computers and iPhone.  Make sure that you keep receipts and warranties.
Enjoy your life and the freedom you have to create more abundance as you add this extra layer of security.  Attitude is everything and when you start receiving checks into your account from customers you will feel motivated to do more to increase your earnings.  Check with your credit union about accounts and interest for a personal as well as business account.  They generally have good rates and have the reputation of being ethical in the current "banksters" environment.
The convenience of using an iPhone is that you can keep up to date with your business and respond to clients immediately.  Set up meetings and network generally.  Once you start to learn the technology you can expand by using different gadgets such as hashtags.  Mine for "nurses undergoing state board discipline" is #NUSBD so that people can search for information and links on twitter.  I also noted that there are twitter forums where everyone who is interested in a topic for nursing undergoing state board discipline can join.
Oprah was quoted that Spirituality is the basis for all our work and success.  I believe this to be true and it is important that you find the right path for you.  For myself I meditate, follow a vegetarian diet, abstain from alcohol and any other chemicals.  Live a good ethical life and find those who are on the path to share and support the way of life that is one that leads to liberation.  Maslow used the term self actualization which is the same thing.  Our life is short and the time we need to devote to our practices and relationship with God is the first and utmost important priority.  Don't let this opportunity to go deeper and learn to tap into the love and peace inside that is not only comforting and uplifting but when all other areas of life can fall apart we can stay steady within.  That is somewhere inside where no one else but God can enter and you can be in a state of bliss and joy or attach to outer circumstances and feel the pain.  It's about attitude and thinking and that creates a level of feeling that is either positive or negative.
Willie Nelson is always calm and positive and I read a quote by him that said "If you learn to think positive thoughts you will get positive results in your life."  It is as simple as that.  Keep a daily record and jot down your thoughts and learn to transcend even the most difficult and trying times by remaining positive in your outlook.  Oprah says that the future looks so bright that she has to wear sun glasses.  Be that way yourself.
Contact your State Representative and report any issues and how your are being related to and ask that he/she contact Rep. Tony Shipley (R-TN) and duplicate the two laws he wrote for nurses in each state.  All will change for the better as more politicians take note and become involved.  Like other things unless they hear from us they do not know there is an issue that needs to be addressed such as Rep. Tony Shipley found out when he had to correct the State Board of Nursing for "blatantly breaking state laws."  They are not above the law and Representatives know the law.
Please feel free to comment or contact me.  Keep in prayer and know that you can get through any difficulty with God's Grace.

Developing Strength

Being human is  the greatest gift.  We have the ability to connect with our soul and connect our soul with God and through knowing and experiencing His love we can expand that knowing and celebration of life to others.  That is what motivates me to reach out to other nurses who experience the challenge of facing a state board investigation or discipline.  It takes time to recover from the initial shock and the way in which the board investigator may contact and relate to the nurse.  There can be a calm reaction if the nurse is aware of how to handle such a situation and that is what this is about.  Letting nurses know to become proactive by having a prepaid insurance plan and to find a lawyer who specializes in license law.  It is proper and appropriate to give this information to the board when approached and ask the person to contact your attorney and set up an appointment where you can be present.  

I would like to see a 24/7 hot line for nurses so that they can have someone to turn to so that they feel supported during a very scary ordeal that leave many who do not know how to approach the situation through a lawyer feeling that their only option is to hand in their license.  

It is often during times of stress that we grow and in that process we need support because as anyone who has felt the pressure of stress: for the nurse it may involve paying a fine, having his/her career interrupted for a prolonged time and even indefinitely.  This is particularly difficult for those who are head of households.  I like many American's would like to see the economy improve and for there to be jobs.  It is a difficult time for people generally and nurses need work to support themselves and their families.

Rep. Tony Shipley (R-TN) has written two laws to provide oversight by requiring the state board of nursing to report any license that is suspended or revoked within 74 hours as well as any fines over $1,000.  I would like to see these two laws duplicated in each state as I believe that nurses will benefit from this oversight and protection.