Your Nursing Career Doesn't Have to Follow a Straight Line

Course Overview
What if your nursing career didn’t have to follow the traditional bedside path to be meaningful—or impactful? 
In this episode, host MacKenzie Butler sits down with Donna Cardillo, a nurse whose career journey defies convention. From psychiatric hospitals and emergency departments to healthcare reimbursement, education, writing, and career coaching, Donna shares how saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities reshaped her professional life—and helped countless nurses do the same. 
Together, they explore why so many nurses undervalue their transferable skills, how imposter syndrome shows up even in successful careers, and why nursing is an identity, not a job title or setting. Donna offers practical advice on networking, LinkedIn, resumes, and confidence-building—along with a powerful reminder that nurses can create impact far beyond the patients they’ll ever meet face to face. 
If you’ve ever wondered what else you can do with a nursing degree—or felt stuck waiting for permission to try something new—this conversation is for you. 

Listen, Learn, and Earn CE Hours with this podcast course. Available on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast apps. 

Learning Outcomes 
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:

• Identify transferable skills gained through clinical and non-clinical nursing experiences that are applicable across diverse healthcare and non-traditional roles.
• Describe strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and build professional confidence when pursuing career growth opportunities.
• Develop key professional marketing tools—including a resume, LinkedIn profile, and business card—that effectively communicate a nurse's unique value and experience.
• Apply intentional networking strategies, including professional association involvement and social media engagement, to expand career opportunities beyond the traditional bedside setting.
• Recognize nursing as a professional identity rooted in caring science that extends across all roles, settings, and levels of practice. 

About the Authors/Presenters 
Mackenzie Butler, DNP, MSN, RN-BC is the Head of Nursing Products at Colibri Group, where she leads innovative solutions to advance nursing education and professional development. She holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. In addition to her leadership role, Mackenzie serves as adjunct faculty at the College of Saint Benedict, sharing her expertise with future healthcare professionals. Her professional interests include healthcare simulation and leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes.

Donna Cardillo, MA, RN, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), FAAN (Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing) is The Inspiration Nurse. She is a powerhouse of energy, wisdom, humor, and solid content and has been referred to as a positive force of nature who lights a path for others to follow. Donna travels the world helping individuals to be happy in their lives and careers and to reach their full potential. She does that as a keynote speaker, retreat and seminar leader, columnist, author, and cut-up. Her accomplished career combines over 35 years of clinical, managerial, and business experience, not to mention her stint as a professional singer! Donna’s clinical experience includes emergency and psychiatric nursing. She holds a diploma in nursing, a BS in Health Care Management, and an MA in Corporate and Public Communication.  
Donna has twice been named Business Woman of the Year in New Jersey and has also received the coveted Athena Award, an international leadership award for women. Donna was designated a Diva in Nursing by the Institute for Nursing in NJ for outstanding achievements and excellence in practice. She has also been named one of 50 Best Women in Business by NJBIZ. Donna appears regularly on television and radio, is frequently quoted in newspapers and magazines and has published numerous articles. Donna has appeared on The Today Show, The Dr. OZ Show and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times on several occasions. 
Donna is a founding member and past president of the New Jersey chapters of both the National Speakers Association (NSA) and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She holds the coveted Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, the highest earned international recognition for professional speakers. This makes her one of only 10% of all speakers to hold this designation and one of only 25 nurses with this credential. She is one of only 4 nurses in the world to hold both the CSP and FAAN designations. 
Donna is a Reiki Master, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Certified Meditation Teacher, Certified Chair Yoga Instructor, Certified AWA Writing Workshop Facilitator, and Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator. When she is at her home base in Sea Girt, NJ, she serves as a local spokesperson for family caregivers. 

Audience/Accreditations and Approvals 
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE 
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details): 
Nursing

If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us