Donna Cardillo

Donna Cardillo, RN, known as The Inspiration Nurse, is celebrated for her dynamic energy, wisdom, and humor. Her accomplished career spans over 25 years, blending clinical, managerial, and business experience, including roles in emergency and psychiatric nursing. Cardillo's background also encompasses motivational speaking, authorship, consultation, and coaching, along with a unique stint as a professional singer.

Cardillo received her nursing diploma from Holy Name Hospital School of Nursing and furthered her education with a BS in Health Care Management from St. Peter's College and an MA in Corporate and Public Communication from Monmouth University. She is recognized as a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), accolades that underscore her professional standing and expertise.

Widely known as "Dear Donna," Cardillo provides daily online career advice to nurses at Nurse.com and has authored several influential books including "Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional 2nd ed.", "The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career 2nd ed.", and "Falling Together: How to Find Balance, Joy, and Meaningful Change When Your Life Seems to Be Falling Apart". Her work has earned her multiple awards, including being named Business Woman of the Year in New Jersey twice, receiving the Athena Award, and being designated a Diva in Nursing by the Institute for Nursing in NJ for her outstanding achievements and excellence in practice.

Cardillo has a strong presence at various events, including conferences, corporate meetings, and industry conventions, where she delivers programs such as "The Power of Transformation," "A Nursing Renaissance™ - The Dawn of a New Era," and "Nurse Power!™ - Harnessing The Power, The Passion, and The Pride of Nursing". Her engagements often include pre-event activities like panel discussions and Q&A sessions, and she customizes her presentations to align with specific themes, industries, or audience needs.

When not traveling, Cardillo resides in Sea Girt, NJ, where she serves as a local spokesperson for family caregivers and maintains affiliations with the National Speakers Association, the American Nurses Association, and the New Jersey State Nurses Association, among others. Her contributions extend beyond professional boundaries, making her a pivotal figure in both healthcare and leadership domains.