While she overcame the odds to be chosen as a contestant on the hit CBS show Survivor: Guatemala, Margaret Bobonich was put in a situation tougher than the jungle’s oppressive heat and lack of food. One of her tribe-mates was a bully who picked Margaret as his favorite target. She could either make nice with this guy and advance towards the million dollar prize, or stick to her values and stand up to him with the risk of elimination from the show.

As a nurse with more than 20 years of emergency experience, Margaret has counseled too many women in destructive relationships. So, her choice to practice what she had preached, and stand up to this bully, won her the respect of millions of television viewers … even though it led to her early departure from the game.

Since the show ended in late 2005, Margaret has enjoyed speaking to groups across the country. Her real-life role as a Nurse Practitioner and nursing advocate has resulted in numerous invitations to address nursing conferences, organizations, colleges, and universities. Her dynamic presentation blends her extensive knowledge and experience with inspiration. Attendees absorb her energy and enthusiasm and leave with renewed commitments to their own happiness.

Margaret’s ability to motivate extends far beyond the nursing profession. Her stances on key women’s issues are grounded in both her personal and professional challenges to overcome the odds. Audiences are captivated as Margaret highlights the similarities between her experiences on Survivor and the struggles of women’s everyday lives

In fact, Margaret applied to be on Survivor as she faced the reality of an empty nest at home. She and her husband, Steve, raised two boys (Mike and Chase) who were soon leaving for college. Not ready to be an “old woman” without her own dreams of the future, Margaret committed herself to adventure and fitness, determined to achieve her goals of living life to the fullest. As a speaker, she motivates and empowers audiences to actively choose “living” by focusing on life choices for health and happiness.

In October, Margaret was joined by students from her alma mater, the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. They assisted with her second medical mission to Guatemala to help some of the areas hardest hit by devastating mudslides and poor access to healthcare. Her dedication to nursing leadership on a global level has been met with gratitude and support by her colleagues.

With an additional focus on dermatology, Margaret’s career as an NP is stronger than ever. Women seek her professional guidance to assist them through the physical and emotional transitions of middle age. In 2007, she will partner with the Galderma corporation in promoting recognition and treatment of Rosacea. Margaret also remains committed to mentoring nursing students, young women and international medical missions in third world countries like Guatemala.

Margaret has been featured in Shape Magazine, Advance for Nurse Practitioners, Honor Society for Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, The CBS Early Show and on many TV and radio stations. She is dedicated to helping volunteer agencies like American Heart Association, Go Red for Women, and Refuge International.

Important Organizational and Professional Associations:
American Heart Association Go Red For Women, Executive Leadership Committee
Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, member
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Alumni Executive Board
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, Clinical Preceptor
Galderma Corporation, Spokesperson for MetroGel 1%