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Nursing: Home

This guide is intended to be a starting point for nursing research.

Welcome to the Nursing Library Guide

The objectives of this guide are the following:

  • provide students a starting point for research;
  • offer suggested resources relevant to nursing;
  • provide tutorials for database specific best practice searching; and
  • provide links to various methods of getting help

Where to Start?

I need information on a condition...

Try entering simple search terms such as:

"heart failure"

"concussion"

"anxiety"

Here are some sources of information on conditions:


I need information on a drug...

Search for the drug name in the compendium or a drug guide.

eg. "bisoprolol"

I need to research an intervention or concept for a review paper...

Use a database to search complex (multi-concept) questions. Find general search tips here: Library Research Guide: Finding Articles. Find more detailed information here: Knowledge Synthesis Guide: Building Your Search and here: Video Tutorials (Search Tips)

Try entering multiple search terms such as:

"heart failure" AND (edema OR ascites)

Here are some common databases, see also Finding Articles for a more comprehensive list:

I need information on conducting a review...

If you are conducting a knowledge synthesis (systematic review, scoping review, or similar methodology) please refer to the following guide:

Knowledge Synthesis Guide


I need information critiquing research papers...

Understanding how to read and critique a research paper is an integral aspect to evidence-based nursing care. The following resources can assist you with understanding what to look for in a high quality research paper:


I need information on designing a research project...

If you are looking for information on how to design and conduct a research project, need to learn a new research method, or need help doing a literature review or analyzing your date, Sage Research Methods may be useful. 

Browse 'Sage Research Methods Online' for material on specific methods. Note the filters on the right of your results, which allow you to focus in on specific document types:

Point-of-Care Tool

Pubmed Video

The National Library of Medicine recently launched a new Pubmed interface. To learn more about how to search it please watch this video.

Subject Librarian

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Terri McKellar
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