Module 3

The ability to search medical and nursing databases is an essential skill for advanced practice nurses.  We must constantly be educating ourselves on current global research that when interpreted can influence practice.  This is called evidence based practice.  We do not need to reinvent the wheel each time we see a patient.  Instead, we can use the research that other professionals have determined to be most beneficial.  One way to glean that information is through online databases that that make available current publications. By having the skills to utilize the databases, practitioners can quickly access needed information for best practice patient outcomes.  I will be using these databases frequently when  preparing for and evaluating clinicals assignments as well as almost every class where prevention, diagnosing, treatment, and behavior are part of the assignment.

Another useful skill is utilizing a reference management software package.  This software is helpful when writing a research article to cite and reference other professional's work.  In order for one's publication to be truly credible, the sources must be traceable and with the reference management software, this task can be efficiently completed.  I will be using EndNote throughout my graduate coursework to quickly and accurately cite my sources and create bibliographies in most papers and definitely in the capstone project.