Use professional websites

[David Woodruff]

Use professional association websites to find nursing information.  Get the latest updates on treatment from the American Lung Association.  Professional websites have a variety of different resources that are helpful to nurses.  First of all, they have expert content and publications and standards written by experts in that field that will help you to get more information for your practice. 

The American Lung Association is just one example.  There’s also the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, etc., all available online to help you to get the information you need for your patients.  In addition, professional websites also offer information about patient teaching and they offer position statements. 

When you’re looking at a nursing or medical website, look for a button that says “professional resources” for practice guidelines and updates.  Look also for a button that says “consumer information” or “consumer resources” for patient teaching materials.  For your patients, you can print out the materials, take them to work, and hand them out to your patients.  On the professional side, when you click on that “professional resources” button, imagine specific patients where this information may be helpful.  Integrate the new information into your practice and you will see your care improve.

Professional websites:

American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org

American Lung Association: www.lungusa.org

American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org

Or perform an internet search for the topic area that addresses your professional learning needs.