For nursing informatics courses, or as a resource when packaged with any core nursing textbook. This concise, pocket-sized guide to the online healthcare environment provides background information about the Internet, its services and various types of Internet resources available for nursing and healthcare professionals and students. Updated with the most current resources, the text is designed to provide students with the knowledge and confidence needed to use the Internet for education, research, career and other purposes.

This third edition of theInternet Resource Guide for Nurses and Health Care Professionalshas been updated and expanded to reflect the rapidly changing issues and trends seen in relation to the Internet. The book provides background information about the Internet, services that it provides, and various types of Internet resources available for nursing and health care professionals and students. Our goal is that, after reading this book, you will have the knowledge and confidence you need to use the Internet effectively. The Internet is a tool that facilitates professional networking and disseminates health care information and education to professionals and consumers. A brief description of each chapter follows. The first chapter defines the Internet and summarizes the benefits that online resources offer the health care professional and consumer. This chapter also lists requirements for Internet access and criteria to help you select an Internet service provider. Chapter 2 describes services available on the Internet emphasizing electronic mail and how to find particular topics on the World Wide Web. This chapter includes current information on instant messaging. Special features of this chapter include a section on Web search strategies and information on listservs, news groups, and other Web resources. Chapter 3 provides guidelines for "netiquette" and evaluating information found on the Web; it also addresses Internet security issues. Chapter 4 discusses factors that make online learning attractive. It also describes the educational opportunities that can be found on the Internet, ranging from informal learning to degree programs. Special features include the following: How various online services and resources facilitate learning. Points for students to consider prior to enrolling in distance learning or Web-based programs. Criteria for the evaluation of instructional Web sites. Chapter 5 addresses research on the Internet, exploring some of the many ways that formal and informal research can be facilitated using the Internet, including the identification of topics for study via discussion groups, online literature and Web searches, online administration of questionnaires, collaboration with peers via e-mail, learning about funding opportunities, and the rapid dissemination of research findings via online publications. Chapter 6 discusses using the Internet to explore career resources and opportunities. The seventh and final chapter lists a number of Web sites and other online resources that are of particular interest to nurses and other health care professionals. These sites are organized by general categories, including career resources, professional organizations and associations, accrediting bodies, educational sites, government agencies, health care informatics, and sites for online publications. A list of frequently asked questions is included in Appendix A. Appendix B provides exercises and Appendix C provides steps for creating a personal Web page. A glossary is included to acquaint the reader with unfamiliar terms. For additional nursing and health care-related Web site addresses (URLs) and activities related to informatics and the Internet, please go to our Companion Web site at www.prenhall.com/hebda .