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RN-2-BSN Online Library Support Guide: Step 3: How to Search

This Library Guide is designed to provide resources pertaining to Mount Carmel's RN-BSN Program.

How to Search

Step 3: After learning what types of sources exist and where to find them, the next step is to learn how to search. 

Search Skills

To search for the most relevant results, break down your questions/search topics into concepts. This can be the hardest part of searching but taking the time to break a topic into searchable concepts will ultimately save you time finding relevant and quality resources not just during the RN-BSN program but also in clinical practice.

For additional tutorials and training on identifying concepts, please look at these additional resources, or feel free to contact the Librarian!

  • Build a Search Statement
  • Develop a Topic
  • Define Your Topic

PICO(T) is an integral part of evidence-based research, and the framework requires taking a clinical sitaution and turning it into a searchable concept. PICO(T) questions will not only make sure your questions are answerable and find applicable evidence in searches, but it will ultimately save you time during your searching.

* If you need assistance formulating a search query, please don't hesitate to contact your librarian.*

 

Example:

 

PubMed has created a tutorials titled "PubMed for Nurses;" they have also been recorded for short video tutorials on YouTube.

Check them out to learn how to use PubMed in your daily searching.

Below is the tutorial on PICO searching:

 

For more details, check out these tutorials below!

 

Filters narrow down search results to more relevant results.

Common filters include: 

  • Publication Dates
  • Scholarly (Peer Reviewed) Journals
  • Publication types
  • Language

Some databases have more specific filters such as Articles Written by a Nurse (CINAHL) and Evidence-Based Resources (PubMed, CINAHL).

Filters are usually located in the left-hand column and on the Advanced Search pages of databases.

Have Questions?

Chat with a Librarian