The Road Not Taken: Consumer Information in Nursing Training for Magnet Re-Certification

Abstract

This article describes the way Medical City Dallas Hospital Library incorporated consumer health information into its re-certification process for the Magnet Recognition Program. The library used data gathered in a previous nursing study as a basis for an information needs assessment. The survey indicated that there is a need for teaching nurses research skills, searching techniques, and usage of library resources including consumer health information. Following training on library resources, data indicated an increase in the number of nurses using the library, as well as in the number of database searches conducted. The nurses also requested articles and information by calling or e-mailing the librarian.

KEYWORDS:

• consumer health information
• hospital library
• library skills
• magnet recognition program
• nurses as teachers
• nursing information
• patient education

Notes

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Andrea Ryce (E-mail: [email protected]) and Donna Timm ([email protected]).