Nursing Resources

Find all the nursing resources you’ll need to begin or advance your nursing education and career.

nursing-resources-intro

Nursing is a constantly evolving landscape. From degree requirements to the latest licensing regulations, there’s a lot to know when you pursue a nursing career. And, as the demand for nurses grows—employment is expected to increase 5.6% through 2032—more changes will occur. New technologies will be invented, the aging population will suffer from more chronic conditions and nurses will be needed beyond hospitals and doctors’ offices.

While it can feel daunting to stay up to date on the latest information, we’re here to help.

On this page, you’ll find more than 100 nursing resources related to nursing school and careers. Interested in becoming a member of a professional organization? Need research tips for a school project? Suffering from nurse burnout? Want to ask other nurses a question? Connect to official sites, forums, blogs and more.


Professional Organizations

American Association of Nurse Practitioners
https://www.aanp.org/

Boasting six membership categories, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners is the largest professional organization for NPs. Get access to conferences, educational resources and more.

The American Assembly for Men in Nursing
http://www.aamn.org/

The American Assembly for Men in Nursing provides professional support and advocacy for men in nursing. The organization aims to promote leadership and influence issues that affect male nurses.

American College of Nurse-Midwives
http://www.midwife.org/

Representing both certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives, membership with the American College of Nurse-Midwives includes student and career resources, networking opportunities and updates on research and industry news.

American Forensic Nurses
http://www.amrn.com/

Established in 1983, American Forensic Nurses, Inc. (AMRN) partners with law enforcement at all levels in Southern California. Registered nurses can complete continuing education courses through AMRN with topics such as Chain of Custody and Forensic Evidence Collection in the Clinical Setting.

American Holistic Nurses Association
http://www.ahna.org/

While one of its main goals is to support its more than 4,600 members, the American Holistic Nurses Association also works hard to educate the public about this specialized field of nursing. Membership benefits include continuing education and research resources.

American Nurses Association
http://www.nursingworld.org/

The American Nurses Association focuses on credentials, practice, ethics, policy and health and safety. Members are given access to webinars, publications, conferences and savings on liability insurance.

American Nursing Informatics Association
https://www.ania.org/

Nursing informatics may be gaining steam now, but the American Nursing Informatics Association has been around since 1982. The organization is dedicated to advancing the field of nursing informatics with education, research and networking.

National Black Nurses Association
http://www.nbna.org/

Collaboration is the National Black Nurses Association’s main goal. From a collaborative community health model to partnerships, the organization–founded in 1972–boasts 12 programs, an annual conference and several nursing awards.

National Association of Hispanic Nurses
http://www.nahnnet.org/

The National Association of Hispanic Nurses’ mission is two-fold: Provide equal opportunities to Hispanic nurses and work toward improving care of Hispanic patients. More than 3,000 members enjoy benefits such as leadership development and continuing education.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
https://www.aacn.org/

More than 100,000 nurses identify as members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The organization provides professional certification, clinical resources and educational programs.

National League for Nursing
http://www.nln.org/

From practical nursing to doctoral programs, the National League for Nursing counts more than 1,200 schools as members. By offering everything from student exam services to networking, NLN is one of the strongest advocates for nursing education.

National Federation of Nurses
http://www.nfn.org/

The National Federation of Nurses aims to improve working conditions for RNs and strive for better patient outcomes. The labor union partners with various organizations to strengthen the voice of nurses.

Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs
http://www.vanurse.org/

Scholarship programs, educational partnerships and a new mentorship program are just some of the benefits you’ll receive as a member of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs. The group advocates for VA nurses around the country.

American Society of Registered Nurses
https://www.asrn.org/

Founded in 2003, the American Society of Registered Nurses promotes activism, innovation and change. Members benefit from networking, seminars, conferences and leadership opportunities.

National Nurses United
http://www.nationalnursesunited.org/

The largest union and professional organization for registered nurses, National Nurses United promotes a number of campaigns including RN-to-Patient Staffing Ratios and Medicare for All. Founded in 2009, the organization now nearly 185,000 member in each state.

AFT Healthcare
http://www.aft.org/healthcare/

More than half of AFT Healthcare’s members are RNs (with 15,000 school nurses) and the numbers continue to grow. With a mission to “reshape” the healthcare system in the U.S., the union works closely with patient advocacy leaders and community groups.

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses
http://www.aorn.org/

Representing more than 160,000 perioperative nurses, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) provides education, a peer-reviewed journal and leadership programs. Scholarships and grants are available through AORN’s foundation.

American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
http://aaohn.org/

The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses dedicate much of their efforts toward professional development for members, public relations campaigns to promote the profession and advocacy. The organization’s site also includes a job search engine.

Association of Rehabilitation Nurses
http://www.rehabnurse.org/

From educational programs to advocate initiatives, the Association of Rehabiliation Nurses (ARN) offers members a range of benefits. Scholarships and internships are also available through ARN.

Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
http://www.nursesinaidscare.org/

The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care provides educational resources, networking and career support to nursing professionals in HIV/AIDS care. Six membership levels are available ranging from Active to Retired.


Nursing Credentialing

National Council of State Boards of Nursing
https://www.ncsbn.org/

An independent organization made up of state nursing boards, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing developed the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams. The non-profit organization works to promote regulatory excellence.

American Nurses Credentialing Center
http://www.nursecredentialing.org/

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is known for its extensive certification options. From acute care to pain management, nurses can earn credentials in their chosen specialty. ANCC also serves as an accreditation agency for continuing nursing education.

NCSBN Portal
https://portal.ncsbn.org/

This test prep portal gives nursing students the resources to prepare for the NCLEX exam. Fend off pre-test jitters and get tips on what to expect on test day. The NCSBN-run page also includes test plans and information on testing locations.

American Nurses Credentialing Center
http://www.nursecredentialing.org/DisplayCredentials-Brochure.pdf

What order should you display your nursing credentials? The American Nurse Credentialing Center answers that question and others in a brief PDF guide. Find out the preferred order, which credentials to use and explanations about credentialing.

American Nurses Association
http://www.nursingworld.org/

Read one nurse’s take on the “alphabet soup” of credentials. Mary C. Smolenski explains the differences between the six types of credentials (degree and licensure, to name a few), which credentials nurses have to use and what to do with multiple credentials.

National League for Nursing
http://www.nln.org/

Nurse educators can earn their professional credentials through the National League for Nursing. The Certified Nurse Education (CNE) exam measures knowledge and skills. With this certification, nurse educators demonstrate their professionalism.


Continuing Nursing Education

Nurse.com

http://ce.nurse.com/
Need to fulfill a state CE requirement? Want to learn more about the Zika virus? Nurses.com offers more than 750 continuing education courses which are accessible via webinars, seminars, audio, video and text format.

American Nurses Association
http://www.nursingworld.org/

The American Nurses Association is a major proponent for continuing education and devotes an entire section of their website to the topic. Their members have access to a catalog of courses, webinars and conferences.

American Nurses Association Knowledge Center
https://learn.ana-nursingknowledge.org/

Tap into the American Nurses Association’s Knowledge Center. Here you’ll find workshops, certification preparation and other educational materials. Topics include work-life balance and leadership.

Lippincott Nursing Center
http://www.nursingcenter.com/ceconnection

Search through a robust collection of nursing continuing education courses. Find what you need based on specialty, clinical category, topic or journal. Nurses can even download an app allowing them to learn on the go.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/learning/

Where better to learn the latest about public health issues than the Center for Disease Control and Prevention? Stay up-to-date with courses on youth alcohol screening and autism case training using the CDC’s Learning Center.


Nursing Financial Aid and Scholarships

Sigma Theta Tau International
http://www.nursingsociety.org/advance-elevate/careers/nursing-scholarship-opportunities

Start your search for nursing scholarships with Sigma Theta Tau International. The Honor Society of Nursing provides a brief list of organizations that provide funding to nursing students.

National League of Nursing
http://www.nln.org/professional-development-programs/grants-and-scholarships

In an effort to promote nursing education research, the National League of Nursing offers research grants and scholarships for advanced nursing degree students. More details can be found on this page.

Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship
https://www.b4brands.com/br-nursing-scholarship/

Each year, the Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship awards $1,000 to a non-traditional nursing student pursuing an undergraduate degree. Find eligibility requirements on the site

Meland Foundation
http://melandfoundation.org/

The Meland Foundation awards scholarships between $2,000 and $5,000 annually for nursing students pursuing a NP degree. You’ll need to submit an essay and other materials to be considered.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/students/financial-aid

From general scholarship information to loan repayment facts, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing offers up a long list of resources to help nursing students finance their education.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hrsa.gov/loanscholarships/scholarships/nursing/

The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program is a unique opportunity for aspiring nurses to earn money for school and work in an area where there is a nursing shortage for at least two years after graduation. Students enrolling in a diploma, undergraduate or graduate degree program are eligible.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hrsa.gov/loanscholarships/repayment/nursing/

Already a registered nurse and paying back school loans? Consider applying for the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program. To receive the monetary benefits, nurses must agree to work in an underserved area in the U.S.

American Assembly for Men in Nursing
http://aamn.org/scholarships/

Scholarship availability varies by year, but the American Assembly for Men in Nursing are another source for school funding. In 2016, they offered six scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each.

ExceptionalNurse.com
http://exceptionalnurse.com/scholarship.php

In support of nurses with disabilities, ExceptionalNurse.com awards several scholarships to full-time nursing students each year. Amounts range from $250 to $500.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
https://www.aacn.org/membership/

One way the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses promotes professional development is through scholarship opportunities. The organization provides limited funding to nurses who participate in continuing education.


History of Nursing

American Association for the History of Nursing
http://www.aahn.org/

The American Association for the History of Nursing believes in looking back to move forward. This professional organization serves as an educational resource and works to stimulate more interest in the nursing profession.

University of Pennsylvania
http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/

Delve deeper into the history of nursing with this comprehensive resource from Penn’s School of Nursing. Articles examine topics like the history of hospitals, 19th and 20th-century pediatrics and home care.

National Women’s History Museum
https://www.nwhm.org/blog/the-evolution-of-nursing/

Introduce yourself to Mary Ann Bickerdyke, Phoebe Levy Pember and Linda Richards. The National Women’s History Museum spotlights these three women and others in their “Evolution of Nursing” article.

Villanova University
https://www.villanovau.com/resources/nursing/the-history-of-nursing-as-a-profession/

Nursing education’s roots are examined in this Villanova University article. “The History of the Nursing Profession” begins with story of Florence Nightingale and explores nursing in World War I and II, ending with the nursing profession’s legacy.

American Nurses Association
http://www.nursingworld.org/history/

The history of nursing wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the American Nurses Association. Learn more about the organization’s humble beginnings and how its grown in the last 100-plus years.

American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/about-us/history/red-cross-american-history/nursing

Gain another nursing history perspective, this time from the American Red Cross. This resource page outlines how the organization’s nurses previously served the public and outlines the ways Red Cross nurses are working to be more effective in the future.


Nursing Education

American Association of Colleges of Nursing
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/about-aacn

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing does more than set standards for nursing education. It works to improve health care and garners support for the nursing profession.

National Student Nurses’ Association
http://www.nsna.org/

The National Student Nurses’ Association helps their members transition to the professional world. Its members have access to career guidance and other useful resources.

National League for Nursing
http://www.nln.org/

Its tagline is “The Voice of Nursing Education” and the National League for Nursing supports nurse faculty and leaders across the country. Support comes in the form of networking opportunities, professional development and research grants.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
http://www.acenursing.org/

Are you an aspiring nursing student? Look for a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The organization gives their seal of approval to certificate and degree programs that meet their rigorous standards.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/cultural-competency/

Designed for nursing faculty, the cultural competency guide provided by AACN includes a tool kit and documentation for undergraduate and graduate nursing students.

U.S. National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7256/

Don’t start your nursing research without this useful guide. Citing Medicine includes advice on how to reference books, conferences and other materials.


Nursing Forums

Nurse.org
http://www.nurse.org/

What’s it really like to work at that hospital? Find out on this review community site, built for nurses, by nurses.

AllNurses.com
http://allnurses.com/

From career advice to tales from the trenches, nurses keep it real on this site that offers a Q&A forum for RNs with a need to know.

MightyNurse.com
http://www.mightynurse.com/ask-a-nurse-forums/

Everyone’s welcome at this forum, where nurses, CNAs, LPNs and CNAs gather to ask questions, share advice and funny stories.

EverydayNurses.com
http://www.everydaynurses.com/

Take a virtual coffee break with a unique community of nurses to focus on how you take care of your patients and yourself.

NursingVoices.com
http://www.nurseconnect.com/

With more than 1,000 conversation threads, this online forum brings nurses together to discuss everything from nurses in the media to the student journey.


Nursing Career Resources

American Mobile
http//www.americanmobile.com/nursezone//resource/patientsafety/

This travel nursing agency also offers a rich roundup of career development resources, including certification, articles, advice and more.

Sigma Theta Tau International
http://www.nursingsociety.org/why-stti/

Get resources and develop your professional and leadership skills with STTI’s renowned conferences, social network and international reach.

Association for Nursing Professional Development
http://www.anpd.org/

The Association for Nursing Professional Development advances the profession with webinars, a professional journal, best practices and an annual convention.

Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
http://www.himss.org/library/nursing-informatics/?navItemNumber=16520

Nursing informatics professionals, welcome to your online hub for job listings, networking, salary guides and education.

DiscoverNursing.com
https://www.discovernursing.com/

This site offers support and guidance to nurses at every stage of their careers–from student to novice to seasoned pro.

American Nurses Association
http://jobs.ana.org/

More than a job board, this online resource also offers articles, webinars, newsletters, and even a digital kit for new nursing grads.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm

The federal government offers a treasure trove of information about the nursing profession, from pay and job prospects to hazards and health risks.

American Nurses Association
http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ThePracticeofProfessionalNursing/NursingStandards

Navigate the nursing profession with guidance from the American Nurses Association. This member-driven organization defines professional standards and offers positions on everything from staffing to social media.

Medscape
http://www.medscape.com/resource/patientsafety/

Check in with Medscape for patient safety news and perspectives. Improve your nursing knowledge by reading the latest medical updates.

World Heath Organization
http://www.who.int/topics/nursing/en/

Strategic directions for nursing, nurses in mental health and primary care case studies are just some of the topics explored by the World Health Organization.

American Nurses Association
http://www.nursingworld.org/

Overwhelmed at the prospect of a job search? The American Nurses Association weighs in with four great ways to get it rolling.

National Student Nurses’ Association
http://www.nsna.org/CareerCenter/CareerPlanning.aspx

The National Student Nurses’ Association offers insider tips in its free “Welcome to the Profession” kit. Also, find job opportunities and get insights into the profession.

NursingJobs.com
https://www.nursingjobs.com/

This comprehensive nursing jobs board offers a full range of listings that run the gamut from permanent placements to travel nursing assignments.

Travel Nurse Source
https://www.travelnursesource.com/

Travel Nurse Source provides tools and resources for nurses and nursing students as well as job placement for those looking to embark on a rewarding travel nurse career.


Nursing Research

Elsevier
http://www.confidenceconnected.com/products/clinicalkey-for-nursing/

The ClinicalKey for Nursing connects RNs to the answers and evidence they need to make better decisions about patient care, workflows and more.

Ovid
http://ovid.com/site/catalog/journals/1666.jsp

Deepen your nursing knowledge with the journal Nursing, one of top publications for professional nurses.

American Journal of Nursing
http://journals.lww.com/ajnonline/

This site features an award-winning series of articles about evidence-based practice (EBP). Here, nurses learn how to implement EBP consistently and logically.

Arizona State University
http://libguides.asu.edu/nursing/

Locate books, look up journals, and access dozens of resources for nursing research at ASU’s Nursing Library Guide.

San Francisco State University
http://libguides.sfsu.edu/nursing/

The San Francisco State University offers this hub of materials and information to support nursing education and research.

UCLA Library
http://guides.library.ucla.edu/nursing/

This site rounds up nursing research resources from many disciplines, from health and politics to genetics and genomics. Start here to find the nursing information you need.

McMaster University
http://hsl.mcmaster.libguides.com/nursing/

Take a step-by-step approach to nursing research. Step one: Visit this page for guidance on everything from question formulation to nursing theory.

National Institutes of Health
http://www.cc.nih.gov/nursing/

Discover the role of clinical research nurses in providing patient care, collecting data and maintaining the integrity of research data collection. This page includes a list of job openings at the NIH Clinical Center.

Interagency Collaborative on Nursing Statistics
http://www.iconsdata.org/home.html

Effective decision-making requires sound evidence. That’s where the Interagency Collaborative on Nursing Statistics comes in. This organization promotes the generation and utilization of data, information and research about the nursing workforce.

Rasmussen College
http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/nursing-burnout-why-it-happens-and-what-to-do-about-it/

Burnout doesn’t have to be your destiny as an RN. Learn how to avoid it by setting boundaries, processing emotions and more.


Nurse Burnout

National Nurses United
http://www.nationalnursesunited.org/news/entry/beating-the-burnout-nurses-struggle-with-physical-mental-and-emotional-exha/

As workloads increase and staffing shortages become more common, nurses face more pressure than ever before. Learn what kinds of support are available.

Rasmussen College
http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/nursing-burnout-why-it-happens-and-what-to-do-about-it/

Burnout doesn’t have to be your destiny as an RN. Learn how to avoid it by setting boundaries, processing emotions and more.

U.S. National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2668/

This article rounds up scholarly research and formal studies to unpack how working conditions impact burnout among nurses.

Monster.com
http://nursinglink.monster.com/benefits/articles/2481-5-signs-of-burnout

The best nurses seem to be the most prone to burnout. Learn the signs to watch for, and try a journalling exercise to relieve compassion fatigue.

University of South Florida
http://www.usfhealthonline.com/resources/career/signs-you-are-experiencing-nurse-burnout/

Learn the four early signs of nursing burnout and get tips for managing it effectively.

Everyday Health
http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/why-americas-nurses-are-burning-out/

What are the real sources of nursing burnout? From 12-hour shifts to high-pressure environments, this article looks at studies on the burnout syndrome.


Nursing Blogs, Journals and News

Medscape
http://www.medscape.com/nurses/resource/

Register with this site for free access to original medical content; conference coverage; The Medscape Journal of Medicine; nursing-related news coverage; access to 100+ medical journals and textbooks; and more professional resources.

American journal of Nursing
https://ajnoffthecharts.com/

The blog of the American Journal of Nursing, Off the Charts highlights all that’s most troubling, important, and provocative about nursing and health care. From “problem” nurses to the Zika virus, stay up to date with the latest nursing-related news and trends.

Lippincott Nursing Center
http://www.nursingcenter.com/

Lippincott Nursing Center hosts more than 50 nursing journals and other resources to support your nursing practice. Find guides, newsletters, a continuing education tool and more.

Truth About Nursing
http://www.truthaboutnursing.org/

With a goal to change how the world thinks about the nursing profession, this organization has taken on everyone from Dr. Oz to Christina Aguilera. Get the facts and start advocating with this trove of resources and tools.

Evidence-Based Nursing
http://ebn.bmj.com/

Evidence-Based Nursing culls research studies and reviews to present the most relevant resources for nursing practice. This website continues the conversation with a blog, online debate topics, podcasts and opinion.

MinorityNurse.com
http://minoritynurse.com/

A robust career resource for nurses, this website hosts the largest nursing jobs board dedicated to diversity. The site is also packed with free articles and advice for job hunters.

National Institute of Nursing Research
https://www.ninr.nih.gov/

Find the latest developments in nursing science research, from pediatric palliative care to data science. This website is a project of the National Institute of Nursing Research.

Nurse Author & Editor
http://naepub.com/

Founded in 1991, the peer-reviewed Nurse Author & Editor covers the practice, research and education needs of the nursing profession. It specializes in the topics of writing, publishing and editing.

Dear Nurses
http://dearnurses.blogspot.com/

This blog collects resources for improving clinical nursing and communication skills, illustrated with scenes from the day in the life of an RN.

RTConnections.com
http://blog.rtconnections.com/

Veteran nurse and nationally known speaker Renee Thompson writes about nurse bullying and professional development. Want to protect yourself from “crabby” nurse colleagues? This blog should be your first stop.

Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
http://www.nursingworld.org/ojin/

The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing is a peer-reviewed publication that covers current topics in nursing practice, including research, education and the health care sector.

Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
http://www.nursingworld.org/ojin/

The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing is a peer-reviewed publication that covers current topics in nursing practice, including research, education and the health care sector.

MDLinx
https://www.mdlinx.com/nursing/feeds.cfm

From cardiology to women’s health, this collection of RSS feeds is your one-stop source for integrating nursing-related topics into your daily dose of news.

The Nerdy Nurse
http://thenerdynurse.com/

Author of The Nerdy Nurse’s Guide to Technology, the award-winning Brittney Wilson blogs here about nursing, technology, health IT and other healthcare topics.

The Nurse Ethics Blog
https://nursingethicsblog.com/

Does a nurse owe her first duty to her patient, or to her employer? How do ethics play out in pay disparity and labor disputes? A pair of Ph.D.s mine the rich field of nursing ethics in this wide-ranging blog.

Journal of Professional Nursing
http://www.professionalnursing.org/

Published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, this professional journal covers emerging trends in nursing education. Topics run the gamut from diversity and student success to accelerated online BSN programs.