A part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality provides clinical, research, quality assessment, public health preparedness, and other healthcare information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), "serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States."
MedlinePlus
Though targeted at healthcare consumers, MedlinePlus offers a wealth of authoritative medical information written in easy to understand language. Some of the features of MedlinePlus include: coverage of more than 650 health topics, a medical encyclopedia and dictionary, drug information, statistics, current health news, provider directories, interactive tutorials, and other health resources. MedlinePlus is a product of the National Library of Medicine, one of the National Institutes of Health. Please note, do not confuse this tool with MEDLINE, the National Library of Medicine's database of biomedical research for healthcare providers and researchers.
Merck Manuals - General (Online)
Search using the keyword, alphabetical browsing, and condition-specific tools at the left of the page. Offers general medicine as well as diagnostic and therapeutic information.
Merck Manual of Geriatrics (Online)
Search via the "Search the Book" button. Offers information specific to elder care.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
A part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the National Institutes of Health encompasses twenty Institutes and seven Centers focusing on a wide range of health issues.
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
One of the National Institutes of Health, "the National Institute of Nursing Research supports clinical and basic research to establish a scientific basis for the care of individuals across the life span-from management of patients during illness and recovery to the reduction of risks for disease and disability, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, promoting quality of life in those with chronic illness, and care for individuals at the end of life."
Nursing Organizations (listed by NINR)
WCU's Institutional Review Board (IRB)
The university's IRB is responsible for making sure that research on human subjects is conducted in a safe manner that conforms to federal regulations. Anyone planning to do research involving human subjects should review this website.