Research tools for nursing essays include nursing-specific tools as well as interdisciplinary tools. Nursing research tools include nursing journals (e.g., "International Journal of Nursing Practice" and "Journal of Nursing Management"), nursing information databases (e.g., National Center for Health Statistics) and nursing websites (e.g., Best Practices Network). Interdisciplinary tools for nursing research include academic searches like JSTOR and Academic Search Premier, as well as academic journals in psychology and sociology.
There are many data tools for nursing essay writing. The Index to International Statistics, U.S. Census Reports and the Lexis/Nexis Statistical Universe can all be used to provide raw data for nursing research. Tools such as surveys, data centers and data graphing software can be used to analyze and present information for nursing research. Many of these resources can be found online (see Resources).
Planning tools help essay writers structure their writing and develop their arguments. The best planning tools for writing nursing essays are those that help organize diverse thoughts, ideas and arguments. These tools include style guides (e.g., Strunk and White's "Elements of Style"), templates, outlines and sample essays. With the exception of style guides, these types of tools are generally not commercially available. If you want to use sample essays or outlines, consult with your professor or school librarians.
Writing tools are used to help you articulate your thoughts and ideas and get them from outline form to paragraph form. The best tools for this purpose include dictionaries, thesauruses and grammar reference books. Some of the most well-regarded books in these categories include "Webster's Dictionary," the "Merriam-Webster English Thesaurus," and "Essential English Grammar." These resources can be purchased in bookstores or online at sites such as Amazon and eBay.