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RCN Competencies - finding, using and managing information

In January 2011 the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) published "Finding, using and managing information: nursing, midwifery, health and social care information literacy competencies". This details the competencies expected to be developed and achieved by this group of staff.

The Health Library can help you to improve and demonstrate your application of these RCN Competencies.

RCN Competency	How can we help?
1. Identifying why information is needed	Learn how to use the PICO tool (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome) to clarify the question you need to ask and identify the information you need to find. Attend our Literature Searching (NHS databses) course to learn how to apply the PICO tool.
2. Identifying what information is needed	We have a wealth of information resources to help you to locate the right type of information you need, including: books journals Healthcare Resources: including databases subject links on the Internet current awareness resources Attend our Library inductions to learn about the resources we have on offer. Our course Health Information on the Internet will help you to learn how to identify and use good quality online information. OR why not try an Internet Searching online course?
3. Carrying out a search to find information	Our Literature Searching (NHS Databases) course will help you to develop the skills to search databases effectively. You can access a variety of NHS Healthcare Resources or search thru an entensive range of Literature Searching Sites. We also have special services such as the Inter-Library Loan service or the Literature Search service to help you to get what you need.
4. Evaluating how the information meets the identified need	You can develop your evaluation skills by attending our Rapid Critical Appraisal training. All our courses help you to identify good quality health-related information and we have a range of books on this topic.
5. Using information and knowledge ethically, inclusively and legally	Our book collection includes material to help you to learn about plagiarism and referencing. Search our catalogue to find material to help you. Or browse thru our Authorship subject links to get help on referencing.
6. Managing Information	Our Current Awareness pages help you to identify resources to help you to keep up to date in your area. Here you can learn how to create alerts. Check out our book collection for help in managing projects and the information you collect.
7. Creating new information or knowledge	Our book collection includes material to help you to write reports or create presentations. You can also update your study skills by checking out some of our Study Skills subject links. Our subject page Authorship also contains a number of useful links related to publishing your work.