This document provides instructions for nursing students to search for scholarly articles on a research topic using the CINAHL database. It outlines a 6-step process: 1) conducting an initial keyword search, 2) using subject headings and subheadings to refine the search, 3) applying limits, 4) determining how to access full-text articles, 5) requesting articles through interlibrary loan if not available, and 6) citing two relevant articles found. The goal is to guide students through CINAHL to efficiently find credible sources to inform their research.

1. Name:
CINAHL Worksheet for NURS312/313
1. Search the CINAHL Database (Simple Search)
What is your research topic?
Go to the NURS305 library webpage, Select CINAHL
http://libguides.messiah.edu/content.php?pid=274222&sid=4447294
Type your topic into the search box using keywords. How many results?
Does the first page of results contain any articles that you would use? _
2. Search for Subject, Subheadings, Major Topic (Advanced Search)
Select “CINAHL Headings” in the top menu.
Type your topic (type only 1-2 keywords) into the CINAHL Headings search box.
Is there a “standard” subject word/phrase? What is it? .
Click on the box in front of the CINAHL Heading.
If there is not a standard keyword, try typing in other words to describe your topic to see if there is a relevant CINAHL Heading word or phrase.
Contact the Librarian for help if you are having difficulty finding a relevant term.
In the subheadings section (middle column), look for relevant subheadings.
If you find relevant subheading(s) (optional), click that box(es). What is the relevant subheading(s) you chose?
Click the “Major Concept” box
Select “Browse Additional Terms” (at the bottom) as appropriate for additional subjects.
Select the “Search Database” button (at the top)
Now how many results are there?
Do they seem to be more relevant than your initial simple search?
Go back and revise your search strategy/Headings/subheadings as needed.
3. Refine Results
Select appropriate limts on the left menu under Refine Results.
What filter(s) did you select?
Now how many results are there?
Are there any results in the first few pages that look relevant?
If you do not see any relevant articles, contact the Librarian for help.

2. 4. How to Get the Article
Determine which articles you wish to look at. CINAHL includes access options in the results list. Select PDF Full Text or Linked Full Text to open the article. Select Interlibrary Loan to request an article we do not have.
If the article does not open as expected, go to the “Periodicals List” in the “Do We Have a Specific Journal” box on the NURS 305/312/313 library webpage.
Type the name of the JOURNAL (not the name of the journal article) in the search box.
If the journal is listed, we should have the journal online or in print.
 If online, you can click the database name to go to the journal. Browse to the issue you need (year, volume, issue and page number of the article, found by looking at the citation in the CINAHL record).
 If in print, come to the library to get the print article.
5. If Not Available at Messiah, Get Article Through Interlibrary Loan
If we don’t have the article at all (it is not listed in the Periodicals List), you can request it through Interlibrary Loan; it will take a few days to get the article.
Select the Interlibrary Loan link under the article title in the results list.
Log into ILLIAD with your network ID and password.
The Article Request form should already be complete. Verify citation information.
Submit the request.
You can track the progress of getting your article in your ILLIAD account.
You will get an email when the article is here, and you can get to the article in your ILLIAD account.
6. Type in two citations of relevant, recent articles you found through this process. (APA citation style).
7. Submit this worksheet for review and grading through Canvas.
Questions?? Ask your Librarian!! Beth Transue
btransue@messiah.edu - Facebook - x3810