Skip to Main Content

Cushing Library is now permanently closed. It was a pleasure serving you!

Nursing Research Guide

What is a Credible Web Source?

When evaluating a web site, check these basic points:

web content
  • Author – if you cannot determine who is responsible for the content of a website (either an individual or organization), you won't be able to gauge their expertise or relationship to the subject. 
  • Domain – the last segment of the "root" of the URL (for example, hnu.edu) will tell you if the source of information is educational (.edu), governmental (.gov), or commercial (.com).
  • Date of creation or revision – it is important to establish that any content containing data, facts or statistics is up-to-date and still relevant.
  • Intended audience – if the content is intended for an academic audience, the website should provide information that can be verified using citations or external links.  
  • Purpose of the information – the ratio of content to advertisement will tell you whether the site is being used to inform readers, or to make money.

Recommended Web Resources for Nursing

Pew Research - Health Topics

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. PRC conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. 

National Institutes of Health

NIH’s mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

CDC - National Center for Health Statistics

The Nation's principal health statistics agency, the CDC-NCHS compiles statistical information to guide actions and policies to improve the health of the American people.

Professional Resources

American Nursing Association - California

The mission of the American Nurses' Association\California is to enhance the health and well-being of Californians and advance the profession of nursing.

The Joint Commission

The mission of The Joint Commission is to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.

California Board of Registered Nursing

The Board of Registered Nursing protects and advocates for the health and safety of the public by ensuring the highest quality registered nurses in the state of California.