Improving oncology nursing practice through understanding and exploring the Internet.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of the evolution of computer technology, a brief history of the Internet, and guidelines for searching the Internet.

DATA SOURCES

Literature, electronic online sources, and personal experience.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Vast collections of resources are available on the Internet that can enhance many aspects of oncology nursing practice. These resources are stored on computers, rarely published as print documents, and only available to those oncology nurses who learn to navigate the Internet.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Specific Internet-based oncology nursing resources can enhance clinical practice, improve education, and facilitate oncology nursing research.

CONCLUSIONS

Because a significant number of valuable resources are available on the Internet, it is critical that oncology nurses understand it, be aware of the resources, and have the skills to access the appropriate information.