A reader recently asked me an excellent question. Which resources do I find most helpful in my practice? Well, I have a few go-to’s when I find myself in a pinch. You know, those indispensable books with dog-eared pages and an overall crumpled, worn appearance from years of being mashed into my work bag alongside occasionally leaky lunches and various medical supplies.
Here are my most prized resources, the ones I simply cannot live without.
1. Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy ($29.99)
Don’t you hate it when a patient has a list of allergies so long your tried and true antibiotic picks aren’t an option? What do you do in this situation? I remain loyal to my original trusty copy of the Sanford Guide, a guide to antibiotic treatment. If you’re more techie, the Sanford Guide is also available for purchase online. This pamphlet or app, whichever you choose, outlines antibiotic therapies for different medical conditions including first, second and third line antibiotic choices along with dosages. Easy to navigate, I keep my Sanford Guide handy for quick consultation.
2. UpToDate ($499)
Before you write this resource off based on the price, you must explore what UpToDate has to offer. An online database, this savvy program can answer just about any question regarding diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Can’t recall the preferred treatment of scabies? UpToDate can help. Looking for a little more information behind the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure? UpToDate can refresh your memory. Chock full of the latest informative, practical medical articles, this online tool is hands down my favorite resource for questions related to diagnosis and treatment.
Some employers will pay for this UpToDate. Before dolling out your own cash, ask your employer if they will consider purchasing the program for your clinic or hospital. It’s worth it.
3. Rapid Interpretation of EKG’s ($31.92)
I’m not normally one to advocate for anything written by a physician sentenced to prison for cocaine abuse and other crimes (which I will not mention here as I feel the description might welcome some serious spam or FBI investigation into my blog…), however Dr. Dubin’s Rapid Interpretation of EKG’s is simply the best. Despite Dubin’s personal pitfalls, his EKG resource provides excellent step by step instruction to EKG interpretation. Whether you are mastering the art of reading EKG’s for the first time or brushing up on your skills, Rapid Interpretation of EKG’s offers valuable information.
4. Micromedex Drug Information (Free)
My workday does not go by without consulting this robust drug database. From drug interactions and contraindications to pediatric and adult drug dosages, the Micromedex app is an invaluable resource for medication information. Keep your phone or iPad handy for helpful advice from the Micromedex app. Oh yeah, and it’s free.
Do you have any can’t-live-without resources that make your life as a nurse practitioner run more smoothly? Let us know by commenting below!
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