Competence five: Using information and knowledge inclusively, legally and ethically
This is competence five in the RCN's Finding, Using and Managing Information: Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care Information Literacy Competences (PDF 48KB) [see how to access PDF files].
This page guides you to learning resources to enable you to develop your skills related to this competence.
RCN Learning Zone: How trustworthy is your information?
This learning resource has been developed for nurses, midwives, students and support workers in health and social care who may be routinely researching topics in support of their day-to-day work or studies. It guides you through some of the issues and activities involved in finding, using and managing information so that you can develop your skills in accessing the right information at the right time, applying and communicating it appropriately.
Inclusively
Consider inclusivity issues when searching for and using information. This may include looking for information that is culturally sensitive, considering possible under-representation of particular groups within the literature and using culturally sensitive language.
RCN: Diversity and equality
Whatever your job, and wherever you work, valuing diversity will have an impact on you. These pages support RCN members at work and keep you up to date with events and news in this field.
Inclusively: language
This document includes a useful "myth busting" section covering the use of language in relation to race, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation.
The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: gender-sensitive language
This resource explains some of the current thinking on gender issues and writing and provides suggestions to help you express gender relationships as you write.
Legally
RCN Learning Zone: Information disclosure
This learning area resource provides an opportunity to learn about confidentiality, consent and sharing information with particular relevance to nursing. It includes the following sections:
- confidentiality: principles and practice
- confidentiality and consent in context
- sharing information with patients, families and carers
- disclosing information inside and outside your health care setting.
You will find it in the 'clinical skills' section of the RCN Learning Zone.
Copyright Intellectual Property Office
Includes information managing your copyright and observing other peoples copyright.
Intellectual Property Office (2007) Copyright: Basic Facts (PDF 1.34MB) [see how to access PDF files], Newport, IPO.
A useful publication: Web2Rights
Copyright information on Web 2.0; including blogs, social networking sites and wikis. From a JISC funded project.
RCN Library Catalogue: Copyright
Details of books held in the RCN libraries relating to this subject. RCN members may borrow in person or by post. Please contact RCN library and information services if you would like to borrow any of these books. Some of these books may be available online: select the 'URL' link where available. You may be asked to login to the RCN website to access some items which are available to RCN members.
Ethically
Leicester University: Avoiding Plagiarism Online Tutorial: Don't Cheat Yourself
There are several different versions of this tutorial available tailored to the needs of different subjects, including one for medicine. It takes about 30 minutes to complete and will help you to understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.
Plagiarism.org
A comprehensive resource for students and educators
Vaughan Memorial Library: You quote it: you note it
An interactive tutorial about avoiding plagiarism which takes about 10 minutes.