Research Guides: NURS 0001:Nursing Subject Guide: Background sources

Reference sources geared to health professionals

Reference sources provide information to answer broad, general questions such as pathophysiology, diagnosis, available therapies, etc. In addition to your textbooks, here are some examples of standard reference works.

Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses, 19th ed. (2025)
Call Number: ebook
Required textbook for Term 2 onwards. Comprehensive, up-to-date drug and medication administration information for nurses.

International Encyclopedia of Public Health (2nd ed.) This link opens in a new window
An authoritative guide to the major issues, challenges, methods, and approaches of global public health. Links biomedical research with the social and life sciences to address major public health themes across disciplines.
Medline Plus This link opens in a new window
This portal from the US National Library of Medicine includes links to creditable sites by health topic, plus drug information and a medical dictionary and encyclopedia. Designed for use by the general public.
Merck Manual: Professional Version This link opens in a new window
Open access. Online version of the well-known medical textbook.
CPS This link opens in a new window
Extensive drug and therapeutic information from the Canadian Pharmacists Association.
For mobile access via the CPS app:
1. Go to www.pharmacists.ca/register and register for an account. You'll receive a welcome email asking you to create your password.
2. Once your password has been set, visit the Profile section within the dropdown menu. Scroll down to "Set Mobile Enterprise Code" and enter Langara's organization code.
3. Download the CPS mobile app and login with the account you just created!

* You can find Langara's Organization Code on your D2L Brightspace course pages (or ask an instructor or a librarian).