As a nurse, or a nurse practitioner, you can choose to specialize in cancer treatment. Oncology careers require very special skills, since you will need to be able to help the families of patients — as well as the patients themselves. If you have a great deal of compassion, and if you are interested in learning specific techniques associated with treating cancer, you might want to consider a career in oncology. Here are 30 great sites that can help you learn more about oncology career paths:

Medical, Health Care and Nursing Career Sites

Many web sites that have information on different careers in health related fields also address oncology. You look to these more general sites to help you gain insight into nursing specialties, as well as other careers related to oncology.

1. Health Careers: This About.com area focuses on health care careers. If you have questions about specialty nursing, as well as other career choices related to oncology, this is a good place to start.
2. Explore Health Careers: Use this site as a starting point for learning about different health career choices. You can learn about more than just oncology nursing; you can also learn about becoming an oncology radiologist, or a lab tech.
3. Healthcare Career Resource Center: Get a good idea of different careers offered to those interested in different areas of health care. Learn more about your options, including specialties in oncology and other areas.
4. Registered Nurses: This great overview of nursing from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics offers some solid information — including information on nursing specialties. A great general overview of nursing.
5. Discover Nursing: Learn about different nursing opportunities, including oncology specialty nursing. A great place to start if you want to know what nursing has to offer you in terms of a rewarding career.
6. NurseSource.org: This web site offers lots of different information on nursing careers. You can read great profiles on different nursing specialties, including cancer treatment nursing.
7. Health Career Center: You can find good information on different health care jobs, many of which are related to oncology. From specialty nursing to lab technician careers, it is possible to be involved in cancer treatment. Learn about salary, read career profiles, and more.
8. Health Career Web: You can visit this site to find jobs, as well as read articles about different opportunities. Get ready for your oncology career with help from this web site.
9. Medical Wiki: This site can help you find career information related to cancer treatment. A number of career posts and articles on all subjects medical field can help you learn more about an oncology career.
10. Medical Insider Review: Learn more about what it takes to have a successful career in a number of health fields, including oncology. Learn about radiology, nursing and more. A good place to start.

Clinics, Charities and Professional Organizations

Go online, and you will find plenty of web sites devoted to cancer treatment. You can learn more about oncology careers from the many web sites of clinics, cancer related charities and professional organizations.

11. Oncology Nursing Society: If you are interested in getting the scoop on oncology nursing from other nurses, this can be a great resource. Keep up with the world of cancer treatment, and learn about how to be the best nurse you can be.
12. American Nurses Association: Provides information on different nursing specialties, and is a great resource for finding out more about oncology careers.
13. Susan G. Komen for the Cure: If you are looking for information on careers related to volunteering and non-profit organizations, this cancer charity can be a great place to start.
14. OncoLink: The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania provides information on nursing, oncology, careers and more.
15. American College of Radiology: If your interests are in radiology, you might want to check out this professional organization, which can provide insight into cancer treatment careers.
16. American Society of Clinical Oncology: A great resource for career information and more related to cancer treatment.
17. Mayo Clinic: Find out more about an oncology career through this prestigious clinic. A great resource that can help you learn more about your chosen career.
18. Cleveland Clinic: This renowned clinic’s web site offers a look into careers related to cancer. Check this site to learn more about the latest breakthroughs and career opportunities.
19. American Cancer Society: This prominent organization related to cancer and cancer treatment has information about careers, and can give you an idea of what it’s like to be involved on a non-profit level.
20. LIVESTRONG Blog: Keep up with news and information related to cancer, cancer treatment, and careers related to oncology.
21. American Society for Investigative Pathology: Learn more about different careers in lab pathology, including those careers related to cancer treatment.

Cancer Blogs

Browse these oncology blogs written by professionals in the field, and survivors. You can learn about their work, as well as get valuable career information about what to expect as you pursue a career in cancer treatment.

22. Cancer and Careers: If you are involved in an oncology career, or want to learn more about such careers, you can read this great blog.
23. CancerWise: A cancer blog written by a doctor. Get a good idea of careers related to cancer, and the day to day of cancer treatment.
24. Our Cancer: From Johns Hopkins, this blog offers insight into cancer and careers.
25. Oncology and Hematology: This journal and blog takes a look at careers and information related to cancer treatment and the latest breakthroughs. Includes links to career training and more.
26. ONCRN: This oncology nurse offers insights into the challenges of a career in nursing and caring for cancer patients.
27. Dr. Len’s Cancer Blog: This doctors offers information about cancer, as well as cancer careers. A great blog about cancer, and the day-to-day information related to treatment.
28. Breast Cancer Blog: Find out more about cancer and cancer treatment from this survivor. A great resource to help you learn more about oncology.
29. The Cancer Journey: Great oncology career resource for almost any health care professional, written from a survivor and professional standpoint.
30. On Touching and Saving Lives!: This cancer nurse shares insight on a career in nursing.

YouTube Videos Over Nursing School

Get the scoop on what to expect when entering nursing school from these vloggers and informative industry professionals.

1. Up! Nursing School Style This vlogger takes you through the day in the life of a nursing school student. It gives you a sense of the camaraderie developed during any vigorous program and shows the work you can expect to learn. It’s also important to read the comments section for a healthy debate about the nursing industry
2. Nursing School: The Classes What kind of classes come along with studying to be a nurse? This vlogger tells you how your daily routine will go while enrolled in courses for nursing school. She also goes over costs and textbooks.
3. Life as a Senior Nursing Student This vlogger is a joy to watch because she doesn’t hold back when it comes to the truth behind nursing. It’s a grueling job of long hours and a serious commitment and this nursing student shares the real deal.
4. Pediatric Nurse Trying to figure out what sector of nursing to go into? This video gives you the skinny on what it means to be a pediatric nurse. You’re tending to kids daily and for some, this makes the job worthwhile.



5. Becoming a Registered Nurse: How to Become a Registered Nurse Learn from this nurse working in the ER how to go about becoming a nurse. A video like this one is a good crash course in what to expect in the coming few years, if you end up signing up for classes.
6. Men in Nursing Males in nursing is a subject that’s briefly touched on and this student nurse gives you the scoop on what’s what. Male nurses are becoming more common, but there’s still some stigma associated with men who choose to be nurses and this vlogger breaks down why.
7. Journey to Becoming a Student Nurse If you’re unsure of where to start your nursing career, check out this helpful video. This student nurse shares how she signed up for classes, what course she’s enrolled in and how long the program will take. Nursing school takes up a lot of time and is best fit for those who don’t work or work part-time jobs.
8. Journey to Becoming a Nurse – Online Classes Online course are the norm for nursing majors completing their degrees. Before going into clinicals, some nursing students opt for online classes so they can work at their own pace. This vlogger explains the drill of online nursing courses.
9. How to Get Medical Jobs: How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist A nurse anesthetist is a position that’s high in demand. It does require you to go above and beyond the standard nursing school classes, but that also means far more responsibility and pay once you land a position.
10. How to Get Medical Jobs: How to Become a Neonatal Nurse Learn what it takes to become a neonatal nurse. This type of nurse works exclusively with babies and requires extra training, after already being a RN or advanced practice nurse.
11. Advice to Future Nursing Students This video is aimed at high school students who are thinking of obtaining a nursing degree. It gives you insight on what to expect in nursing school, what types of classes you’ll be required to take and how to find out what type of nurse you may want to be (remember nursing is one career with many job options).
12. 3 Tips on How to Be Successful In Nursing School Clinicals Clinicals is when you’re endurance as a nurse is tested in a serious way. This is what it will be like once you’re on the job and patients are calling you nurse, so watch this video for tips on how to excel during training.



13. How Hard is Nursing School? Is nursing school as tough as you think? Definitely! Get an insider’s look at what it’s like to attend nursing school daily and how difficult the courses are. This vlogger also explains the various courses you’ll have to take, allowing you to get a feel of nursing school and access whether it’s a good fit for you.
14. What It Takes to Be a Nurse Think you have what it takes to be a nurse? Check out this video which gives you a peek at what it’s like to be on the job every day. It’s long hours, a lot of labor and you have to mentally be on your toes at all times.

YouTube Videos on Nursing Tests, Exams and Certification

Studying for nursing exams and certification can be tough. Check out these vlogs and videos over how to prep for an exam and be sure you’re ready to do well on a certification test when crunch time sets in.

15. Nursing School: Study/Organization Tips Getting organized is one of the best ways to keep track of everything you’re learning in nursing school. When it’s time to study for an exam, you want easy access to your material and this vlogger shares her tricks of the trade.
16. Nursing School Tips This hilarious vlogger shows you how to get through nursing school without tearing your hair out. He also shares a few study habits that will ensure you’re ready come test time.
17. How I Study for a Nursing Exam This aspiring nurse shares her insight on getting through the study process for a nursing exam. There’s no reason to get frazzled. It’s all about planning accordingly and giving yourself enough time to review the material.



18. NCLEX RN Exam Prep This Filipino nursing student shares his tips on studying for his RN exam. It is a heartfelt look at someone who truly loves the profession of nursing and understand that hard work means great reward once his career starts.
19. Starting Nursing School: Study Tips This nursing student shows you how she preps for class tests and a few of her study habits. Learning how to study is essential to keeping up with all of the information you learn in nursing school.
20. NCLEX RN Study Review This is an honest look at prepping for the NCLEX RN exam. It is a difficult test that every nurse must take and this video offers tips that will help get your head in the game when the big day arrives.
21. Study Skills for Nursing Students We said it once and we’ll say it again – it’s all about organization! Starting ahead of time and avoiding procrastinating are two of the key components to doing well in nursing school and testing well. This nurse tells you why it’s important to stay on top of your studies.
22. Three Tips to Any Nursing Exam Many nursing exams have a formula. This means it’s important to learn how to take the test and important to know the material you’ll be tested on. This vlogger shows you how to conquer any nursing exam.
23. Studying During Nursing School Exercise your mind with the techniques taught by this student nurse. There’s no reason to feel overwhelmed. It’s all about outlining the information you’ll be tested on and starting early.
24. Nursing School: My Study Techniques This nursing student shares her study tips for retaining information quickly. Remember that nursing school means learning a lot of material at once, so it’s important to learn a technique that lets you covers the material you need to know in a short duration of time.

Nursing is a rewarding profession. It is a career that’s high in demand and gives a person many options. Working in different areas of nursing can change the entire dynamic of the career. While many nurses experience burnout after a few years on the job, it’s the type of career where moving to another department or another facility, such as from the ER to a nursing home, can vastly change the experience. There are many messageboards and forums to aide your journey in surviving nursing school.

Specifically for Personal Trainers

1. Adelaide Personal Training Blog: Personal training tips from a registered fitness professional in Adelaide, Australia.
2. Advice for Personal Trainers: This blog offers a business course as well as marketing and personal training advice.
3. Elsbeth Vaino’s Blog: Get training and nutrition advice for your own healthy living and sports performance.
4. NCSF Personal Trainer Blog: This blog is a professional media outlet that addresses current topics and issues facing the personal training profession.
5. Personal Trainer Development Center Blog: PTDC provides personal trainers with the essential tools beyond the exercise realm needed to make personal training a lucrative and happy career.
6. Personal Trainer Success Academy: Tap into a variety of blogs by and for personal trainers at this site.
7. S.P.A.R.T.A. Blog: This is the Sports Performance and Resistance Training Association blog for personal trainers.
8. Sports Training Blog: Sports professionals writing about their experiences, tips and advice on training and competing in high performance sport.
9. Wellness WORD Health And Fitness Tips: This blog is designed as a watchdog for health, fitness and bodybuilding workout results.

Commercial Blogs and Business Tools

10. 8C Benz: This company helps other companies educate their people about important (and complicated) topics like health care and retirement.
11. HealthFit Sherpa: Your HealthFitSherpa program posts a fresh and frequent flow of engaging and educational content out to your customers and prospects.
12. Make Sport Fun: This company is obsessed with fitness marketing, sports marketing and activity marketing.
13. My PT Profile: Myptprofile lets you to enter all your important data into a secure online platform — anywhere, anytime.
14. Powering Through: William Wayland lectures on sports science, dabbles in strength and conditioning coaching and is an avid and active sports fiend.
15. PT Business In A Box: PT Business In A Box is a Web site that provides down-to-earth information for personal trainers looking to start, build and ENJOY their own business.
16. PT Wall Blog: This blog is part of a national directory of independent personal trainers, tools for personal trainers and the ability to market personal training services.
17. The Trackster: The Trackster keeps the communication between the trainer and client ongoing and consistent, without being overbearing and time consuming.
18. Thrasher Fitness Marketing: This company refines brands and creates custom marketing solutions and online communities for fitness professionals, businesses and fitness products.
19. Training Peaks: This blog is all about passion for athletic achievement and creating something new with existing technology.
20. Turbulence Training: Craig Ballantyne is a workout routine and fat loss expert, and writes workout routines for Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines.

Business Strategies

21. 7-Figure Sam’s Super-Trainer: Kaiser Serajuddin, the editor of Super-Trainer.com, also handles the worlds’ premier Online Fitness Business Magazine.
22. Athletic Business: This is a learning resource for athletic, fitness and recreation professionals.
23. Behind the Scenes: Club Industry, the online source for fitness business professionals, offers a blog that keeps users up to date on current activities and business news.
24. Fitness, Business, Fitness Business, & Achieving Life Goals: Mark Nutting offers blog entries, videos and more for trainers who want to offer only the very best training.
25. Fitness Marketing Muscle: Sean Greeley’s biggest asset is his ability to systematize and then maximize almost every business essential from sales to management and more.
26. Kick Back Life: The purpose of this site is to act as a free resource and launching pad to help personal trainers help others create a more satisfying and healthier life.
27. My Business is Fitness: Ben works as the social media manager of one of Australia’s largest and most dynamic fitness companies, and has been in the fitness industry for over 13 years.
28. Personal Trainer Tools: Fitness pros may find some world-class career training through this blog.
29. Personal Training & Fitness Business Tools: A simple and easy-to-read blog that contains tips on how to help your personal training business thrive.
30. Personal Training Business: This blog is part of a business that can help you obtain better clients, make more money and build a successful career.
31. PT Business Success: This blog is aimed at fitness professionals interested in improving their business to make more money in less time.
32. Super-Trainer: This is an online fitness business magazine geared toward fitness enthusiasts who want to open a fitness business.

Marketing Strategies

33. Active Voice Fitness Writing & Marketing: A blog about fitness writing, marketing and publicity from Amanda Vogel, owner of Active Voice Writing Service for fitness professionals.
34. Fitness 360: The F360 team has been influencing the health and fitness industry with their “out of the box” thinking since 1989.
35. Fitness Marketing Blog: The Premier Fitness Marketing team is pleased to offer health club marketing tips, gym promotions advice, and news regarding their latest campaigns.
36. Fitness Marketing Group: The mission of Fitness Marketing Group is to help your fitness business become and remain profitable through one of two programs designed for independent, franchised, and licensed health clubs across the world.
37. Fitness Marketing Made Simple: Follow Dax Moy’s advice on client attraction, business success and to create the ultimate lifestyle for fitness trainers.
38. Fitness Marketing SOS: This blog contains links to “One Minute Marketing Tips,” “Marketing Strategies,” online strategies and social media tips.
39. Laura Dalch: Laura is a health/nutrition counselor, but she also is a marketing consultant and strategist for wellness professionals.
40. PT Power: Tap into unconventional and out-of-the-box ideas, systems and strategies for maximum fitness marketing profits.
41. Steve Hochman’s Bootcamp Marketing Blog: This personal trainer went from being a Pizza delivery dude with A.D.D. to owning his own personal training studio and pulling in 43k per month within two years.
42. Trainer Of Trainers: Get free marketing tips on how to grow your business, be remarkable and live your dream lifestyle.

Sports Medicine

43. Fitness & Health with Dr. Gabe Mirkin: News and tips for a healthful lifestyle from Gabe Mirkin, MD, and his wife, nutritionist Diana Mirkin.
44. Howard J. Luks, MD: The “musings” of a patient-centric orthopedist using social media and healthcare to speak out about injury care and prevention.
45. Mike Reinold: This blog about rehab, sports medicine and performance is for physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning specialists, or other orthopedic, rehabilitation, or sports medicine specialists.
46. Movement Science Blog and Podcast: This blog and podcast were designed specifically for rehabilitation and exercise professionals.
47. Physical Therapy Exercises: Gary Gray is an eight-year stroke survivor who shares his journey back to recovering as many abilities as possible.
48. Sports Injury Clinic: This clinic maintains a blog that talks about a variety of sports and training injuries.
49. Sports Injury Info: Don’t sit on the sidelines — learn how to keep yourself and your clients safe with preventive procedures.
50. Suite 101 Sports Medicine: Articles in this blog include current events and trends in the field of sports medicine along with presenting information on epidemiological studies within specific sports.

With loads of educational requirements and a dedication and responsibility to patients, it can all be overwhelming for existing and studying nurse practitioners. However, there are literally over 100,000 other nurse practitioners out there, many of which share their wisdom over the web. To keep time spent researching them all down, we have collected the below 30 must read web resources for nurse practitioners. They are essential for students, practicing nurses, and even patients who want to know more about the people caring for them.

Must-Read Web General Resources for Nurse Practitioners

Learn about all aspects of nurse practitioners with these helpful reads.

1. What is a Nurse Practitioner?
   Start here to learn the basics of becoming and being a nurse practitioner. The American College of Nurse Practitioners offers this read on what an NP does, along with a more detailed PDF on the subject. Their site also has other valuable reads such as the benefits of an ACNP certification and scholarship information.
2. Nurse Practitioner Preparation
   The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners is the go to agency for NP’s. With 26 years and counting of representing nurse practitioners, their site is a must visit. In this section, they have resources on what it takes to prepare for a career including resources for everyone from students to nurse practitioners at the doctorate level. You can also use them to search for approved NP programs by state or specialty.
3. Nurse Practitioner Forum
   The discussion boards at All Nurses have loads of people stopping in to ask and answer questions. With a special board for NP’s, little discussed topics such as how to become an NP with no experience and if you need a doctorate degree to become a nurse practitioner are discussed. The main site also has more for nurses.
4. Salary for Nurse Practitioners
   Because they don’t call it the bottom line for nothing, click here. The experts at Payscale.com keep up to date salary information on loads of professions, including nurse practitioners. The current average salary range is from $71,028 to $91,692. You can also search by specialty, location, or even view openings for NP jobs.
5. NCLEX Exam
   This exam is a must for nurses at any level. Similar to what the MCAT is for doctors, the NCLEX is a requirement for anyone looking for a nursing or nurse practitioner license. This must read from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing has information for students, educators, and researchers.
6. The Future of Nurse Practitioners
   With the passage of the Affordable Health Act, the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of 45,000 primary care physicians by 2020. In 2008, there were an estimated 158,348 certified nurse practitioners, an increase from 141,209 in 2004, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To help fill in the gap, more nurse practitioners will be needed and the SF Gate predicts that electronic health records will play a big part.
7. US Nurse Practitioner Prescribing Law
   As the saying goes, “with greater power comes greater responsibility.” Many nurse practitioners are licensed to prescribe medications and are therefore required to adhere to local laws. Check out this guide to see a brief summary of NP prescribing laws by state.
8. Drug Interactions Checker
   Although no web resource can replace an actual education, this is the next best thing. Provided by Drugs.com, they explain the mechanism of each drug interaction, the level of significance of the interaction (major, moderate or minor), and in certain cases, can provide the recommended course of action to manage the interaction. There are terms to agree to before using the drug interactions checker.
9. Nurse Practitioner License Requirements by State
   Although most nurse practitioners are required to have a qualifying master’s degree and then pass a licensing exam, each state is different. Visit this interactive map from Medscape Today to look up the requirements by state you wish to practice in. Although it has been updated, it is important to double check with your state board to make sure the information is as current as possible.
10. License Search for Nurses
    In a sort of reverse of the above, use this tool to look up a nursing license. You can look up by name or even license number. Information is constantly being updated, and you can even look up other medical licenses such as midwife.

Must-Read Web Organization Resources for Nurse Practitioners

These organizations have more on nurse practitioners.

11. American College of Nurse Practitioners
    The ACNP is a national, non-profit membership organization whose mission is to ensure a solid policy and regulatory foundation that enables NP’s to continue providing high quality healthcare. Their membership structure consists of both individual nurse practitioners as well as national and state NP organizations. You can also read research, resources, and even a section just for students online.
12. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
    Formed in 1985, the AANP was formed to provide a way for nurse practitioners to network and have a voice of advocacy. As the largest and only full-service national professional membership organization for NPs of all specialties, the AANP represents the interests of the more than 135,000. They also have research/education sections along with publications which can be read online.
13. American Nurses Credentialing Center
    The ANCC is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organizations and a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association. They offer many specialties, including nurse practitioner. They also have more on accredited nurse programs, certification, and continuing education.
14. National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties
    They are devoted to promoting quality nurse practitioner education at the national and international levels. Starting in 1974 as a small group of educators meeting to develop the first NP curriculum guidelines, NONPF has evolved as an organization for NP faculty sharing the commitment of excellence in education. There are also educational resources and announcements, along with an Ask NONPF, a column where they respond to questions.
15. Nursing Center
    The Professional Topics section alone is worth a visit. You can get career articles, a guide to certification, and even how to get a license. Other worthy reads include clinical topics, journals, and even a blog.
16. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
    Visit here to learn more on the specialty of NP’s that focus on younger patients. They have loads of news featured on the feed, as well as instructional videos for patients and nurse practitioners. You can also use it to find a chapter in your area.
17. The American Journal of Nursing
    You don’t need a subscription to this publication to read the many articles they feature online or as a PDF. There are also podcasts for nurses available for the listening. Most viewed articles include a step by step to an evidence based practice and improving communication among nurses, patients, and physicians.
18. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners
    Similar to the above, this is another publication for nurses but specifically for nurse practitioners. You can also read many articles online or as a PDF. There are topic collections from respiratory health to mental health, and you can even request a free subscription.
19. National Institute of Nursing Research
    Part of the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services, they have loads of must read resources for nursing research. You can get highlights, news, information, and even guides to funding. There is also a section for training opportunities for early career and established scientists in nursing.
20. American Nurse Association
    Finally, there is the ANA. All nurses can utilize the organization’s site for learning more about nursing education, ethics, continuing education, certifications, and more. They also have educational videos and many sub-organizations that specialize in special types of nursing.

Must-Read Blog Resources for Nurse Practitioners

These blogs are authored by medical professionals and even nurse practitioners and contain loads of must read advice.

21. Is There Room for Dr. Nurse?
    Because NP’s are expected to fill the gap in healthcare, what do medical doctors think about this? In a response to the ACP Advocate Blog, the Happy Hospitalist describes what the difference between an NP and an MD is. The difference in training is the biggest item, and you can find much more on the blog.
22. 10 Free Online Tools for Nurse Practitioners
    Stephen is a family nurse practitioner from New York. His blog highlights issues, trends, and policies affecting nurse practitioners. In this post, many online resources and even tools for the NP are highlighted and described.
23. Sign Language
    Are you one of the many Americans who do not know a second language? Chances are so don’t many of your patients and you as a nurse practitioner will be left to play a game of sign language. In this blog entry, the anonymous Northern California blogger describes what they do to communicate with patients who speak little to no English.
24. 9 Tips for Interviewing and Hiring the Best Candidates for Your Practice
    The Nurse Practitioner Blog is a must read for those who ever wish to go into their own practice or are already there. Barbara C. Phillips does an excellent job of showing the view from the top with loads of tips and recommendations. This blog post is also a good web resource either for those who are doing the hiring as well as those applying for nursing jobs.
25. 7 Nurse Practitioners Who Changed the Profession Forever
    Why read a long textbook on the history of nurse practitioners when there is this blog post? Health Nation ordinarily posts tips and tricks for readers on how to live healthier. In a change from the norm, this post is about the nurse practitioner profession and those who changed it.
26. Second Degree Nursing
    Because a career as a nurse practitioner requires a second degree, and in some cases a third or fourth, check out this blog entry. Nurse Teeny shares what it takes to become a nurse and includes eight myths on nurses seeking a second degree. They include items on experience, education, and ego.
27. Top Ten Reasons – Nursing Humor
    If all of this serious reading has got you down, stop here. It is a database of top ten lists specifically for those in the nursing field. They include most common nursing phrases, reasons for going into nursing, and more.
28. Ninety Nine
    The blog “What School Doesn’t Teach About Being a Nurse Practitioner” does just that. In this entry, she relates why it is important to write down a patient history and how. The blog entry title is in reference to a term the patient couldn’t say and why.
29. Why Nurse Stereotypes are Bad for Health
    There are many depictions of nurses on screen that can be entertaining but misleading. Check out this reprint of Theresa Brown’s post on how nurses are viewed and how it can affect the health of the patient. The blogger at Career Male Nurse also has more.
30. The Last Minute of Life
    Because all healthcare professionals deal with death at some point or another, check out this blog post. Written by Midwife for the End-of-Life, it describes in detail what to expect. Melaina also has many nursing credentials and knowledge of the field.

Although the above 30 must read web resources for nurse practitioners has loads of good and free advice, please consult your own physician before making changes to a health or medication plan. When seeking a nurse practitioner education, research your own state board to see what the requirements are as well as which schools are accredited to teach in the field of nurse practitioner.

You can use the Internet as a great resource for learning more about getting healthy, including learning more about fitness. You can also direct your patients to good web resources. As you do your best to fulfill your duties as a NP, you can get help from these 40 great sites for fitness tips:

General Exercise and Fitness Tips

These web sites are great for providing general exercise and fitness tips. You can find simple solutions to different problems, and help your patients make better decisions when it comes to physical exercise.

1. Fitness.com: Get awesome tips, and find good exercises. Great for developing a good fitness routine.
2. WomenFitness.com: A great web site aimed at providing women with fitness tips. Find program tips, and exercise direction as well.
3. WebMD Health and Fitness: Get great fitness tips that can contribute to your general health. A helpful — and healthful — resource.
4. Men’s Fitness: A great resource aimed at helping men improve their fitness levels. A great place to go if you are interested in improving your fitness as a man.
5. Fitness Basics from Mayo Clinic: Get the best fitness tips and basic information from the respected Mayo Clinic.
6. FitnessZone: Get tips, and good information on a number of fitness topics. Very helpful and practical.
7. ExRx: Offers fitness tips and information related to targeting different areas of the body, and muscle groups.
8. FitWatch: You can get great fitness and health tips. Additionally, you can track your own fitness level.
9. Fitness Partner: You can use the tips on this web site to create your own fitness plan. Get in shape and live a healthier life.

Weight Loss Tips

In some cases, fitness includes losing weight. When you are overweight, you can’t be at your best physical condition. Weight loss tips — health weight loss tips — can increase someone’s fitness.

10. SparkPeople: Get plenty of fitness and weight loss tips, while enjoying the support of an entire community. A great resource that even provides tips for creating your own weight loss and fitness plan.
11. FitDay: A fitness journal that includes tips, as well as help reaching your fitness and weight loss goals.
12. Prevention: You can get great exercise tips, as well as weight loss tips and other tips for living a life that is generally healthier.
13. Fitness Tips for Life: This is a site that offers information on fat loss and other weight loss tips.
14. Weight Loss Tips: Great information on weight loss and healthy living.
15. 101 Weight Loss: Tips on exercise, nutrition and more related to losing weight.
16. Whole Fitness: Some great fitness tips, including weight loss tips, and even mind fitness tips. Plenty to choose from to help you get in shape.

Marathon and Triathlon Training Tips

If you are into being fit by running, especially distance running, these web sites can be quite helpful. You can get good tips for running in marathons and triathlons, along with great training tips, by visiting the following web sites.

17. Runner’s World: Offers plenty of tips for those involved in running. A great site for all things running, and great marathon training tips.
18. MarathonGuide.com: The name of the site says it all. Learn tips for training in general, and how to get fit for specific marathons. A great resource.
19. Marathon Training Schedule: Great tips, step by step plans, and plenty of help to get you physically fit and ready for a marathon.
20. MarathonRookie.com: This web site is a great site for beginning marathoners. You can get some good tips on marathon and half marathons.
21. BeginnerTriathlete.com: Get solid tips for getting into shape for triathlons. Aimed at beginners, but the tips can be used by anyone of any level.
22. Triathlon Training Tips: Fitness Depot offers some great advice for those who are training for a triathlon.
23. Ironman Triathlon Tips: You have to be at the peak of fitness in order to complete an Ironman triathlon. Here are some good tips to help you train right.
24. Hulaman.com: It’s a silly web site name, but it contains great tips for those who want to reach triathlon fitness levels.

Strength Building and Weight Training Tips

When weight lifting and strength training are part of your fitness routine, it can help to have some good tips. Here are a few web sites that can help out.

25. Let’s Talk Muscle: This site can help you learn about building muscle, and strength. Great tips and exercises that can help you.
26. IDEA: This fitness library has a number of great fitness tips, including strength training tips and exercises.
27. Weight Training: You can get great ideas for weight training with these helpful tips and exercises from an About.com expert.
28. Bodybuilding.com: Weight lifting tips, helps and strategies. Learn how to build your body and put on muscle.
29. Strength Training Tips: FitSugar has some great tips and advice related to strength training. Follow these tips and become more fit.
30. Strength Conditioning: Condition your body for strength. Plenty of good fitness tips for those interested in strength training.
31. Resistance Training: Find out more about building muscle as part of your fitness routine from Exercise Tips.
32. Mahler’s Aggressive Strength: Tips for using kettle bells as part of your strength training fitness routine.

Yoga Tips

Many people enjoy yoga as a form of fitness. If you want help with your yoga practice, or want to point patients in the right direction, these yoga web sites can help, and I’ve included a few Pilates tips sites as well — even though they are different exercises.

33. Yoga 4 Beginners: You can learn more about yoga, and get tips for more effective practice and fitness, from this site.
34. Yoga Tips: You can get some great tips on yoga and fitness from LifeTips.
35. Yoga Tips Library: The title pretty much says it all. You can get some great yoga tips, and plenty of other fitness tips, from this site.
36. Yoga: Get started practicing yoga for physical and spiritual fitness with help from an About.com expert.
37. HealthYoga: Find some great tips on incorporating yoga into your fitness routine for better health.
38. Yoga and Pilates Tips: Get help, whether you are practice yoga or Pilates (or both). Great tips for practical fitness.
39. Pilates: Beginners can get some great tips from this site. Additionally, you can find tips for advanced Pilates exercisers.
40. Pilates Insight: Tips, exercise routines and more related to achieving fitness with help from Pilates.

Medical Journal Databases

Free online journal databases can help you read the latest research about different diseases, as well as access peer reviewed information from the past.

1. Online Free Medical Journals: Find out about different diseases and read up on the latest information. You can also look up information by drugs or by disease. An interesting resource that anyone can use.
2. PubMed: You can search full text articles on any number of diseases. Not all the articles are available for free, though. You can filter your search results so that you only get free journal articles, though. Using the database is, of course, free of charge.
3. Medical-Journals.com: Find links to medical journals and learn about different diseases. You will also find access to subscriber journals. But this free data base can also help you find free journal articles from around the world.
4. Free Medical Journals: Offers access to full text articles and abstracts from free sources around the world. An interesting look at diseases past and present, and access to medical knowledge from various places around the globe.
5. HighWire: Stanford University offers access to free online journals. This includes medical and health journals. Get insights into different diseases, and read about the latest advancements in treatments. Includes medical theories and disease information.
6. Free Online Journals: Learn more about different diseases when you search this database of free online journals. Get access to peer reviewed information about thousands of conditions, and search for answers.
7. Medical Matrix: Find resources that can help you with medical topics, including diseases. You can search free resources from around the web with the help of this online medical database.
8. Scientific Medical Journals: Search different medical journals. Not all will be free, but you can find full text peer reviewed articles, as well as abstracts, when you search here. A free database that can help you find the information you are looking for.

Consumer Information Sites

These sites are written to provide information for consumers. It is easily accessible information, and explanations are basic and written so that a wide variety of people can understand them.

9. Disease Database: Find information on different diseases, and learn about where you can get even more information. A helpful resource that anyone can use free of charge.
10. NORD: You can search for rare diseases when you use this database from the National Organization for Rare Disorders. A great place to go if you are looking for information on diseases that are out of the common way, and if you are looking for treatment resources.
11. CHE Toxicant and Disease Database: If you are interested in the diseases that can be caused by toxins and chemicals in the environment, this database is for you. You an search by disease to find out what might cause it, or look at toxins to see what diseases they might cause.
12. MedlinePlus: You can get health and medical information on a number of topics. Search diseases to learn about symptoms, treatments and more. Find out about drugs and other items related to your health and to medicine. From the National Library of Medicine.
13. MedicineNet.com: This consumer site is aimed at bringing doctor’s knowledge to more people. You can search different conditions and diseases and learn about symptoms and treatments.
14. WebMD: This is a premier site for consumer information on diseases and other health issues. Search by disease, and get the latest health and medical news.
15. RxList: A list of different drugs on the Internet. You can also search by disease to find out what drugs will help specific diseases.
16. Mayo Clinic: This great web site offers consumer friendly information about a number of diseases. Includes up to date news and information, and answers you can trust.
17. Medical Symptoms: A great database that can help you learn more about symptoms of different diseases, and learn more about your own health.
18. Healthline: You can get access to information about different diseases, explore their development, and consider treatments with help from this consumer friendly database.

Sites Aimed at Health Care Professionals

There are also medical database sites aimed at health care professionals. While some of the information might be a little technical, it is still helpful information, and interesting.

19. Disease Database: This database from The Doctors Lounge is aimed at providing disease summaries. It’s a helpful resource for health care professionals looking to brush up, or students looking to pass exams.
20. Medscape: Aimed at physicians and other health care professionals, this site offers a searchable database, as well as specialty sites and full text journal articles.
21. Medical Resource Reviews Database: This database is aimed at helping health care professionals and others find information about different medical resources. Can lead you to helpful information on different diseases.
22. Symptoms and Diseases Database: This is a patients record project aimed at medical professionals. It is possible to share symptoms and diseases, and search the database for information that can help in diagnosis. An interesting resource aimed at helping doctors connect with each other.
23. TDR Targets: This database from the World Health Organization offers information on neglected tropical diseases, as well as the compounds that could help. This site is aimed at medical researchers looking to develop ways to alleviate diseases that may not be addressed as well as they should be.
24. Medical Mnemonics: If you want helping remember facts about diseases and other health care information, this database can be a great resource.
25. GIDEON: This database of infectious diseases is updated regularly, and aimed at helping medical professionals in their jobs. It is a paid database if you want the service, but you can sign up for a free trial, and search the database for free for a limited time.

How do beta blockers work?

Beta blockers are medications intended to block norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) from binding to beta receptors on nerves. The medication can slow nerve impulses that travel through your heart, controlling heart rate and the strength of your heartbeat. Beta blockers also can open (dilate) blood vessels to improve blood flow and may constrict air passages by stimulating the muscles surrounding air passages to contract.

Doctors may prescribe beta-blockers to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure (CHF), abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and chest pain (angina). Heart attack patients also may receive beta blockers to prevent future heart attacks and some patients may receive beta blockers to prevent migraines. Other uses include the treatment of hyperthyroidism, akathisia (restlessness), and anxiety. Some beta blockers reduce the production of aqueous humor in the eye and therefore are used for reducing pressure in the eye caused by glaucoma.

The type of beta blocker prescribed depends upon the patient’s needs. The body contains 2 main beta receptors called beta 1 (ß1) and beta 2 (ß2). Beta 1 receptors are responsible for the heart rate and strength of the heart beat. Beta 2 receptors are responsible for smooth muscle function, or for control over the muscles that control body functions that you have no control over.

Beta blocker functions

Three different types of beta receptors control several functions, based upon their location within the body:

1. Beta-1 (ß1) receptors are located in the heart, eye, and kidneys;
2. Beta (ß2) receptors are found in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, uterus, blood vessels, and skeletal muscle; and
3. Beta (ß3) receptors are located in fat cells.

Selective beta blockers block beta 1 receptors more than they block beta 2 receptors, but some selective beta blockers block both receptors. Nonselective beta-blockers block both beta 1 and beta 2 receptors. Some beta blockers have intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), which means they actually increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some beta blockers block beta and alpha-1 receptors, adding to the blood dilating effect of other medications.

Beta blockers aren’t usually prescribed until other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics, haven’t worked effectively. Beta blockers with brand names include acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), metoprolol (Lopressor or Metoprolol), nadolol (Corgard), and timolol (Blocadren or Timolol Oral).

Adverse effects

Practically any medication may present side effects for patients, and beta blockers are no exception. The following lists contain reported side effects that are common, central nervous system side effects and less common or rare side effects. Patients should report any side effects to their physician.

Common side effects of beta blockers may include:

• Cold hands and/or feet
• Weakness
• Dry mouth, eyes and skin
• Fatigue or drowsiness

Central nervous system effects of beta blockers may include:

• Headache
• Depression
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nightmares and/or hallucinations

Less common or rare side effects may include:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of sex drive or impotence
• Depression
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach or muscle cramps
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Rash
• Blurred vision
• Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure
• Swelling of hands and/or feet
• Back or joint pain
• Sore throat

Beta blockers generally aren’t used in people with asthma. Beta blockers may trigger severe asthma attacks, especially those medications that block ß2 receptors. Beta blockers may block signs of low blood sugar for diabetics, such as rapid heart beat. It’s important to monitor blood sugar on a regular basis.

Since beta blockers can slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure, they may cause heart failure or heart block in patients with heart problems.

Beta blockers also may affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels, causing a slight increase in triglycerides and a modest decrease in high-density lipoprotein, the “good” cholesterol. These changes often are temporary.

You should never abruptly stop taking a beta blocker because doing so could increase your risk of angina, heart attack or sudden death. Only reduce your medication under a doctor’s orders, according to a plan to withdraw the medication.

Medical Interactions

Other medicines that you may be taking can increase or decrease the effect of beta-blockers. These effects are called “interactions.” Be sure to tell your doctor about every medicine and vitamin or herbal supplement that you currently take, so he or she can make you aware of any interactions.

The following medicinal categories contain items that can increase or decrease the effects of beta-blockers. Because there are so many kinds of medicines within each category, not every type of medicine is listed.

• Certain anti-depressants
• Allergy shots or medications
• Diabetes medicines, including oral medicines and insulin
• Medicines to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema
• Medicines to treat coughs and colds
• Medicines to treat indigestion

• Other medicines used to treat high blood pressure. These other medicines may increase beta-blocker effects.

Talk with your doctor about eating or drinking products that contain caffeine. Other over-the-counter medications also need discussion, such as pills or syrups that treat coughs and colds, antihistamines and antacids that contain aluminum. You should also avoid drinking alcohol, because alcohol could decrease beta blocker effects.

Tell your doctor…

Talk to your doctor about your medical history before you start taking beta-blockers to help increase the benefits of taking beta blockers and to reduce your risks. Other than discussion about current medications, be sure to discuss the following items:

• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or if you are breast-feeding.
• Individuals over age 60 have more problems while taking beta blockers than younger individuals.
• If you have had a heart attack or other heart disease or if you experience poor circulation in your hands and feet.
• If you have bradycardia (slow heart rate) or a heart block.
• If you have asthma, as beta blockers may worsen your condition.
• Individuals who suffer from hay fever, chronic bronchitis or emphysema may experience worse symptoms on beta blockers.
• Diabetics and people who suffer from hypoglycemia should be aware that beta blockers may disguise low blood sugar symptoms.
• If you have an overactive thyroid, kidney or liver disease.
• If you suffer from allergies, especially to foods or dyes. Beta blockers may worsen allergic reactions.
• Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking a beta-blocker.

Other Advice

• If you miss a dose of your beta blocker, take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is within four (4) hours of your next dose (8 hours for penbutolol, atenolol, nadolol). If it is, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up. If you have doubts about your missed dose, call your doctor or nurse practitioner.
• Store your beta blocker at room temperature (between 59-86 degrees F, or 14 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture (not in a bathroom cabinet) and sunlight (not on a windowsill).
• Keep emergency numbers for your doctor, hospital or emergency services close at hand to use if you experience any side effects or illness.
• Many beta blockers are available as low-cost generics. Learn more about how to keep your beta blocker medical costs down through this Consumer Reports article.

The following list is categorized, and each link is listed alphabetically within those categories.

Nutrition and Healthy Living Blogs

1. $5 Dinners is run by Erin Chase, who is available to help families eat healthy on a tight budget. She offers recipes, links to coupons, and shopping guidance.
2. A Healthy Kitchen has healthy recipes and inspirational messages for living a healthy life physically, mentally, and spiritually.
3. Balanced Health and Nutrition is run by Rebecca Scritchfield and her staff of intern contributors. They offer food, nutrition and exercise information “with a dash of opinion.”
4. Delicious Life is what Christy Goldfeder offers, with an “Anti-diet” of delicious foods for weight loss, stress relief and freedom from digestive troubles.
5. Dietriffic offers healthy eating tips, exercise advice, healthy recipes, and weight loss tips. Melanie Thomassian will help you take charge of your life.
6. Embrace Your Heart is Eliz Greene’s “Busy Women’s Guide” to eating better for less stress and a healthy heart.
7. Nutrition for Empowered Women belongs to Alexandra Jamieson, author of The Great American Detox Diet. She blogs about holistic nutrition and healthy living.
8. Protein Power features two blogs on nutrition by doctors Michael B. and Mary Dan Eades. Michael focuses on health while Mary Dan focuses on lifestyle.
9. The Healthy Voyager has information, videos, podcasts, and articles that will help you live a “happier, healthier, and greener life.”
10. The Nutrition Help Blog focuses on cutting through myths about nutrition and offering sound health information. Blogger Brad Pilon has written a book called Eat Stop Eat.

Weight Loss and Diet Blogs

11. 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet was started by three sisters, Suzanne, Jennifer, and Amy, who wanted to lose weight. Now the site provides weight loss support for over 70,000 registered members.
12. A Weight Lifted is a blog about healthy weight loss for women who are tired of dieting.
13. Diet Blog has forums, polls, and articles on topics related to diet and weight loss. You can write your own post, ask advice or share your story.
14. Escape from Obesity is “a look into the secret life and inner thoughts of an obese mom.”
15. Fat Man Unleashed proves that weight loss isn’t just for women. Here, a man offers his suggestions for weight loss and fitness.
16. Fit-Bottomed Girls‘ motto is “keeping a lid on junk in the trunk.” Posts from the girls discuss weight-loss and fitness issues; the site has many other features.
17. Maria’s Last Diet gives guidance about the psychological side of dieting.
18. Starling Fitness offers daily writings on achieving goals in fitness, diet, weight loss, and health. A recent article suggests keeping your goals to yourself for better results.
19. The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl showcases Shauna Reid is a “Scotland-dwelling Aussie” who’s lost half of 330 pounds as she chronicles her adventures.
20. The Office Diet provides tips on weight loss and fitness for people living a hectic lifestyle.

Fitness Blogs

21. Ask the Trainer is help from a personal trainer named Mike, who provides all manner of tips on exercise, diet, and fitness.
22. Cranky Fitness is Crabby McSlacker’s humor-driven site about fitness, health, nutrition, diet “and whining.”
23. Fitness and Health with Dr. Gabe Mirkin news and tips for a healthy lifestyle from a sports medicine doctor, fitness guru, and radio host.
24. Fitness Black Book advocates the “Hollywood” type of fit body-slim, athletic sexy rather than the “bodybuilder” type of fitness.
25. Fitness Spotlight offers guidance to “get fit, be healthy, go live,” including weight loss suggestions.
26. Get Fit Slowly is a blog by two men about how to get fit at a healthy pace.
27. Mark’s Daily Apple, or “Primal Living in the Modern World,” is a blog for health, fitness, feeling and looking good.
28. Theory to Practice has detailed articles on fitness topics.
29. Trying Fitness is where Eartha posts on fitness topics from body-building to running to breathing to weightlifting.
30. Workin’ on My Fitness provides Susan, who is not a professional, with a format for her passion about fitness.

Physical Health Blogs

31. Asthma Mom has all kinds of information, articles, reviews about asthma and being an asthma sufferer.
32. Beating Breast Cancer is the Camerons’ site: he, a family doctor; she, a nurse diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. Their story.
33. Califmom is the often humorous journey of a mom whose husband died of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and whose son has Asperger and Tourette Syndromes.
34. Cancer Bitch is a feminist who has lost a breast to cancer, and she takes on the world.
35. Diabetes Mine is a gold mine of information and straight talk about living with diabetes from someone diagnosed with Type I.
36. Down the MS Path is about a single mom disabled with Multiple Sclerosis and her personal story.
37. Dr. Len’s Cancer Blog is written by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the national office of the American Cancer Society; he offers articles and information.
38. MedicineWorld.org is filled with Health news and information about all types of medicine.
39. The F-Word stands for fat, food, and/or feminism. This blog is all about avoiding and dealing with eating disorders.
40. The Health Care Blog provides everything you always wanted to know about the health care system but were afraid to ask.

Mental Health Blogs

41. A Splintered Mind is where Douglas Cootey talks about becoming an author with ADHD, depression and a motor tic disorder (“Yeehaw!’).
42. Bipolar Beat is written by psychiatrist Candida Fink and freelance author Joe Kraynak. They write about a number of bipolar-related topics.
43. Coping with Life brings Tom Davis and guest bloggers together to write about how life affects mental health, focusing on different mental disorders at different times.
44. I See Invisible People is written by a woman diagnosed with bipolar. She takes on the world with insight and humor, setting weight loss goals and discussing sociopolitical aspects of mental illness.
45. If You’re Going Through Hell Keep Going is where blogger Susan writes about her struggle with Bipolar I. Posts include videos of mental hospitals.
46. Postpartum Progress is a blog about mental illnesses related to childbirth. It was founded in 2004 by Katherine Stone.
47. Storied Mind is a blog of stories of recovery from depression and other information.
48. Svasti: A Journey From Assault To Wholeness is where an Australian woman unravels the “mess created in my life by a single incident of violent physical assault on the 29th September 2005.”
49. The Pursuit of Happiness is one man’s battle against depression.
50. Una Vita Bella is a blog focused on “living a beautiful life with chronic illness and mental health issues.”

The following list is arranged in alphabetical order by given name, and each link leads to much more information about each individual and his or her achievements.

1. Andrea Brassard, RN, DNSc, MPH, ANP, is the strategic policy adviser to the Center to Champion Nursing in America, an initiative of AARP, the AARP Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She is president-elect of the Nurse Practitioner Association of the District of Columbia and past chair of the Center for Nursing Advocacy. She has been the nurse practitioner moderator for Practicing Clinicians Exchange, and currently practices as a volunteer attending at the GWU medical student HEALING clinic for under served Washington, DC residents.
2. Diane Nuñez, RN, MS, ANP-BC, teaches at Arizona State University and maintains an active clinical practice in community health. Nuñez works at the Escalante Health Center as program coordinator for a health program. As part of her doctoral studies, she is developing a Chronic Disease Disability Prevention (CDDP) program for older adults with the aim of improving quality of life and reducing health care expenses. She received [PDF] the NPHF/Proctor & Gamble 2007-2008 Community Service and gastroenterology Endowed Scholarship.
3. Loretta Ford, Ed. D, RN, PNP and a physician, Dr. Henry Silver, created the first nurse practitioner program at the University of Colorado in 1965. This was a non-degree certificate program, and all the early NP programs were initially established as these type of certificate programs before transitioning them to master’s degrees in the 1980s. She has authored over one hundred publications on the history of the nurse practitioner, unification of practice, education, and research, and issues in advanced nursing practice and health care.
4. Louise Kaplan, PhD, ARNP, has made significant contributions to advanced practice nursing as well as to the nursing profession. In her teaching, leadership and mentoring roles, Dr. Kaplan has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to thoroughly understand and effectively explain very complex issues. Dr. Kaplan is active in legislative and policy activities that include serving as chair of the legislative committee of ARNPs United of Washington State’s and a member of the American College of Nurse Practitioner’s (ACNP) Public Policy Committee.
5. Margaret A. Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP, is so prolific in her achievements that The Nurse Practitioner Journal has featured her as one of the nation’s 25 most influential NPs. Dr. Fitzgerald is the founder, president and principal lecturer with Fitzgerald Health Education Associates, Inc., and is also a Family Nurse Practitioner and adjunct faculty member with the Family Practice Residency Greater Lawrence (MA) Family Health Center. Dr. Fitzgerald also serves as guest faculty for a variety of healthcare-related companies and is an active member of numerous professional organizations at the national and local levels.
6. Marsha K. Siegel, EdD, FNP-C, is the president of the American College of Nurse Practitioners, a practicing Rural Health/Family Nurse Practitioner and adjunct faculty at the University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences. Dr. Siegel has served as a board member of the Wyoming Council for Advanced Practice Nursing (WCAPN) and co-authoring legislation to provide independent prescriptive authority to APNs in her state. She is a past recipient of the University of Wyoming School of Nursing Distinguished Alumnae Award and was named Volunteer NP of the Year by Healthcare for the Homeless in 2000.
7. Mary Beth Bigley [PDF], Dr. PH, MS.N., ANP, serves as a key leader for the Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future initiative which HHS (Health and Human Services) launched in November 2007 to bring attention to the nearly 34 percent of children and teens in America who are either overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. She also is instrumental in the design and implementation of the Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future Web page and outreach tour.
8. Mary Jane Henderson, MS, RN, GNP-BC, is a gerontological Nurse Practitioner, and she has worked in a variety of settings and has taught in nursing schools in both the U.S. and Canada. She has served as president of the National Conference of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners (NCGNP) and as officer in various other organizations. She also authored the NONPF Preceptor Manual. Henderson was the recipient of the Nancy Sharp Cutting Edge Award in 2005.
9. Phyllis Arn Zimmer, ARNP, MN, FNP, FAAN is an entrepreneur, educator, clinician and author whose dedication to the nurse practitioner profession and to ACNP has made her well known in the nurse practitioner community. Zimmer also served as Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations for ACNP and helped start the ACNP National Clinical Conference in 1999. Currently, she serves as president of the Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation (NPHF) and also teaches at the University of Washington.
10. Rachael Walker, NP, is an EIT graduate of the Master of Nursing, and is New Zealand’s first renal Nurse Practitioner. At 32, Rachael is also the youngest to have gained Nurse Practitioner status since the Nursing Council of New Zealand established the expanded nursing role nine years ago. A star student, Rachael was awarded the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board Associate Directors of Nursing Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Nursing Studies at EIT’s graduation ceremony earlier this year.
11. Rebecca Boensch, MSN, APRN, BC, is only one of eight nurse practitioners in the U.S. with a board certification in acupuncture. Boensch got her start in acupuncture through a challenge from a friend to take a class at the Toronto location of the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. She is certified through the Canadian institute who practices acupuncture, as only physicians can study it in this country. Boensch and several of her patients have contacted lawmakers to increase awareness of the benefits of acupuncture.
12. Robert T. Smithing, MSN, ARNP, has been a Family Nurse Practitioner since 1981. He is a past president of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and served on the original board of the American College of Nurse Practitioners. Bob is the recipient of the Sharp Cutting Edge Leadership Award for 2000 for his technological expertise and leadership in using the Internet for the purposes of increasing communication among NPs and for his business acumen. He has been on the Editorial Board of the Nurse Practitioner Journal and Clinician News, and has been the co-editor of ARNP Care since 1989.
13. Sandra F. Ryan, RN, MSN, CPNP is Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer of Take Care Health Systems, one of the largest managers of convenient care clinics and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreens. Sandy is one of six founding officers, and is the first Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer in the convenient care industry, paving the way for nursing leadership in this new model of health care. She received the 2007 Nancy Sharp Cutting Edge Award for her efforts in improving the awareness of nurse practitioners and demonstrating how valuable they are within the health care system.
14. Susan J. Wysocki, RNC, NP, FAANP is the President and CEO of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH). In 1999, Ms. Wysocki was selected by a national panel of nurse practitioners convened by the Nurse Practitioner Journal for a Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Wysocki has testified before Congress, the FDA and CDC regarding women’s health issues as well as the role of nurse practitioners. She also serves as an Ask the Expert from Medscape Today.

Among the most popular devices for practical applications are the iPhone and devices that run Android. If you are running one of these systems, you can take health and fitness help with you wherever you go, providing you with a little health care guidance. Here are the top 20 health and fitness mobile apps, 10 from iPhone and 10 from Android:

iPhone Health and Fitness Applications

Everyone seems to get excited about the iPhone. You can use a number of different apps for different purposes, including health and fitness.

1. Lose It!: This iPhone app is perfect for those looking to get healthier by losing weight. You can find calorie counts for hundreds of foods, including popular restaurant choices. Enter physical activities and see how many calories you are burning. Helps you set weight loss goals, and then track your progress. A great health and fitness app. Cost: Free
2. iBody: If you are looking for a way to keep track of health and fitness factors for your body, iBody is a great choice. You can track your blood pressure, and make weight loss goals. Record your pulse rate so that you are working out in an area of maximum effectiveness. Cost: $9.99
3. deftFitness: Learn how to work specific body parts with different exercises for all areas of your body. Find out how you can work different muscle groups, and see pictures to help you do the exercise right. Cost: $0.99
4. iFitness: Another great app that helps you get in — and stay in — shape. There are more than 160 exercise that help you keep up with your routine, avoiding weight loss plateaus. Create customized workouts and track your progress. Cost: $1.99
5. iStayFit: Another great choice for helping you design your own workout program. Animated images help you see exactly how to perform different exercises, so that you do them properly. Cost: $9.99
6. Gym Buddy: Keep track of your gym workouts. Set specific goals and put together a plan to follow while you are at the gym. Cost: $2.99
7. iTreadmill: If you want to keep track of your steps, speed and calories burned, this iPhone app is a great resource. It also includes your strike rate. Keep track of your fitness and more with this portable “treadmill.” Cost: $0.99
8. Nutrition Menu: Get everything you need in terms of nutrition information on more than 79,000 items. Offers you access to one of the best nutritional databases out there — all at your fingertips. Cost: $2.99
9. GoodFoodNearYou: If you are in a new place, and looking for something that’s healthy to eat, this iPhone app can help. Uses GPS to help you find good restaurants — no matter where you are. Cost: Free
10. EatRight 90: This amazing nutrition log will help you create a health diet that ensure that you get the right nutrition for optimal health and fitness. Perfect for those interested in creating 90 plans with specific health goals. Cost: $1.99

Android Health and Fitness Applications

Many people are starting to appreciate phones running Android more and more. If you have a phone running the Android operating system, here are some great apps for your health and fitness.

11. Endomondo Sports Tracker: If you like to do your exercising outside, this Android app is for you. Helps you keep track of distance and speed, and helps you map out a route, whether you are skating, cycling, jogging or walking. Can also sync up a playlist to match your route. Cost: Free
12. AllSport GPS: Another great tracker to help you keep track of calories burned, speed, time and more. Download routes, and use GPS to keep track of your outdoor fitness routine. Great for sharing workouts with friends and family. Cost: $9.99
13. FitSync: Get free workout ideas and track your fitness progress. Schedule workouts and add custom exercises. A simple way to keep on track with your fitness program. Cost: $2.99
14. Beer Gut Fitness: Figure out how to burn off that alcohol you’ve been consuming. Shares how many calories are in different drinks, and then tells you what types of exercise you can do to burn off those calories. Cost: $0.99
15. Racing for CardioTrainer: Motivational Android app that encourages you to beat your last running time. A great training app that can help you get in good shape — and improve against yourself. Cost: $2.99
16. Absolute Fitness: Great all in one Android app that helps you set fitness goals, put together a personalized workout, and keep track of calorie intake. Includes nutrition data for a number of different foods and drinks, and helps you keep track of where you are at with cholesterol, sodium, protein and more. Cost: $4.99
17. Food & Nutrition: A great Android app that provides you with information on different foods and diet. Get information and more about thousands of food options. Educational and easy to use. Learn to make better eating decisions for better health. Cost: Free
18. Fast Food Calorie Counter: Want to improve your health by eating better away from home? This app helps you see exactly what you are eating when you go out, and provides you with information that can help you mitigate some of the dangerous calorie counts associated with fast food. Cost: $1.99
19. Soleil Organics: If you want to increase your health by buying organic, this Android app is for you. Educates you on food labeling, and helps you analyze your shopping choices. A great tool for when you are shopping for healthier options. Cost: $0.99
20. Sleep Music: One of the most important things you can do for your health is to get the proper amount of sleep. Good sleep will help you feel more energetic, and can even aid in weight loss. If you have difficulty relaxing and falling asleep, this Android app can help you. Designed to help you avoid insomnia, you can listen to soothing music and fall asleep. Cost: Free