Thoughts on guideline references?

[fnpL]

Hello! I'm a brand new Family NP, starting my new job next month (ohmygoodness )! I know there is no complete all-in-one reference, but I'm looking for the BEST guideline reference that I can have glued to my side for my first year.

I absolutely LOVE UpToDate, but there's a LOT of information to sort through. Also, it's very time-consuming to log into this resource at my work. I have also used various apps for quick reference (SkyScape/Omnio, Epocrates).

Even though computer and phone-based resources are frequently updated, they're just not the same as as a good, old-fashioned, dog-eared and highlighted book... For printed books, I am leaning towards Uphold & Graham's 2013 Clinical Guidelines in Family Practice. However, I am also considering Cash's 2014 Family Practice Guidelines. I have never used either of them.

I feel a bit guilty for not wanting to use UpToDate for everything, but it just doesn't seem as practical as other options. I am also significantly concerned that printed options may not be updated on many important topics.

So, I'm asking for your help. What do you use? What is your #1, go-to resource? What are your thoughts on resources you have used? Printed versus phone/computer-based? Any suggestions for this very green family NP? I would kindly appreciate any and all advice, tips, feedback, or experiences you may have to share! Thank you SO much! :)

[aprnKate]

I've used all 3 references you mentioned above. Uphold and graham has great illustrations if you are visual. Cash I also like because it has patient teaching sheets in the back of the book. However, I lean a lot more with UpToDate... I have my own subscription, UpToDate has the current and latest evidence... I don't think you cango wrong with UpToDate. If you have your own account you can earn CEU's for reading up on topics, it has patient instruction sheets, algorithms, table guidelines, drug reference...it will give you more info that you need but when a patient will ask you a question that uphold & graham and cash guideline book doesn't have UpToDate will more than likely have the answer and is usually supported by a research study.

[Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

Up to Date hands down gets my vote. I like a solid physical reference near by, but for speed, convenience, and reliability, there is nothing better than Up to Date. I pay for my own account and use the application on my phone. I will say for my peds patients though, I lean a little more on Epocrates, more for drugs formulary info and drug strength per ml availability.

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

I LOVE uptodate. I also have epocrates and some other apps specific to my specialty (STI tx guide, pap smear guidelines etc), which are invaluable. I would not personally use a printed book as a clinical reference guide because they are out of date pretty much before they even hit the presses.

Hmmm, on second thought.. . I work at the women's correctional facility sometimes and we aren't allowed to bring electronics on the unit. I could access U2D on their computer but I'd have to log in remotely and it's a bit time consuming. I have a barebones paper "brain" that I bring with me, and I could see how a printed book would be helpful too.