As you are conducting your searches, it may dawn on you that you'll need a way to keep track of your results. There are lots of ways to keep track of your results:

Research Matrix

A research matrix is simply a spreadsheet that tracks your research and allows you to compare various aspects of the research you've gathered in one document. A Google search for "nursing research matrix" will yield a wide variety of different examples. Some common elements of a matrix include: citation information, methodology, findings, variables, and notes. There are many other elements you may want to track, but the design of the matrix is entirely up to you! One example (derived from VCU Libraries review matrix) :

EndNote

EndNote is a citation management software program designed to gather and format citations. A citation management tool might be used together with a research matrix to help write your papers. The University of Tennessee maintains a campus-wide annual subscription for EndNote and it is available at no cost to students, staff, and faculty. Visit the Library's EndNote page for more information on installation and training.

Zotero

Zotero is another citation management tool that works in a similar way to EndNote. It is freely available on the Internet and more information about how to use it can be found on our Zotero Guide.