Preserving health in the Marcellus region.

Community health nurses (CHNs) have an opportunity and responsibility to address potential environmental health issues related to shale drilling, even in the face of scientific uncertainty. Potential health impacts to air and water quality related to shale drilling are addressed within the context of the CHNs role of educator, case finder, advocate and researcher. Since 2005, an estimated 5,500 unconventional natural gas wells have been drilled in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection [PA DEP], n.

Faculty guide to the institutional review board process.

With the emphasis on research for professional advancement, faculty members require expertise in navigating the institutional review board (IRB) process for studies involving human subjects. Since IRBs often differ in their interpretation of federal guidelines, the process may prove confusing to novice as well as experienced researchers, leading to costly mistakes in projected timeframes and funding of research projects. The author provides a practical guide for successfully preparing and submitting research protocols to IRBs.