In nursing academia, precision is not optional; it is a requirement. Just as a medication error can harm a patient, a citation error can undermine the credibility of your research. The American Psychological Association (APA) Style is the standard format for nursing papers, theses, and manuscripts. It ensures clarity, uniformity, and proper attribution of ideas, allowing readers to focus on the content rather than the format. For nursing students, mastering the 7th Edition rules is the first step toward professional communication and publication. This guide demystifies the technicalities of APA formatting to help you produce flawless academic work.
Why APA Style Matters in Nursing
APA Style provides a foundation for effective scholarly communication because it helps authors present their ideas in a clear, concise, and organized manner. In nursing, it standardizes how we report evidence, making it easier for clinicians to locate original sources and verify claims.
According to the APA Style Blog, uniform reporting prevents bias, acknowledges authorship (preventing plagiarism), and allows for cross-referencing in systematic reviews. It is the language of scientific discipline.
General Formatting Rules (7th Edition)
Before typing a single word, configure your document settings to meet the standard. Consistency is key.
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides (Top, Bottom, Left, Right). Do not rely on default settings; verify them.
- Font: Accessible fonts are recommended for readability. Options include sans-serif fonts like Calibri 11-point, Arial 11-point, or serif fonts like Times New Roman 12-point.
- Spacing: Double-space the entire document, including the title page, block quotes, and reference list. Remove any “extra space after paragraphs” settings in your word processor.
- Header: Page number in the top right corner, starting on the title page. Note: Student papers do not need a Running Head unless the professor specifically requests it. Professional papers require a Running Head (shortened title, max 50 characters, all caps) flush left.
The Student Title Page Structure
The title page creates the first impression. Center the following information in the upper half of the page, double-spaced:
- Paper Title: Bold, Centered, Title Case (e.g., The Impact of Nurse-Patient Ratios on Safety). It should be positioned 3-4 lines down from the top margin.
- Author Name: Your Full Name.
- Affiliation: Department of Nursing, [Your University]. This identifies where the research was conducted.
- Course: Course Number and Name (e.g., NUR 301: Fundamentals of Nursing).
- Instructor: Instructor’s Name (e.g., Dr. Jane Doe).
- Due Date: Month Day, Year (e.g., October 12, 2024).
Heading Levels
APA uses five levels of headings to organize content hierarchically. Do not skip levels (e.g., do not go from Level 1 to Level 3).
- Level 1: Centered, Bold, Title Case. (Main Sections).
- Level 2: Flush Left, Bold, Title Case. (Subsections).
- Level 3: Flush Left, Bold Italic, Title Case. (Sub-subsections).
In-Text Citations: The Basics
Every time you use an idea, statistic, or theory that is not your own, you must cite it to give credit and allow readers to find the source. APA uses the Author-Date system.
Paraphrasing (Preferred)
Restating ideas in your own words demonstrates comprehension. It is preferred over direct quoting.
Parenthetical: (Smith, 2023). This appears at the end of the sentence.
Narrative: Smith (2023) argued that… The author is part of the sentence structure.
Direct Quotes
Using the exact words from the source. Requires a page number (p.) or paragraph number (para.) for location.
Parenthetical: “Nursing is an art” (Nightingale, 1859, p. 2).
Narrative: Nightingale (1859) stated, “Nursing is an art” (p. 2).
Multiple Authors
- Two Authors: Always list both. (Smith & Jones, 2022). Use an ampersand (&) in parenthetical citations and the word “and” in narrative text.
- Three or More: Use the first author plus “et al.” immediately, even for the first citation. (Taylor et al., 2023).
Secondary Sources
If you read a source (Primary) that cites another source (Secondary), try to find the original. If unavailable, cite the secondary source.
Example: (Allport’s diary, as cited in Nicholson, 2003). In the reference list, list only Nicholson.
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Start on a new page labeled References (Bold, Centered). Use a hanging indent (0.5 inch) for all entries so the author’s name stands out.
Journal Article
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Periodical, Volume(Issue), page range. https://doi.org/xxxx
Book
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the book (Edition if not 1st). Publisher.
Government Report (Gray Literature)
Agency Name. (Year). Title of report (Report No. xxx). Parent Agency. URL
Example: National Institute of Nursing Research. (2022). Strategic plan 2022-2026. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ninr.nih.gov/
Clinical Practice Guideline
Organization Name. (Year). Title of guideline. URL
Example: American Heart Association. (2020). CPR and ECC guidelines. https://cpr.heart.org/
Nursing-Specific Rules
Bias-Free Language: Use “people-first” language to respect dignity. Instead of “diabetics,” use “people with diabetes.” Avoid “sufferers” or “victims” as this implies helplessness.
Acronyms: Define on first use to ensure clarity. “The World Health Organization (WHO) states…” then use “WHO” subsequently.
Numbers: Use numerals for 10 and above, and words for zero through nine. Exception: Always use numerals for measurements (5 mg, 10 cm) and time/age (2 days, 4-year-old) in clinical contexts.
Common Student Mistakes
Abstracts: Including an abstract when not required. Student papers typically do not need one unless the assignment is >10 pages or a specific research study.
DOI formatting: DOIs should be presented as hyperlinks (https://doi.org/…), not “doi:…” or “DOI:…”
Website Dates: Do not use “Retrieved from” dates unless the content is likely to change (like a live Wiki). For stable articles, just the URL is sufficient.
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Conclusion
APA Style is more than arbitrary rules; it is the language of scientific discipline. By adhering to these standards, nursing students demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for intellectual property, ensuring their work is taken seriously in the academic community.
About Eric Tatua
MSc, Technical Writing
Eric is a lead technical writer at Custom University Papers. With a background in academic publishing, he helps nursing students master the nuances of APA style and professional writing standards.
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