In the field of
Nursing, proper documentation and citation are crucial for maintaining academic integrity, enabling readers to locate the original sources of information, and giving credit to researchers and authors whose work informs evidence-based practice. The
American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in nursing research papers, journals, and other scholarly documents. Understanding APA citation style is essential for students and professionals in nursing to communicate their research effectively and ethically.
What is APA Citation?
APA citation is a style of referencing developed by the American Psychological Association. It is primarily used in the social sciences, including nursing, to cite various types of sources such as books, journal articles, and online materials. The
APA format provides a standardized way to acknowledge the contributions of others and helps to prevent
plagiarism.
Why is APA Citation Important in Nursing?
In nursing, accurate citation is vital for several reasons: Credibility: Proper citation lends
credibility to your work, showing that it is supported by reliable sources.
Ethical Responsibility: It fulfills an ethical obligation to recognize the intellectual property of others.
Research Integrity: Accurate citations allow readers to verify sources, fostering
research integrity.
Professionalism: Mastery of APA style reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
How to Cite Different Sources in APA
Depending on the type of source, APA citation can vary. Here are some common examples:Books
When citing a book, include the author's last name, first initial, publication year, title in italics, and the publisher.
Example: Doe, J. (2020). Introduction to Nursing. Nursing Publishers.
Journal Articles
For journal articles, include the author's last name, first initial, publication year, article title, journal name in italics, volume number in italics, issue number, and page range.
Example: Smith, A. B. (2021). Nursing care innovations. Journal of Nursing Studies, 34(2), 123-135.
Online Sources
When citing online sources, include the author's name, publication date, title of the page or article, website name, and the URL.
Example: Brown, C. (2022, July 15). Nursing trends for 2023. Nursing World. Retrieved from
Common APA Citation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are some frequent errors and tips on avoiding them: Incorrect Author Format: Use the author’s last name followed by the initial(s) of their first name(s).
Missing Italics: Ensure that book and journal names are italicized.
Improper Date Format: Use the year of publication only, unless citing a newspaper or magazine article.
Neglecting DOI: Include a
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) when available for journal articles.
APA In-Text Citations
In-text citations in APA style typically include the author's last name and the year of publication. For direct quotes, the page number is also necessary.
Example: (Doe, 2020) or (Doe, 2020, p. 15)Resources for Mastering APA Style
Several resources can aid in mastering APA style:In conclusion, understanding and applying APA citation in nursing is essential for academic success and professional practice. By adhering to APA guidelines, nurses can contribute to the integrity and credibility of the nursing profession.
