What is the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS)?
The
Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is a comprehensive style guide used primarily in the fields of history, literature, and the arts. It provides detailed instructions on grammar, punctuation, and citation formats, making it an essential resource for scholarly writing. Although CMS is not as common in nursing as APA or AMA formats, it can still be used effectively for certain types of research and publications in the nursing field.
Why Use CMS in Nursing?
While the
APA (American Psychological Association) style is more prevalent in nursing, there are scenarios where CMS might be appropriate. For instance, if a nurse is involved in interdisciplinary research that includes historical or sociological perspectives, CMS may better suit the project. Additionally, some nursing journals and academic institutions may prefer or require CMS for specific types of submissions.
Notes and Bibliography: This system uses footnotes or endnotes along with a bibliography at the end of the document. It is useful for providing detailed source information and commentary.
Author-Date: This system uses in-text parenthetical citations followed by a reference list. It is more streamlined and easier to navigate for readers.
Examples of CMS Citations in Nursing
Here are examples of how to cite various sources using the Notes and Bibliography format: Book: Firstname Lastname, Title of Book (Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication), page number.
Journal Article: Firstname Lastname, "Title of Article," Title of Journal volume number, issue number (Year): page numbers.
Website: Firstname Lastname, "Title of Webpage," Name of Website, last modified Date, URL.
For the Author-Date format, the citations would look like this:
Book: (Lastname Year, page number)
Journal Article: (Lastname Year, page numbers)
Website: (Lastname Year)
Common Challenges and Solutions
Nurses may encounter several challenges when using CMS, such as formatting footnotes or understanding the differences between the two citation systems. Here are some solutions:
Formatting Footnotes: Use word processing software to insert footnotes automatically, ensuring they are numbered correctly and formatted consistently.
Choosing the Right System: Consult your institution's guidelines or the
journal's submission requirements to determine whether to use the Notes and Bibliography or Author-Date format.
Staying Updated: Regularly check the latest edition of the
Chicago Manual of Style for updates and clarifications on citation rules and formatting.
Conclusion
While the
Chicago Manual of Style is not the most common citation format in nursing, it can be highly useful in certain contexts. Understanding its basic principles, citation formats, and common challenges can help nurses effectively use CMS for their research and publications. Always consult the most recent edition of CMS and stay informed about your institution's or publication's specific requirements to ensure proper usage.
