What is the MLA Handbook?
The
MLA Handbook is a comprehensive guide to writing and citing sources in the format established by the
Modern Language Association. While it is commonly associated with the humanities, its principles of clarity, organization, and proper citation are applicable across various fields, including Nursing.
Why is the MLA Handbook Important in Nursing?
In the field of
Nursing, accurate documentation and effective communication are critical. The MLA Handbook provides guidelines that help nurses and nursing students present their research and clinical findings in a clear and ethical manner. Proper citation is essential to avoid
plagiarism and to give credit to original sources, thereby maintaining the integrity of scholarly work.
Title Page: Typically, an MLA paper does not require a separate title page unless specified by your instructor. Include your name, instructor’s name, course, and date at the top of the first page.
In-Text Citations: Use parenthetical citations within the text to credit sources. For example, (Author’s Last Name Page Number).
Works Cited Page: At the end of your paper, include a list of works cited. Entries should be alphabetically arranged and follow the specific format for each type of source.
Author’s name
Title of the source
Title of the container
Other contributors (e.g., editors, translators)
Version
Number
Publisher
Publication date
Location (e.g., page numbers, DOI)
These elements help readers find the original source material and verify the information presented in your paper.
How to Cite Common Nursing Sources?
Nursing students and professionals often use a variety of sources, including journal articles, books, and websites. Here are some examples of how to cite these sources in MLA format:
Journal Article: Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, year, pages.
Book: Author(s). Title of Book. Publisher, year.
Website: Author(s). "Title of Webpage." Title of Website, Publisher, date published, URL.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While using the MLA Handbook, nursing students should be aware of common mistakes: Incorrect Formatting: Ensure that your in-text citations and Works Cited page follow the correct format.
Incomplete Citations: Make sure to include all necessary elements in your citation to avoid incomplete references.
Plagiarism: Always credit original sources to avoid plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense.
Resources for Further Assistance
For more detailed information, students can refer to the latest edition of the
MLA Handbook. Additionally, many universities offer writing centers or online resources to help students with MLA formatting and citation. Websites like the
Purdue OWL also provide comprehensive guides and examples.
