What is the Modern Language Association (MLA)?
The
Modern Language Association (MLA) is a professional organization that promotes the study and teaching of language and literature. It is widely known for its MLA Handbook, which provides guidelines for formatting and citing sources in academic papers. While MLA style is most commonly used in the humanities, it has applications in other fields, including
nursing.
Why Use MLA in Nursing?
Although APA is the more popular citation style in nursing, MLA can still be relevant. For example, when writing papers that involve humanities aspects of nursing, such as
ethics,
history, or
patient narratives, MLA style may be more appropriate. Using MLA helps ensure clarity, consistency, and credibility in academic writing.
How to Format a Nursing Paper in MLA Style?
When using MLA style in a nursing paper, follow these guidelines:
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Page Layout: Use standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper, double-space the text, and use a readable font like Times New Roman, 12-point size.
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Header and Title: Include a header with your last name and page number. On the first page, list your name, instructor's name, course, and date, followed by the paper's title centered on the next line.
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Citations: In-text citations should include the author's last name and page number, like this (Smith 23).
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Works Cited Page: List all sources at the end of the paper in alphabetical order by the author's last name.
Examples of MLA Citations in Nursing
Here are some examples of how to cite different types of sources in MLA format:
- Book: Author's Last Name, First Name. *Title of Book*. Publisher, Year of Publication.
- Journal Article: Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." *Title of Journal*, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
- Website: Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Web Page." *Title of Website*, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL.Challenges of Using MLA in Nursing
One of the main challenges of using MLA in nursing is that it is less commonly used in the field compared to APA. This can make it harder to find specific guidelines or examples related to nursing topics. Additionally, MLA's focus on humanities can make it less suitable for research-heavy papers that require detailed citation of scientific sources.Tips for Successfully Using MLA in Nursing
- Know When to Use It: Use MLA for papers that focus on the humanistic aspects of nursing, such as patient stories or ethical discussions.
- Stay Updated: Make sure you are using the most recent edition of the MLA Handbook to stay current with any changes in the formatting rules.
- Seek Help: Don't hesitate to use resources like the Purdue OWL or your institution's writing center for guidance on MLA formatting and citation.Conclusion
While MLA may not be the primary citation style in nursing, it has its place for certain types of papers that intersect with the humanities. Understanding how to use MLA formatting and citations can enhance the quality and credibility of your academic writing. By following the guidelines and seeking out resources, you can effectively apply MLA style to your nursing papers.
