APA Cover Page for Nursing Papers: A Comprehensive Guide

An APA cover page is the first page of your nursing paper. It should include all of the essential information about your paper, such as the title, author name(s), affiliation(s), and course information (if applicable). The APA cover page should be formatted in a specific way, which is outlined in the APA Style Guide (7th edition).

Why is it important to format your nursing paper correctly using APA style?

Formatting your nursing paper correctly using APA style is important for several reasons. First, it shows that you have taken the time to learn about and follow the APA Style Guide, which is the standard style guide for nursing and other healthcare professions. Second, it makes your paper easier to read and understand for both your instructor and other readers. Finally, it helps to ensure that your paper is professional and polished.

What are the key elements of an APA cover page?

The key elements of an APA cover page are:

• Running head
• Page number
• Title of the paper
• Author name(s) and affiliation(s)
• Course information (if applicable)
• Date

Creating an APA Cover Page for Your Nursing Paper

To create an APA cover page for your nursing paper, follow these steps:

1. Set up your document in APA format. Use 12-point Times New Roman font, double space your entire document, and set your margins to 1 inch on all sides.
2. Add a running head. The running head is a brief version of your paper title and appears on every page of your document. To create a running head, type your paper title in all caps, followed by a colon and a shortened version of your last name. For example, if your paper title is “The Impact of Patient Education on Medication Adherence in Older Adults,” your running head would be “IMPACT OF PATIENT EDUCATION ON MEDICATION ADHERENCE: SMITH.”
3. Add the page number. The page number should appear in the upper right corner of every page of your document, including the cover page. To add the page number, click on the “Insert” tab and then select “Page Number.” Choose the location where you want the page number to appear (e.g., top right corner) and then click “OK.”
4. Add the title of your paper. The title of your paper should be centered on the cover page and in bold font.
5. Add your name and affiliation. Your name and affiliation should be centered below the title of your paper. If you are a student, include your name, department, and university. If you are a professional, include your name, title, and organization.
6. Add the course information (if applicable). If you are writing a nursing paper for a class, include the course name, course number, and instructor’s name on the cover page.
7. Add the date. The date should be centered at the bottom of the cover page.

Example of an APA Cover Page

Running head: IMPACT OF PATIENT EDUCATION ON MEDICATION ADHERENCE

The Impact of Patient Education on Medication Adherence in Older Adults

Jane Doe

College of Nursing and Health Innovation

University of Texas at Arlington

Nursing 3330: Nursing Research

Dr. Smith

October 30, 2023

Tips for Formatting Your APA Cover Page

• Use a consistent font and font size throughout your document.
• Center all of the text on the cover page.
• Double space all of the text on the cover page.
• Use 1-inch margins on all sides of the cover page.
• Proofread your cover page carefully before submitting your paper.

Conclusion

By following the tips above, you can easily create a professional and APA-compliant cover page for your nursing paper.

FAQs

Q. What should I do if I don’t know how to format my cover page in APA style?

There are many resources available online that can help you format your cover page in APA style. You can also consult your instructor or a librarian for assistance.

Q. What if I make a mistake on my cover page?

If you make a mistake on your cover page, simply correct it and resubmit your paper. Your instructor is more likely to be understanding if you make a minor mistake than if you turn in a paper with a poorly formatted cover page.

Q. What if I have a different question about APA formatting?

If you have a question about APA formatting that is not covered in this guide, you can consult the APA Style Guide (7th edition) or contact your instructor or a librarian for assistance.

Specific tips for formatting your APA cover page for a nursing paper:

• Use a clear and concise title that accurately reflects the content of your paper.
• Make sure your name and affiliation are clearly visible.
• If you are writing a paper for a class, include the course information in the appropriate location.
• Use the correct APA running head format.
• Double space all of the text on your cover page.
• Center all of the text on your cover page.
• Use consistent margins on all sides of your cover page.
• Proofread your cover page carefully before submitting your paper.

Here are some additional tips for writing a strong APA cover page:

• Use keywords throughout your cover page. This will help your paper to be indexed and found by other researchers.
• Be specific about your research topic and methodology. This will give readers a good understanding of what your paper is about and how you conducted your research.
• Highlight your contributions to the field. What new knowledge or insights have you gained from your research?