What is APA format?
APA format is a set of guidelines for writing and formatting academic papers. It is the most widely used style guide in the social sciences, including nursing. APA format is designed to make academic papers clear, concise, and consistent.
Why is APA format important for nursing research papers?
APA format is important for nursing research papers because it helps to ensure that the paper is well-organized, easy to read, and credible. Additionally, APA format is required by most nursing journals and other scholarly publications.
Who should read this guide?
This guide is intended for nursing students who are writing research papers. The guide will provide you with a step-by-step overview of how to write a nursing research paper in APA format.
How to use this guide
To use this guide, simply follow the steps outlined in the following sections. If you have any questions, please consult the APA Publication Manual (7th edition).
APA Format Research Paper Example for Nursing Students
Title page
The title page of your research paper should include the following information:
- Title of the paper
- Your name(s)
- Your institutional affiliation(s)
- Running head
- Page number
Author name(s)
Your name(s) should be centered at the top of the title page. If you have multiple authors, list the authors in alphabetical order by last name.
Institutional affiliation(s)
Your institutional affiliation(s) should be listed below your name(s). If you are affiliated with more than one institution, list the institutions in alphabetical order.
Running head
The running head is a shortened version of your paper’s title. It should be no more than 50 characters long, including spaces. The running head should be placed in the top left-hand corner of every page of your paper, except for the title page and the reference page.
Page number
The page number should be placed in the top right-hand corner of every page of your paper, except for the title page.
Abstract
The abstract is a summary of your research paper in 150-250 words. It should include the following information:
- Research question or hypothesis
- Methods
- Results
- Conclusions
Introduction
The introduction should provide background information on your research topic and state your research question or hypothesis. It should also explain the significance of your research.
Literature review
The literature review should summarize relevant research on your topic. It should also identify any gaps in the literature that your study addresses.
Methodology
The methodology section should describe the research design, participants, data collection methods, and data analysis methods used in your study.
Results
The results section should present the findings of your study in a clear and concise manner. Tables and figures may be used to present complex data.
Discussion
The discussion section should interpret the findings of your study and discuss their implications for nursing practice, education, and research.
Conclusion
The conclusion should summarize the main points of your research paper and state your conclusions.
APA Format Tips for Nursing Students
- Use clear and concise language.
- Avoid using jargon and technical terms unless necessary.
- Proofread your paper carefully before submitting it.
FAQs
Q. What are some common APA formatting mistakes?
Some common APA formatting mistakes include:
- Not using double spacing throughout the paper.
- Not using a hanging indent for references.
- Not using italics for journal titles.
- Not using parentheses to cite sources in the text.
Q. How do I cite a source in APA format?
To cite a source in APA format, you should include the author’s name(s), publication date, and title of the source in the parentheses within the text. For example:
(Smith, 2023)
If you are citing a source directly, you should also include the page number(s) of the source in the parentheses. For example:
(Smith, 2023, p. 123)
Q. How do I create a reference list in APA format?
To create a reference list in APA format, you should list all of the sources that you cited in your paper in alphabetical order by author’s last name. For example:
APA Format Research Paper Example for Nursing Students
Title: The Impact of Stress on Sleep Quality in Nursing Students
Author: Jane Doe
Institutional affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles
Running head: Stress and sleep quality in nursing students
Page number: 1
Abstract:
This study investigated the impact of stress on sleep quality in nursing students. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 100 nursing students. The results showed that stress was significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Students who reported higher levels of stress also reported shorter sleep duration, more difficulty falling asleep, and more daytime sleepiness. The findings of this study suggest that stress is a significant barrier to sleep quality in nursing students.
Introduction:
Stress is a common experience for nursing students. They are often faced with high workloads, demanding patients, and difficult ethical dilemmas. Stress can have a negative impact on physical and mental health, including sleep quality.
Sleep is essential for physical and mental health. It allows the body to rest and repair itself, and it helps to consolidate memories. Sleep deprivation can lead to a number of health problems, including fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and increased risk of accidents.
There is a growing body of research that suggests that stress is associated with poor sleep quality. A study of medical students found that students who reported higher levels of stress were more likely to experience insomnia and daytime sleepiness (Chen et al., 2020). Another study found that stress was associated with shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality in nurses (Al-Sharif et al., 2022).
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of stress on sleep quality in nursing students. The specific research questions were:
- Is there a significant association between stress and sleep quality in nursing students?
- What are the mediating factors of the relationship between stress and sleep quality in nursing students?
Literature review:
A number of studies have examined the relationship between stress and sleep quality in nursing students. A study of nursing students in Taiwan found that stress was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (Chen et al., 2020). Another study of nursing students in Saudi Arabia found that stress was associated with shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality (Al-Sharif et al., 2022).
A number of factors have been proposed as mediating the relationship between stress and sleep quality in nursing students. These factors include anxiety, depression, coping skills, and sleep hygiene. For example, a study of nursing students in the United States found that anxiety mediated the relationship between stress and sleep quality (Kim et al., 2021).
Methodology:
A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 100 nursing students. The survey included questions about stress, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, coping skills, and sleep hygiene.
The data was analyzed using SPSS. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine the association between stress and sleep quality. Mediating effects were tested using the PROCESS macro.
Results:
The results showed that stress was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (r = -0.50, p < .001). The mediating effects of anxiety and depression were tested. Anxiety mediated the relationship between stress and sleep quality (indirect effect = -0.20, p < .05). Depression did not mediate the relationship between stress and sleep quality.
Discussion:
The findings of this study suggest that stress is a significant barrier to sleep quality in nursing students. Students who reported higher levels of stress also reported shorter sleep duration, more difficulty falling asleep, and more daytime sleepiness. Anxiety mediated the relationship between stress and sleep quality.
These findings are consistent with previous research on the relationship between stress and sleep quality in nursing students. The findings of this study suggest that interventions to reduce stress and anxiety in nursing students may also improve sleep quality.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study suggest that stress is a significant barrier to sleep quality in nursing students. Anxiety mediated the relationship between stress and sleep quality. Interventions to reduce stress and anxiety in nursing students may also improve sleep quality.
References:
- Chen, Y. C., Liu, Y. C., & Chang, C. M. (2020). The association between stress and sleep quality among nursing students in Taiwan. Journal of Nursing Research, 28(3), 213-220.
- Al-Sharif, A. A., Alenezi, M. S., & Al-Qahtani, M. A. (2022). The impact of stress on sleep quality among nursing students: A cross-sectional study
Smith, J. (2023). The impact of
