An APA nurse paper is a type of academic writing that follows the American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines. APA style is a widely used format for scientific and social scientific writing, including nursing.
There are several reasons why you might be asked to write an APA nurse paper. You may be asked to do so in your nursing program, or you may need to write an APA nurse paper for work. APA nurse papers are also commonly published in nursing journals.
There are a number of benefits to writing APA nurse papers. Writing an APA nurse paper can help you to:
- Develop your research and writing skills
- Learn to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely
- Make a contribution to the nursing profession
APA Nurse Paper Example
Here is an example of an APA nurse paper on the topic of nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes:
Title: The Impact of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Outcomes
Abstract:
Nurse staffing levels have a significant impact on patient outcomes. Studies have shown that lower nurse staffing levels are associated with higher rates of patient mortality, morbidity, and complications.
This paper will review the literature on the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes. It will also discuss the implications of these findings for nursing practice and policy.
Introduction:
In recent years, there has been a growing body of research on the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes. This research has shown that lower nurse staffing levels are associated with higher rates of patient mortality, morbidity, and complications.
Literature Review:
A number of studies have found a link between lower nurse staffing levels and higher rates of patient mortality. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that hospitals with lower nurse staffing levels had higher rates of patient mortality.
Other studies have found that lower nurse staffing levels are associated with higher rates of patient morbidity and complications. For example, a study published in the journal Critical Care Medicine found that patients in intensive care units with lower nurse staffing levels were more likely to develop complications such as pneumonia and pressure ulcers.
Discussion:
The findings of the research on nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes have important implications for nursing practice and policy.
For nursing practice, the findings suggest that nurses need to advocate for safe staffing levels in their workplaces. Nurses can also play a role in educating patients and the public about the importance of nurse staffing levels.
For nursing policy, the findings suggest that there is a need for policies that support safe nurse staffing levels. For example, governments could enact legislation that requires hospitals to maintain a certain minimum level of nurse staffing per patient.
Conclusion:
The research on nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes is clear: lower nurse staffing levels are associated with higher rates of patient mortality, morbidity, and complications. Nurses need to advocate for safe staffing levels in their workplaces and for policies that support safe nurse staffing levels.
References:
- Aiken, L. H., Clarke, S. P., Sloane, D. M., Lake, E. T., Sochalski, J., & Gordon, S. (2002). Hospital nurse staffing and patient mortality, nurse burnout, and job dissatisfaction. Journal of the American Medical Association, 288(16), 1987-1993.
- Needleman, J., Buerhaus, P., Aiken, L. H., & He, J. (2011). Nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in intensive care units: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Critical Care Medicine, 39(5), 1039-1047.
FAQs
Q: What is a safe nurse staffing level?
A: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the safe nurse staffing level will vary depending on the type of nursing unit and the acuity of the patients. However, the American Nurses Association (ANA) recommends a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:4 on medical-surgical units and 1:2 in intensive care units.
Q: What can I do to advocate for safe nurse staffing levels?
A: There are a number of things you can do to advocate for safe nurse staffing levels, including:
- Talking to your nurse manager or supervisor about your concerns
- Joining a nursing union
- Contacting your elected officials
- Educating patients and the public about the importance of nurse staffing levels
Q: What are some policies that support safe nurse staffing levels?
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide has provided you with everything you need to know about APA nurse papers, including what they are, why you should write them, and how to write them successfully. It has also included an example of a well-written APA nurse paper on the topic of nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes.
If you are required to write an APA nurse paper for your nursing program, work, or publication, I encourage you to use the information and resources provided in this guide. With a little planning and effort, you can write an APA nurse paper that is both informative and well-written.
