APA style is a writing format that is widely used in academic and professional settings, including nursing. It is important to use APA style correctly in nursing papers because it shows that you have taken the time to research your topic and that you are familiar with the appropriate writing standards.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to create an APA style outline for a nursing paper. It will cover all the essential elements of an APA style paper, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
How to Create an APA Style Outline
To create an APA style outline, follow these steps:
- Choose a topic for your paper.
- Research your topic and gather sources.
- Create a thesis statement.
- Brainstorm a list of main points that you want to make in your paper.
- Organize your main points into a logical order.
- Add supporting evidence for each of your main points.
- Write a draft of your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Revise and edit your outline.
APA Style Outline Template
Here is a sample APA style outline template:
Introduction
- Background information on your topic
- Thesis statement
Body Paragraphs
- Body Paragraph 1: Main point 1
- Supporting evidence
- Body Paragraph 2: Main point 2
- Supporting evidence
- … (Continue with additional body paragraphs, as needed)
Conclusion
- Summary of your main points
- Restate your thesis statement
- Leave the reader with something to think about
Example APA Style Outline for a Nursing Paper
Here is an example of an APA style outline for a nursing paper on the topic of the impact of sleep deprivation on nurses:
Introduction
- Background information on the prevalence of sleep deprivation among nurses
- Thesis statement: Sleep deprivation has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of nurses, as well as their ability to provide safe and effective patient care.
Body Paragraph 1
- Main point: Sleep deprivation can lead to physical health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Supporting evidence:
- A study published in the Journal of Nursing Research found that nurses who slept less than 5 hours per night were more likely to be obese than nurses who slept 7 or more hours per night.
- Another study published in the journal Circulation found that nurses who slept less than 6 hours per night were more likely to have heart disease than nurses who slept 7 or more hours per night.
Body Paragraph 2
- Main point: Sleep deprivation can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.
- Supporting evidence:
- A study published in the journal Nursing Outlook found that nurses who slept less than 6 hours per night were more likely to experience anxiety and depression than nurses who slept 7 or more hours per night.
- Another study published in the journal Critical Care Nursing Quarterly found that nurses who slept less than 6 hours per night were more likely to experience burnout than nurses who slept 7 or more hours per night.
Body Paragraph 3
- Main point: Sleep deprivation can impair nurses’ ability to provide safe and effective patient care.
- Supporting evidence:
- A study published in the journal Medical Errors found that nurses who slept less than 6 hours per night were more likely to make medication errors than nurses who slept 7 or more hours per night.
- Another study published in the journal Journal of Patient Safety found that nurses who slept less than 6 hours per night were more likely to be involved in patient falls than nurses who slept 7 or more hours per night.
Conclusion
- Summary of your main points: Sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of nurses, as well as their ability to provide safe and effective patient care.
- Restate your thesis statement: Sleep deprivation has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of nurses, as well as their ability to provide safe and effective patient care.
- Leave the reader with something to think about: What can be done to reduce sleep deprivation among nurses?
