What is an APA paper?
APA (American Psychological Association) style is a widely used format for academic writing. APA papers are typically written in double-spaced format with 12-point Times New Roman font. They have a specific structure that includes a title page, abstract, introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.
Why is it important to write APA papers in nursing?
Writing APA papers is important in nursing because it helps to ensure that research is communicated in a clear, concise, and consistent manner. This makes it easier for other nurses to read and understand the research, and to build on it for their own work.
What are the key elements of an APA paper?
The key elements of an APA paper include:
- Title page: The title page includes the title of the paper, the author’s name, the author’s institution, the course number and instructor’s name, and the date.
- Abstract: The abstract is a brief summary of the paper, typically no more than 250 words. It should include the research question, methods, results, and conclusions.
- Introduction: The introduction provides background information on the topic, states the research question, and previews the main points of the paper.
- Literature review: The literature review summarizes the existing research on the topic. Be sure to cite all of your sources properly.
- Methods: The methods section describes how you conducted your research. This includes information about your participants, data collection methods, and data analysis methods.
- Results: The results section presents your findings in a clear and concise manner. Be sure to use tables and figures to support your findings.
- Discussion: The discussion section interprets your findings and discusses their implications. You should also compare your findings to other research on the topic and identify any limitations of your study.
- Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points of your paper and restates your research question. You may also want to discuss future directions for research on the topic.
- References: The references section lists all of the sources that you cited in your paper. Be sure to format your references in APA style.
How to find and evaluate sources for an APA paper in nursing
When finding sources for your APA paper in nursing, look for credible sources from reputable journals and organizations. You can find sources through the library, online databases, and search engines.
When evaluating sources, consider the following factors:
- Authority: Is the author an expert on the topic?
- Currency: Is the source up-to-date?
- Objectivity: Is the source unbiased?
- Relevance: Is the source relevant to your topic?
How to cite sources in APA style
APA style has specific rules for citing sources in your paper. When citing a source, you must include the author’s name, the publication date, and the title of the source. The format of the citation will vary depending on the type of source.
For example, to cite a journal article, you would use the following format:
Author(s). (Publication date). Title of article. Journal name, volume(issue), page numbers.
For example:
Smith, J. D. (2023). The impact of patient education on medication adherence in older adults with hypertension. Journal of Nursing Research, 45(1), 1-10.
You can use a citation generator to help you format your citations correctly.
APA Paper Outline
Here is a basic outline for an APA paper in nursing:
- Title page
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Literature review
- Methods
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- References
APA Paper Example in Nursing
Here is an example of a complete APA paper in nursing:
Title:
The Impact of a Patient Education Program on Medication Adherence in Older Adults with Hypertension
Abstract
Medication adherence is a major challenge in the management of hypertension. This study evaluated the impact of a patient education program on medication adherence in older adults with hypertension.
Introduction
Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide. Medication adherence is essential for the effective management of hypertension, but it is a major challenge. Older adults are particularly at risk for medication nonadherence due to factors such as polypharmacy, cognitive impairment, and socioeconomic factors.
Literature review
The literature review summarized the existing research on medication adherence in older adults with hypertension. The review found that medication adherence rates among this population are low, ranging from 30% to 70%. The review also identified a number of factors that contribute to medication nonadherence in older adults, such as polypharmacy, cognitive impairment, and socioeconomic factors.
Methods
This study was a randomized controlled trial. Participants were 65 years of age or older and had a diagnosis of hypertension. They were randomly assigned to either the patient education program group or the control group. The patient education program group attended a 6-week group education program on medication adherence. The control group received standard care for hypertension.
Results
The results showed that the patient education program had a significant impact on medication adherence. At baseline, there was no significant difference in medication adherence between the two groups. However, at 3 months after the program, participants in the program showed a significantly greater increase in medication adherence than those in the control group.
Discussion
The results of this study suggest that patient education programs can be effective in improving medication adherence in older adults with hypertension. The program used in this study was relatively simple and inexpensive to implement, making it a feasible option for healthcare providers.
Conclusion
This study found that a patient education program had a significant impact on medication adherence in older adults with hypertension. The program was simple and inexpensive to implement, making it a feasible option for healthcare providers.
References
Smith, J. D. (2023). The impact of patient education on medication adherence in older adults with hypertension. Journal of Nursing Research, 45(1), 1-10.
Williams, K. A., & Dunbar-Jacob, J. (2022). Medication adherence in older adults with hypertension. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 70(7), 1314-1320.
