How to Cite Sources in Nursing Papers

Nursing papers, like other academic works, require citations to acknowledge sources that have been used in research. Proper citation of sources is essential in nursing because it allows other researchers to build on existing knowledge, ensures ethical and responsible research practices, and gives credibility to the work done. In this article, we will discuss the proper way to cite sources in nursing papers.

Why is citing sources important in nursing?

As a discipline, nursing relies heavily on research to improve patient outcomes, develop best practices, and provide evidence-based care. Proper citation of sources is crucial in ensuring that the research done in nursing is based on credible evidence and avoids plagiarism. Citation of sources also acknowledges the contribution of other researchers and helps to build on existing knowledge, leading to the advancement of nursing practice.

Types of sources to cite

In nursing, there are various types of sources that can be cited, including:

• Primary sources: These are sources that are original and firsthand, such as research studies, clinical trials, and case reports.

• Secondary sources: These are sources that interpret or analyze primary sources, such as literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

• Tertiary sources: These are sources that provide an overview or summary of primary and secondary sources, such as textbooks, handbooks, and encyclopedias.

• Online sources: These are sources that are available online, such as websites, blogs, and online journals.

How to cite sources in nursing papers

Citation styles in nursing papers may vary depending on the institution or the preference of the instructor. The most commonly used citation styles in nursing are the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Modern Language Association (MLA). Here are the basic guidelines for citing sources in nursing papers:

1. In-text citations: In-text citations are used to indicate the source of information within the body of the text. In APA style, the author's last name and the year of publication are included in parentheses, for example: (Smith, 2019). In MLA style, the author's last name and the page number are included in parentheses, for example: (Smith 25).

2. Reference list: The reference list is a separate page at the end of the paper that provides the full citation information of all sources used in the paper. In APA style, the reference list is organized alphabetically by the author's last name, and the basic format for citing a book is:

Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of book. Publisher.

For example:

Smith, J. (2019). Nursing research: Methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice. Jones and Bartlett.

In MLA style, the reference list is organized alphabetically by the author's last name, and the basic format for citing a book is:

Author, A. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

For example:

Smith, John. Nursing Research: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice. Jones and Bartlett, 2019.

3. Electronic sources: When citing electronic sources, such as online journals or websites, the format for both APA and MLA styles includes the author, title of the article or webpage, the date of publication, and the URL or DOI.

For example, in APA style:

Smith, J. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing. American Journal of Nursing, 119(3), 25-30. doi:10.1097/01.NAJ.0000555248.21298.14

In MLA style:

Smith, John. "Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing." American Journal of Nursing, vol. 119, no. 3, 2019, pp. 25-30. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.

4. Citing sources with multiple authors: When citing sources with multiple authors, the format for both APA and MLA styles include all authors' names in the order they appear on the source.

For example, in APA style:

Smith, J., Johnson, K., & Brown, M. (2019). Nursing education: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(4), 200-206.

In MLA style:

Smith, John, et al. "Nursing Education: Challenges and Opportunities." Journal of Nursing Education, vol. 58, no. 4, 2019, pp. 200-206.

5. Quotations: When using direct quotes from sources, it is important to include the page number in the in-text citation.

For example, in APA style:

According to Smith (2019), "Nursing research is an essential component of evidence-based practice" (p. 10).

In MLA style:

According to Smith, "Nursing research is an essential component of evidence-based practice" (10).

6. Paraphrasing: When paraphrasing information from sources, it is still important to include an in-text citation.

For example, in APA style:

Nursing research is crucial for evidence-based practice (Smith, 2019).

In MLA style:

Nursing research is essential for evidence-based practice (Smith 10).

Tips for proper citation in nursing papers

1. Always check with your instructor or institution for the preferred citation style.

2. Keep a record of all sources used in your research, including the author, title, publication information, and page numbers.

3. Use citation management software to help you organize and format your references.

4. Use quotations sparingly and focus on paraphrasing information in your own words.

5. Proofread your reference list to ensure that all citation information is accurate and complete.

In conclusion, proper citation of sources is essential in nursing papers to ensure that the research is based on credible evidence, avoid plagiarism, and acknowledge the contribution of other researchers. In-text citations and reference lists should follow the guidelines of the preferred citation style, and electronic sources should include the author, title, date of publication, and URL or DOI. By following these guidelines and tips, nursing students and researchers can ensure that their work is ethical, responsible, and credible.