APA STYLE: 5 th Edition

1. APA STYLE: 5th Edition NUR 210

2. General Rules • Double space everything including the reference list. • The reference used for spelling is Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary • Indent 5 to 7 spaces at the beginning of each paragraph. Use tab key for uniform indentations. • Word processor print should be 12 point. Do not use settings that decrease the space between letters or words.

3. General Rules • One sentence paragraphs should be avoided. Paragraphs should be no longer than one page in length. • Papers should be printed dark enough so they are easily read.

4. Headings • Use centered main headings, flush right headings. Do not use a heading for introduction. • No underlining of headings

5. Numbers • Use words to express numbers zero through nine, or any number that begins a sentence. • Avoid starting a sentence with a number if at all possible. • Express in figures numbers of two or more digits.

6. Abbreviations • Use abbreviations sparingly • On the first appearance, spell out the terms completely and follow it with its abbreviation in parentheses: thereafter, the abbreviation is used alone.

7. Use periods with abbreviations • Initials of names (H.T. Jones) • Abbreviation for the United States when used with an adjective (U.S.Army) • Latin abbreviations (a.m., i.e., e.g.) • Reference abbreviations (Vol. 1, 2nd ed.,p.6)

8. DO NOT use periods with: • Abbreviations of state names (SC) • Capital letter abbreviations and acronyms (APA, NANDA) • Metric and nonmetric measurement abbreviations (ft, hr, cm, km) • The exception is with abbreviations that would be misinterpreted as another word (in. for inches) • Routes of administration (IM, PO)

9. Quotations • Short quotations are incorporated in text and enclosed by double quotation marks. • When quotation is > 40 words, display the quotation in a free-standing block and do not use quotation marks. Indent five spaces with no additional indentation of the first line. Entire quotation is double-space.

10. Punctuation • Comma • Semicolon • Colon • Parentheses • Dash • Brackets • Period • To end a complete sentence • Space once after all punctuation

11. Capitalization • The first word of a sentence • The first word following a colon that begins a complete sentence • Major words in title and headings used in the body of a paper • Proper nouns and trade names

12. Page Numbers • All pages are numbered consecutively beginning with the title page. • Arabic numbers are used to number pages • Numbers should appear in the upper right hand corner of each page and be at least one inch from the right hand edge of the paper.

13. Headers • A header consists of the first two or three words from the title of the paper. • They are placed in the upper right hand corner of each page of the manuscript between the upper edge of the paper and the first line of text on each page. • Located five spaces to the left of the page number

14. Margins • Should be uniform and at least 1 in. at the top, bottom, and sides of all pages • The length of each typed line is no more than 6.5 in. • A left-flush style should be used. Left hand edge should be straight and the right hand edge of text will be jagged • No more than 27 lines of text on a page with 1 in. margins

15. References • Must be double spaced and entries should have a hanging indent. • Citations in text are in an author/date format. • Quotes must have page numbers and they are placed after the year. • Italicize the book, article, etc. Do not underline.

16. Reference Example: Streubert, H.J. & Carpenter, D.R. (1995). Qualitative research in nursing: Advancing the humanistic imperative. Philadelphia: Lippincott.