Formatting and submitting a nursing dissertation is the final, but essential, step in your academic journey. Ensuring that your dissertation adheres to the specific formatting guidelines required by your institution not only improves readability but also demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. This guide will walk you through the key formatting styles used in nursing, as well as tips for managing citations, structuring your dissertation, and successfully submitting it.
Overview
Proper formatting and timely submission of your dissertation are crucial for avoiding delays in approval or, worse, the rejection of your work. Each institution typically has its own set of guidelines, but the most commonly used formatting styles in nursing dissertations are APA and MLA. In addition to formatting styles, attention must be paid to the organization of chapters, citation accuracy, and the actual submission process. This guide will cover these areas and help you avoid common mistakes.
1. What Are the APA, MLA, and Other Formatting Styles Used in Nursing Dissertations?
Nursing dissertations generally follow academic writing standards like APA (American Psychological Association) or MLA (Modern Language Association) formats. Choosing the correct format depends on your institution’s requirements, so it’s critical to consult your university’s style guide before starting.
APA Style:
- Widely used in nursing and other health sciences, APA focuses on clarity and precision.
- In-text citations: (Author, Year) format.
- Reference list: Full citations at the end of the dissertation, arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name.
MLA Style:
- Common in the humanities, MLA is less frequent in nursing but may be used for more literature-focused dissertations.
- In-text citations: (Author Page Number) format.
- Works Cited: Similar to the APA reference list but with some variations in how sources are cited.
Other Formats:
- Chicago/Turabian Style: Sometimes used in historical or theoretical dissertations in nursing, this style uses footnotes or endnotes for citations.
- Harvard Style: Similar to APA but with differences in punctuation and formatting of in-text citations and the reference list.
Tip: Make sure you adhere strictly to the citation style required by your institution, as incorrect formatting can result in point deductions or delays in approval.
2. How Should the Title Page, Abstract, and Chapter Structure Be Formatted?
Each part of your dissertation has its own specific formatting requirements. Ensuring these sections are correctly formatted sets a strong foundation for your dissertation.
Title Page:
- The title page is often the first thing your committee or reviewers will see, so it should include:
- The full title of your dissertation.
- Your name.
- The name of your institution and department.
- The date of submission.
- The name(s) of your advisor(s) or committee members.
Abstract:
- The abstract is a brief summary of your research, typically between 150-300 words. It should provide an overview of your research question, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. Make sure to format it according to your institution’s guidelines, which usually involves single-spacing and a word limit.
Chapter Structure:
- Most nursing dissertations follow a standard chapter structure:
- Introduction: Introduce your research topic, questions, and objectives.
- Literature Review: Summarize existing research on your topic.
- Methodology: Explain how you conducted your research.
- Results: Present your findings.
- Discussion: Interpret your results in the context of existing research.
- Conclusion: Summarize your study and suggest areas for future research.
Each chapter should begin on a new page and follow the heading hierarchy prescribed by your chosen formatting style (e.g., APA or MLA).
Tip: Always check if your institution has a specific chapter structure that must be followed, as some nursing programs may have unique requirements for sections like ethics reviews or clinical implications.
3. How Can You Manage Citations and References in a Nursing Dissertation?
Citation management is crucial for ensuring that your work is properly attributed and free of plagiarism. Following your chosen citation style, whether APA, MLA, or another, will help maintain consistency throughout your dissertation.
In-text Citations:
- APA and MLA both require that sources be cited within the text whenever you refer to another author’s work.
- APA: (Author, Year) – e.g., (Vaismoradi et al., 2020).
- MLA: (Author Page Number) – e.g., (Vaismoradi et al. 45).
Reference List:
- Every citation in the body of your dissertation must correspond to a full reference in your bibliography or works cited section. Be sure to format each entry in line with your chosen style.
- APA Example:
Vaismoradi, M., Tella, S., A Logan, P., Khakurel, J., & Vizcaya-Moreno, F. (2020). Nurses’ Adherence to Patient Safety Principles: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6), 2028. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17062028 - MLA Example:
Vaismoradi, Mojtaba et al. “Nurses’ Adherence to Patient Safety Principles: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health vol. 17,6 2028. 19 Mar. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17062028
Reference Management Tools:
- Tools like EndNote, Zotero, and Mendeley can help you manage your citations and references automatically. These tools allow you to input sources and generate citations in the appropriate format with ease.
Tip: Always proofread your reference list to ensure consistency, especially with punctuation and capitalization, as these are common areas where formatting errors occur.
4. What Are the Submission Processes for Nursing Dissertations (Online Portals, Hard Copies)?
Once your dissertation is written, formatted, and approved by your advisor, you must submit it through the appropriate channels. Most institutions now use a combination of digital and hard copy submissions.
Online Portals:
- Many universities require dissertations to be submitted electronically via platforms like ProQuest, Turnitin, or the university’s internal submission portal. When submitting online, ensure that:
- The file format is correct (usually PDF or DOCX).
- The document follows the specified file size limits.
- Any additional metadata, like keywords and abstracts, is included in the upload form.
Hard Copy Submission:
- Some institutions may still require physical copies of your dissertation. If so, you will need to:
- Print the document on high-quality paper.
- Bind the dissertation according to your university’s specifications (e.g., spiral binding, softcover, or hardcover).
- Include all required supplementary materials, such as forms, signatures, or certificates.
Tip: Make sure to double-check submission deadlines, as late submissions may result in delays in your graduation or additional penalties.
5. What Are Common Formatting Mistakes and How Can You Avoid Them?
Formatting errors are some of the most common mistakes in nursing dissertations and can lead to unnecessary revisions or delays. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them:
Incorrect Citation Format:
- Using the wrong citation style or mixing multiple styles can confuse readers and lower your credibility. Always use a consistent citation style throughout the dissertation and use a reference management tool if necessary.
Improper Use of Headings:
- Incorrect heading hierarchy (e.g., using bold for some headings and italics for others) can make your dissertation look unprofessional. Ensure that your headings follow the style guide’s recommendations (e.g., APA’s levels of headings).
Inconsistent Margins and Spacing:
- Many students overlook margin and line-spacing requirements, leading to submissions that are not compliant with university guidelines. Before submitting, check that your margins are set to 1 inch on all sides, and your document is double-spaced, unless otherwise specified.
Missing Page Numbers:
- Make sure all pages are numbered according to your institution’s guidelines, usually in the upper right or bottom center of each page.
Tip: Before submission, conduct a thorough proofreading session and use your institution’s checklist or template (if provided) to ensure you meet all formatting requirements.
Conclusion
Formatting and submitting a nursing dissertation can be a meticulous process, but by adhering to the correct guidelines, you can ensure your dissertation is presented in a professional and scholarly manner. Understanding the appropriate citation style, correctly formatting the title page, abstract, and chapters, and following submission procedures will streamline the process. Finally, avoiding common formatting mistakes will help you submit your dissertation smoothly and without delays.
