APA 7th Edition formatting often feels like a maze for nursing students juggling clinicals, discussions, and multiple papers. Whether you’re studying at Capella University or Walden University, mastering APA style is essential to writing clear, credible, and professional nursing assignments.
This guide simplifies APA 7th Edition rules specifically for Capella and Walden nursing students, helping you format papers, cite sources, and structure discussions without confusion or stress.
Why APA Formatting Matters in Nursing Education
Nursing programs at universities like Capella and Walden emphasize academic integrity and evidence-based writing. The APA (American Psychological Association) style ensures that nursing research papers, reflections, and care plans are properly documented and standardized.
Using APA correctly shows:
- Professionalism in academic and clinical writing
- Attention to evidence when citing peer-reviewed sources
- Academic honesty by avoiding plagiarism
- Clarity and consistency in written communication
For BSN, MSN, and DNP students, mastering APA style isn’t just about grades—it’s about developing the professional communication skills expected in advanced nursing practice.
1. Basic APA 7th Edition Paper Format
Every Capella or Walden nursing assignment, whether a discussion post or a capstone project, should follow these fundamental formatting rules.
General Paper Layout
| Element | Requirement |
| Font | Times New Roman 12 pt, Arial 11 pt, or Calibri 11 pt |
| Line spacing | Double spacing throughout (no extra spacing between paragraphs) |
| Margins | 1 inch on all sides |
| Page number | Top right corner on every page |
| Alignment | Left-aligned text (not justified) |
| Indentation | First line of each paragraph indented 0.5 inches |
Title Page Essentials
APA 7th Edition has simplified title pages for student papers. Include:
- Paper title (bolded, centered, and in title case)
- Student’s full name
- University name (Capella University or Walden University)
- Course code and title (e.g., NURS FPX 4010 – Leading People, Processes, and Organizations in Interprofessional Practice)
- Instructor name
- Due date
Example:
Nursing Leadership and Communication
Jane Doe
Capella University
NURS FPX 4010 – Leading People, Processes, and Organizations in Interprofessional Practice
Dr. Michael Lewis
March 8, 2025
2. In-Text Citations Made Simple
APA 7th Edition citations follow a basic pattern: (Author, Year).
For direct quotes, add a page number: (Author, Year, p. 25).
Examples:
- Paraphrase: Nursing leadership promotes better patient outcomes (Smith, 2023).
- Direct quote: “Effective leaders create a culture of safety” (Jones, 2022, p. 18).
When citing two authors: (Johnson & Lee, 2021)
When citing three or more: (Miller et al., 2022)
Tip for Capella and Walden Students:
Avoid overusing direct quotes. Both universities encourage paraphrasing and synthesis to demonstrate understanding. Always integrate your citations smoothly into your own writing.
3. Creating a Perfect Reference Page
The reference list is one of the most common areas where nursing students lose marks. Follow these formatting rules:
General Rules
- Start on a new page titled References (bolded, centered)
- Double-space all entries
- Use a hanging indent (0.5 inches)
- Alphabetize by the first author’s last name
Common Reference Examples
| Source Type | Example |
| Journal Article | Jones, L., & Smith, K. (2023). Evidence-based leadership in nursing practice. Journal of Nursing Management, 31(2), 122–130. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13645 |
| Book | Oermann, M. H., & Gaberson, K. B. (2021). Evaluation and testing in nursing education (6th ed.). Springer Publishing. |
| Website | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 15). Infection prevention and control. https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol |
| Course Material (Capella or Walden) | Capella University. (2025). NURS-FPX 4050 course readings: Patient-centered care. Capella University. |
Important Note:
Capella and Walden often include learning resources, readings, and eBooks provided within your online portal. If these materials are not published elsewhere, cite them as unpublished course material or institutional source (as shown above).
4. Headings and Subheadings in APA 7th Edition
APA style uses five levels of headings, though most nursing papers need only two or three. Headings improve readability and help your instructor quickly identify key sections.
Common Nursing Paper Example:
Level 1 (Centered, Bold, Title Case)
Example: Nursing Leadership in Practice
Level 2 (Left-Aligned, Bold, Title Case)
Example: Impact of Transformational Leadership
Level 3 (Left-Aligned, Bold Italic, Title Case)
Example: Communication and Collaboration
Tip:
Avoid using Level 4 or 5 unless you’re writing a long DNP project or thesis. Keep headings consistent with your assignment rubric.
5. Tables, Figures, and Appendices
In MSN or DNP assignments, you might need to include data tables, charts, or appendices. APA 7th Edition provides clear guidance for these.
For Tables:
- Label as Table 1, Table 2, etc.
- Include a bold title above the table.
- Place notes below the table for clarifications.
Example Table: Formatting Overview
| Section | Key Feature | Example |
| Title Page | Centered, Bold | Nursing Informatics in Practice |
| Heading Levels | Up to Level 3 | Leadership in Care Coordination |
| In-Text Citation | Author, Year | (Miller, 2024) |
| References | Hanging Indent | Jones, L. (2023)… |
For Figures:
Label them as Figure 1, include a title below, and mention the source if taken from another publication.
For Appendices:
Use Appendix A, Appendix B, etc. Place them after the reference list.
6. Common APA Errors Nursing Students Should Avoid
Even strong writers lose marks due to small mistakes. Here are the most frequent APA 7th Edition issues seen in Capella and Walden submissions:
- Extra spaces between paragraphs (APA uses only double-spacing).
- Incorrect capitalization in titles—use title case, not all caps.
- Forgetting hanging indents in the reference list.
- Incorrect citation of online materials or course content.
- Mixing fonts or inconsistent formatting after copying text.
- Using “Retrieved from” unnecessarily—APA 7th no longer requires this for most URLs.
- Missing DOI links for journal articles (include when available).
Quick Fix Tip:
Before submission, always run your paper through an APA checklist or a built-in formatting tool in Word. Both Capella and Walden have online writing centers that offer free APA resources.
7. APA 7th Edition Tips for Nursing Discussions
Discussion posts are shorter but still require APA consistency. Here’s how to maintain proper formatting:
- Use in-text citations even in short responses.
- Include a reference list at the end of your post.
- Avoid bullet-heavy or casual writing—stay academic.
- Cite at least two scholarly sources unless otherwise stated.
- Always double-check the rubric for word count and reference expectations.
Example:
Evidence-based leadership enhances nurse satisfaction and patient safety (Brown & Taylor, 2022). This approach supports continuous improvement within healthcare organizations.
8. Helpful APA Tools for Capella and Walden Students
- Capella Writing Center: Provides APA templates and sample papers for FPX assignments.
- Walden Writing Center: Offers webinars, citation generators, and formatting tutorials.
- Grammarly Premium or QuillBot: Great for polishing grammar and paraphrasing correctly.
- Microsoft Word APA templates: Built-in styles for headings, title pages, and references.
9. Quick Reference Table: APA Essentials for Nursing Students
| APA Element | Description | Example |
| Font | Times New Roman 12 pt or Arial 11 pt | – |
| Line Spacing | Double spaced | – |
| In-Text Citation | Author, Year | (Clark, 2023) |
| Direct Quote | Author, Year, Page | (Clark, 2023, p. 15) |
| Reference Page Title | Bold, centered | References |
| Book Reference | Author, A. A. (Year). Title. Publisher. | Oermann, M. (2021). Evaluation and testing in nursing education. Springer. |
10. Final Thoughts: Master APA with Confidence
APA formatting doesn’t have to feel intimidating. For Capella and Walden nursing students, understanding a few consistent rules can transform your writing process.
When your paper is formatted correctly, your ideas shine through clearly—and your professors can focus on your analysis rather than your margins or commas.
By mastering APA 7th Edition, you’re not just earning better grades; you’re developing professional communication skills essential for nursing leadership, education, and advanced practice.
If you need help proofreading or formatting your Capella or Walden assignments, professional writing support can ensure your paper meets every APA 7th Edition standard with confidence.
