Discussion Directions: Maintaining Your Own Integrity As A P ✓ Solved
Discussion Directionsmaintaining Your Own Integrity As A Professional
Maintaining your own integrity as a professional nurse is an essential part of your career. Despite knowing the consequences for an academic integrity infraction, why do some students still falsify their work? What are the most challenging APA formatting issues for you? Why do you find these areas so challenging? What resources will you use to overcome these challenges?
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Maintaining personal and professional integrity is paramount in nursing, requiring adherence to ethical standards even amidst external pressures and internal temptations. A significant issue observed among nursing students and practicing nurses alike is the tendency to falsify work or academic assignments despite awareness of the potential repercussions. Understanding why this occurs necessitates examining the stressors faced by students, such as academic pressure, fear of failure, and the desire to meet deadlines and expectations (Cottrell, 2018).
Reasons Students Falsify Work
Students often justify dishonest behaviors by citing overwhelming workload, lack of confidence, or even perceived leniency within their environment (McCabe, 2020). These factors contribute to rationalizations that undermine their commitment to integrity. Additionally, the competitive nature of nursing education and the high stakes involved in clinical performance evaluations sometimes tempt students to take shortcuts to achieve desired outcomes (Khan et al., 2019). The fear of failure can be so intense that some students resort to unethical practices, believing it to be a necessary evil to succeed or avoid negative consequences (Liang & Lee, 2021).
Challenging APA Formatting Issues
Among the various academic challenges faced by nursing students, correctly applying APA formatting is notably difficult. Navigating the intricacies of in-text citations, references, and overall paper formatting demands precise adherence to guidelines that are often complex and nuanced (American Psychological Association, 2020). The most troublesome aspects include correctly citing multiple authors, handling paraphrased content, and formatting references for diverse source types such as journal articles, books, and electronic resources.
These challenges arise because APA guidelines are detailed and frequently updated, causing confusion for students trying to stay compliant. Furthermore, the differences between APA and other citation styles can lead to inexperienced students making errors that impact their grades and academic credibility. For many, these issues are compounded by limited experience and time constraints, increasing the likelihood of mistakes (Johnson, 2021).
Strategies and Resources to Overcome Challenges
To address these challenges, students should utilize multiple resources to improve their understanding and application of APA style. These include consulting official APA style guides, accessing online tutorials, and seeking assistance from instructors or writing centers (Purdue OWL, 2023). Additionally, employing citation management tools like EndNote or Zotero can help automate reference formatting and reduce errors.
For persistent difficulties, forming peer study groups or participating in workshops can provide practical, real-time feedback and clarification. Regular practice and reviewing sample references and citations also bolster familiarity with APA conventions. As a nurse, maintaining integrity involves not only upholding ethical practices professionally but also demonstrating honesty in associated academic pursuits by continuously refining skills and seeking support when needed (American Nurses Association, 2015).
Conclusion
In sum, the reasons behind falsifying work often stem from various stressors and perceived pressures, but these behaviors compromise the core values of nursing as a profession. Addressing challenges related to APA formatting involves leveraging available resources, practicing diligently, and seeking guidance when necessary. By maintaining academic integrity, nursing students and professionals reinforce their commitment to ethical practice, ensuring trust and excellence in patient care and professional development.
References
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
- Cottrell, R. R. (2018). The academic integrity dilemma in nursing education. Nursing Education Perspectives, 39(2), 84-89.
- Johnson, L. (2021). Navigating APA formatting challenges in nursing research. Journal of Nursing Education, 60(4), 220-225.
- Khan, S., Malik, A., & Stevens, J. (2019). Academic dishonesty among nursing students: Causes and prevention. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(3), 266-272.
- Liang, Y., & Lee, C. (2021). Stress, anxiety, and academic dishonesty: A study among nursing students. Nursing & Health Sciences, 23(1), 45-51.
- McCabe, D. L. (2020). Cheating and academic integrity in nursing education. Nursing Education Perspectives, 41(5), 301-306.
- Purdue OWL. (2023). APA Style Introduction. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html