Nursing Literature Review Writing – A Comprehensive Guide

Nursing Literature Review Writing – A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Literature Reviews

A literature review is a way of exploring written information about a specific topic or subject area. Authors use this literature review to build a foundation for their research or to demonstrate their knowledge of what’s currently known in a field. This review can be part of a class assignment or a section within a more extensive research project. Continue reading to learn more about how to create a strong literature review!

Common Misconceptions

Students often misunderstand the term “literature review” to mean simply summarizing sources, almost like writing short descriptions or abstracts of articles. While summarizing is one aspect of a literature review, you should approach this task as a comprehensive representation of your understanding of a topic or field. This means not just summarizing what’s already been done but also showing why further research is needed, including your own future research.

APA nursing paper template 6th edition

Constructing Your Review

When creating a Nursing Literature Review, there’s usually no strict format or template to follow. However, there are essential considerations to keep in mind:

– Include an Introduction and Conclusion:

Even if your literature review is part of a longer document, these sections serve as the starting and ending points of your content. In the introduction, give your reader some background information, such as mentioning the key figures in the field at the beginning. In the conclusion, discuss the implications of future research for the field.

– Avoid Direct Quotes:

Similar to an annotated bibliography, aim to rephrase all the material you present in your literature review. Successful rephrasing involves explaining or interpreting someone else’s ideas in your own words. This not only helps you convey your knowledge but also adds credibility to your own arguments or analysis. Proper rephrasing is crucial for strong academic writing and prevents unintentional plagiarism.

– Organize by Topic or Theme, Not Author:

Instead of summarizing each source separately and then comparing them at the end, organize your sources based on the themes or patterns you identify. This approach demonstrates your synthesis of the material and prevents your literature review from becoming a series of book reports.

– Use Headings:

In Nursing Literature Review Writing, headings can help structure your content and guide your reader. Following APA guidelines, use headings to signify shifts in topics and provide visual breaks. Headings clarify the logic and organization of your review.

– Employ Comparative Terms:

Since literature reviews can be lengthy and complex, it’s crucial to make your text engaging. Transitions and comparison terms help show where authors agree or disagree on a topic and highlight your interpretation of the literature. These linguistic tools facilitate clear connections between your assessments and research, guiding your reader smoothly through your ideas.

By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling Nursing Literature Review that effectively communicates your understanding of the topic and its importance for future research.

(Note: Please replace the placeholders with your own content and ensure compliance with APA formatting requirements.)