This is a discussion. Please make it at least 2 paragraphs in APA format 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? 1. getting the references and using them properly are challenging for me Here’s the book that we are using (she wants references from it) plus once scholar: Masters, K. (2020). Role development in professional nursing practice (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett.
Answer
Maintaining professional integrity is crucial for nurses as they navigate their careers. Despite being aware of the potential consequences, some students still choose to falsify their work. This raises the question of why students engage in such unethical behavior. There are several possible reasons for this misconduct.
Firstly, the pressure to perform well academically can be a driving factor behind academic dishonesty. Students may feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed upon them to achieve high grades and succeed in their nursing program. In an effort to meet these expectations, some students may resort to falsifying their work to maintain a competitive edge or satisfy external pressures.
Secondly, a lack of understanding or knowledge of academic integrity may contribute to students engaging in dishonest practices. Some students may not fully grasp the gravity of academic dishonesty or the long-term negative impacts it can have on their professional reputation. Without proper education and guidance on ethical practices, students may make poor choices and engage in plagiarism or falsification of their work.
Additionally, time constraints and the demands of juggling multiple responsibilities could also be contributing factors. Nursing students often face heavy workloads, clinical rotations, and personal commitments. Consequently, they may perceive shortcuts like falsifying their work as a means of saving time and reducing stress. The pursuit of efficiency in completing assignments, combined with overwhelming workloads, can lead students to opt for dishonest practices.
Moreover, the pressure to meet high expectations, particularly in disciplines such as nursing, can create a fear of failure. Some students may resort to academic dishonesty as a way to avoid the potential shame and disappointment associated with receiving a low grade or failing a course. This fear-driven mindset fuels the temptation to cheat or falsify work as a desperate attempt to meet expectations and maintain a positive self-image.
In regards to the most challenging APA formatting issues, several difficulties may arise for students. One common challenge is the proper citation and referencing of sources. APA formatting requires precision in documenting sources, including the correct formatting of in-text citations and creation of a comprehensive reference list. Students may struggle with accurately attributing information to the appropriate source, leading to unintentional plagiarism or inadequate citation.
Another challenging aspect of APA formatting is mastering the rules and guidelines for formatting headings, margins, font styles, and pagination. Students must adhere to specific formatting rules to ensure consistency and professionalism in their written work. Understanding and implementing these formatting requirements can be time-consuming and confusing, especially for students who are new to APA style.
Additionally, the formatting of tables, figures, and appendices according to APA guidelines can present challenges. Ensuring proper labeling, numbering, and placement of these elements within the document can be cumbersome. Students may struggle with organizing and presenting data in a clear and visually appealing manner while adhering to APA formatting rules.
To overcome these challenges, students can utilize various resources. Consulting the APA Publication Manual, which provides detailed guidelines and examples, can be immensely helpful. Online citation generators, such as Zotero and EasyBib, can assist in accurately generating citations and organizing references. Universities often offer writing centers or academic support services that provide guidance on APA formatting. Additionally, peer-reviewed literature and online forums dedicated to APA formatting can offer valuable insights and tips for navigating its complexities.
In conclusion, the reasons why some students falsify their work despite knowing the consequences can be multifaceted. Factors such as academic pressure, a lack of understanding, time constraints, and fear of failure can contribute to unethical practices. The most challenging APA formatting issues for students often involve proper citation and referencing, mastering formatting guidelines, and organizing tables and figures. Utilizing resources such as the APA Publication Manual, citation generators, university writing centers, and online forums can assist students in overcoming these challenges and ensuring their adherence to academic integrity.
