APA format software vs. Free Downloads

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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I will be starting my MSN degree program in a few short weeks. I am looking for any feedback on APA formatting help. Looking for feedback from those whom have bought any APA-formatting software; -Which do you recommend -Why or Why Not? And any suggestions on APA formatting downloads..What issues or successes have you had there. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!

Specializes in Labor and Delivery, Intrapartum.
PERRLA is the best money I ever spent!!!!!!!! Go to the site and take the tutorial. You will be amazed!!!

Definitely will do!!! THANKS!!!!

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery, Intrapartum.

Looks like PERRLA it is...gonna sign up within the week or so. AGAIN , THANKS FOR ALL THE RESPONSES!!! I AM SOO EXCITED TO BE ON MY WAY TO MY MSN degree starting next month!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I bought it for a nominal fee off the APA website years ago. No problems encountered.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
I've been using Dr. Paper since 2006 and three versions of Word (2003, 2007, 2010). It costs $30...it's fantastic formatting software and IMO worth every penny. The only time I have a glitch is with the cover page: for some reason if I fill out all the info on the cover page form, I get dinged by my instructors for an incorrect cover page.

It may be that the software includes the running header on your cover page. I know tht Walden University does NOT want a running header on the cover.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
Too bad you need Windows to use it! :mad:

That's why I don't use it. I'm on a Mac.

You would think MS Word would have some sort of way to format papers in APA style.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I use PERRLA and I love it! It is so worth the approximately $30.
I bought PERRLA and think that it's OK but it's really a pretty clunky piece of software that relies on Microsoft VBA. The good news is, if you're somewhat facile with the old computer, it's easy to crack and modify to be made more functional.
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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
That's why I don't use it. I'm on a Mac.

You would think MS Word would have some sort of way to format papers in APA style.

Interesting because PERRLA is really just a big, fancy Word macro that uses a database. I don't know how or if VBA is enabled in Apple land, though.
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I too use PEARLA it is user friendly especially for those not familiar with APA and online.

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Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

I use the Purdue OWL and the NoodleTools webpage. NoodleTools has never gotten me dinged on my APA formatting.

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For those of you who work in larger facilities check your hospital's library website to see if they use RefWorks. I was able to open my own account under my facility ( I did not have to pay for it) It is great for APA papers. It is a great a way for me to organize journals for my papers and keep an ongoing reference page.

There are tutorials on You Tube that are worth your time watching.

Now, if I can just finish that dam paper!

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