PERRLA, is it worth it?

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2006

Thanks everyone! Yes, I do have an APA book, and I am good at writing in that format, but I was thinking if there was a program to format it for me, would save SO much more time. I am checking out the free links and other programs everyone has shared and I am sure I will be picking up a program this week...saving even 10 minutes is worth it in my busy schedule. :)

allnurses Guide · Sep 15, 2011

I used it through out grad school, and liked the one time fee (not annual) plus free upgrades.

Despareux · Sep 15, 2011

Not worth it. We write so many papers, following APA has become second nature.

You still have to type in your information into a database so that it can format it for you. Why don't you just copy and paste a format for your specific reference type and type over the format with your own information?

Also, you can use your schools learning center if you're uncertain about the formatting of your paper.

tokyoROSE, BSN, RN · Sep 15, 2011

Save your money. I never even bought the APA book, I've only used Purdue OWL and Citation Machine. Everything you need is there. Look at the sample Purdue OWL paper and copy that format. Takes, what, two minutes to do? I've done so many papers in the past year that it would take more time to use a program rather than just format things myself.

pockunit, ADN, RN · Sep 17, 2011

Word does citations in APA. Why pay for another program if you already have access to something similar on your computer?

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2011

Personally, I think you should learn how to write a paper in APA format yourself. Typing your information into a computer program to format the paper for you is taking a shortcut. What will you do if, right before your final term paper, your computer breaks and you have to use one without this program? It's so much better to learn how to do it yourself and not have to rely on a program to do it for you. If it's just for citations, there are plenty of online sites where you can get citations formatted for free.

ReinventingMyselfAgain, MSN, RN · Sep 17, 2011

(In my best "old geezer" voice, while walking with my cane and wearing glasses on my nose )

I remember when I was in school, we didn't have PERRLA. We had to do it ourselves. In fact we had to use a quill pen. And we liked it like that!!

:lol2:

But seriously, I'm so amazed at how much technology exists to assist students. I'm not completely begrudging it (I'm a bit jealous actually). The two criticisms I have are this:

I think it is important to know how to do it. It is part of the process of writing papers. I am not sure how the powers that be feel about these types of things. In theroy its a great idea. I rememeber as a student, it did stink to have points taken away because of formatting. But having a knowledge of it is important, IMO.

The other thing is the price: I didn't look at the site that closely, but I think it becomes one of those things that you really need to think about: is it worth it? You know after the free trial, the $ is gonna come out right away. And things like these sometimes get difficult to cancel. Just watch your bank account for charges you did not authorize. Read the fine print!

rn/writer, RN · Sep 17, 2011

For anyone currently looking for help with APA formatting, here is a link to VickyRN's blog posting on the subject:

https://allnurses.com/nursing-blogs/apa-writing-style-583693.html

She's one of our own staff members and will soon be VickyRN PhD. Her blog posts have a way of putting things in plain English, and she includes all kinds of links to resources. And her advice is free.

Even if you use helping tools, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basic formatting rules. This is knowledge you can use for the rest of your career.