Paper
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
A Theory Driven Research Study to Better Prepare the Future Nursing Workforce: The Methods
Earline G. Moreland, RN, BS, Judith McFarlane, DrPH, and Ann Malecha, PhD. College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX, USA
To optimize preparation of the future nursing workforce and maximize student and graduate nurse retention, a four year longitudinal study based on the Betty Neuman ecological systems model of stressors and resilience was launched with the recruitment of 125 first semester baccalaureate nursing students at Texas Woman’s University (TWU), College of Nursing in the Fall of 2006. These multi-ethnic male and female student participants range in age from 20-45 years and attend two urban campuses of TWU. A combination of 40 graduate students, masters and doctorally prepared faculty on two campuses volunteered to complete 6 face to face interviews over a 2 year period using 10 validated instruments and 1 institutional survey form. The instruments measure general health status, symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress syndrome as well as sleep integrity; stress resiliency and psychological empowerment. Finally, overall student satisfaction with their current program of study is measured including faculty support. Recruitment during new student orientation and the first week of classes was accomplished by flyers and announcements. Baseline data were collected using a confidential interview protocol that began with a contact list of three persons that could assist in locating the student for the remainder of the study. Following each interview, the students are given a $20 compensation for their time. Subsequent data collections will occur at the end of fall and spring semesters. This methods presentation will focus on the process of selecting a theory driven research study followed by specific strategies to form a multidisciplinary, multi-educational level research team. Practical techniques on how to maintain data collection integrity across campuses as well as maximize participant retention will be discussed along with the thorny issues of successfully navigating political and power issues.