Qualitative Research Report

Qualitative Research Report

Article

Connelly, L.M., Miner-Williams, D., & Yoder, L.H., 2003. A qualitative study of charge nurse competencies. Medsurg Nursing, 12(5), 298-306.

Problem

The study was conducted to determine the competencies necessary to be a successful charge nurse (Connelly, Miner-Williams, & Yoder, 2003). There has been limited research conducted to provide information concerning the clinical role of the charge nurse. This study identifies the competencies necessary to be an effective charge nurse. The charge nurse serves as a valuable resource and leader for staff nurses in the absence of the unit manager. Effective charge nurses are needed to ensure optimal patient care in a time when patients are more critically ill and have shorter hospital stays.

Study Purpose

The purpose of this study is to have nurses identify their perceptions of competencies needed to be an effective charge nurse.

Research Question

"The research question was: "What do nurses at various levels perceive to be the competencies needed to effectively carry out the role of charge nurse in a military medical center?"(Connelly et al., 2003, p. 299). The study notes that military nurses do differ from civilian nurses however; the research team felt if would benefit both groups of nursing. This question is very broad and is appropriate for a qualitative study.

Study Design

The research design is the plan to outline how the study will be conducted. This study uses an exploratory qualitative research design. Exploratory research is often conducted because a problem has not been clearly defined or is unclear. This design is an appropriate method to study nurse's perceptions about charge nurse role competencies.

Subjects and Setting

This study uses a stratified, purposive sampling technique to select groups of informants. Purposive sampling is defined as "judgmental or selective sampling that involves the conscious selection by the researcher of certain subjects or elements to include in study" (Burns & Grove, 2003, p. 493). Stratification is a "design study used to distribute subjects evenly throughout the sample" (p. 497). This study required that nurses be knowledgeable about the subject and nurses were chosen from select units. The units chosen were from the medical unit and critical care units.

The size of the sample consisted of 42 nurses. The nurses were chosen from various management levels. Interviews were conducted on 11 staff nurses, 12 charge nurses, 10 head nurses, and 9 supervisors. There were 33 females and 9 males in the study. Most participates had a BSN and had an average of five years charge nurse experience. The size of the study was adequate because is had a wide range of participants.

The setting took place in a military medical center in the Southwest United States. The study addresses the fact that there are differences in military versus civilian nursing. The major difference is that military nursing must deal with issues such as deployment. The study also states that the information would be applicable to and benefit both areas of nursing.

Data Collection Methods

After the participants were chosen, then interviews were conducted using format open-ended questions. "Ð'... A qualitative interview approach was thought to be the best means of exploring expectations people had for the role" (Connelly et al., 2003, p. 299). Open-ended questions allow the participants to raise important issues that may