Critique of research titled “Why Are Nurses Leaving? Findings From an Initial Qualitative Study on Nursing Attrition”.
Name
Institution
Critique of the sampling procedure:
The target population has been identified in the research that is the non- practicing registered nurses. The identified population was accessible through telephone calls and emails that enabled meeting with the researcher to be possible. Snowball sampling technique that is a non- probability methods was used in the research. The sampling method has been described showing data collection and analysis from the samples chosen. The sampling method was appropriate for the study even though more could have been done, and other qualitative sampling techniques incorporated unlike the case that used only snowball sampling technique. The demographic characteristics of the samples are presented, but the sample size is only ten and, therefore, inadequate. The sample represented the targeted population and profession as all had previous contact with the targeted population. From the method used of snowball, sampling biases are noted bearing in mind it is a no probability sampling procedure. The people interviewed, and samples used were referenced by third parties and this created a probability of bias in the process. However, the researchers have not addressed any bias issues and how they could have avoided or reduced them. The subjects dropout issue is discussed during the orientation process, and the samples are given the choice to drop and stop the interview at any point and time and are assured of their anonymity and privacy in relation to the information collected by the researcher.
Critique of the Data-Collection procedure:
The information on “who,” “where,” “what,” “why,” “when” and “how” in regard to data collection is well documented in the research. The methodology used for the research determined the information provided by those interviewed from the chosen samples. The information however does not specify which place exactly the interview was conducted from as well as the precise date and time for an interview. It, however, shows what data was collected, and the technique used to gather the data as well as the reasons behind collection of the data from the chosen samples. Recording of the interviews using audiotapes and field notes taken to allow for comparison and clarification of the information collected and hence reduce the variables that would result from the exercise. Interpretive analysis was also done by sharing data with the colleagues to ensure appropriate interpretations were made in relation to the research objectives and goals stated. Data collection instruments that include audiotapes and transcriptions are described in the research (MacKusick & Minick, 2010). The instruments used had not been used previously, and there is nowhere indicating if they were tasted for reliability. However, from the research it indicates that each interview was recorded, and transcripts formulated meaning the instruments were reliable for collection of data. The interviewed people also asserted that the transcripts contained the exact information that they had and what transpired in the interview and this is evidence that they were reliable. The methodology chosen for the research which was an interview to those sampled made it difficult to validate and assess the instruments sufficiency. However, it is assumed that the researchers had previously tasted and verified that the instruments were functional and up to the task for recording the interviews and conversations they had regarding the research even though there is no information noted from the research about prior tests either through pilot studies or physical tests done.
Critique of data-collection Method
The data collection method used for the research was interviews where those chosen in the sampling procedures were interviewed in issues that were pertinent to the researcher. The data collection method is described thoroughly that were semi- structured interviews with field notes and audio taped. Transcripts were also made for both parties that participated in the research. However, there is no example of such transcript of the interview presented in the research but a few parts and responses have been used in presenting and supporting certain themes and positions noted in the research. The data collection made was appropriate to answer research questions due to the small number that totaled only to ten of those sampled for the interview. It required an extensive interview that could results into an in-depth data and information due to the type of question that the researchers had. Due to many possibilities and generalizations regarding the subject, the method was appropriate in narrowing down the main reasons and themes contributing to the issue. S The psychological method used provided enough data that is valid and in depth as the subject in itself is sensitive in relation to the entire profession. It enabled the samples people to bring out issue of unfriendly workplaces and emotional distress relating to patients care to be brought out through the themes chosen that dominated the interviews. Interview was the only technique used to gather data, however, when other methods could have been incorporated such as questionnaires and focus group discussion, amore elaborate information would have been captured that would give an in-depth analysis and interpretation of the information in relation to the subject and thus make the research more valuable and informing. A mixture of methods for data collection would capture more information that would not be captured by the one method used and hence the data would be rich and useful for the short and long term in conducting research studies (Nieswiadomy, 2012). There is no information provided showing the duration of the interview and training for those who conducted the interviews. Interviewing requires good communication skills to capture and bring out the information required. However, the background of those conducting the interviews is from educational backgrounds a scholars making people assume they have the required skills. Confidentiality of the participants was assured throughout the process.
Critique of descriptive statistics
The descriptive statistics used fro the research is minimal that touches and shows the demographic factors for the chosen samples. A table is used that is divided into varied parts displaying information about the participants indicating the ratio of the gender used, the age category, racial background, clinical experience, level of education and work status among others pertinent issue relating to the research. The measures of central tendency and variability are not presented due to the nature of data collection methods used and the research question. The demographic characteristics of the subject are well presented, and the statistics presented in the text agree with those noted in the table.
Critique of inferential statistics
Inferential statistics are presented in the research report in the discussion and findings section. The results and findings by the researchers are compared to past documented information relating to the subject. The reader is not provided with the calculated value of inferential statistics due to the research question and goals from the research. Non- parametric tests were used for the research as no assumption was made in relation to the samples used. It was appropriate as most of the important data and requirement for the samples were determined earlier on before the start of the research that determined the samples selected for the study. The test was appropriate because of the small group chosen and used as samples for the research. The outcomes of the study are obtainable both in text and in tables with no data on inferential tests due to the nature and question of the study.
References
MacKusick, C. I & Minick, P. (2010). Why Are Nurses Leaving? Findings From an Initial Qualitative Study on Nursing Attrition. AJN Article. Available at: HYPERLINK “https://www.amsn.org/sites/default/files/documents/practice-resources/healthy-work-environment/resources/MSNJ_MacKusick_19_06.pdf” https://www.amsn.org/sites/default/files/documents/practice-resources/healthy-work-environment/resources/MSNJ_MacKusick_19_06.pdf
Nieswiadomy, R. M. (2012). Foundations of Nursing Research (6th ed.), Pearson Prentice Hall.
