Michelle Byrne

Evaluating the findings of qualitative research.

This article provides an overview of strategies used to support and evaluate qualitative research. Research consumers should critique qualitative research to see how the concepts of credibility, transferability, and confirmability are met in a study. Further, as qualitative research evolves and transforms the understanding of phenomena, the strategies for evaluating credibility may evolve and change, as well. Qualitative research just as personal knowing, is a dynamic process.

Critical incident technique as a qualitative research method

Critical incident technique is a helpful methodology used to examine a number of issues pertinent to nursing science. It allows nurses to understand the dimensions of their role in clinical settings and their interactions with patients and other clinicians. It also helps nurses understand nursing practice in a variety of roles (e.g., clinical educator, nurse informatician, faculty member). Researchers using this methodology should review Flanagans original assumptions and compare them to their proposed methodology to determine whether CIT is the best fit. Additionally, researchers should compare this method to phenomenology, grounded theory, or hermeneutics to determine whether these approaches are more congruent with the research question. Critical incident technique can provide insight into nursing issues when used with rigor and when appropriate rationale is provided for data collection, interpretation, and analysis.

The Value of Certification—A Research Journey

ONE MEASURE OF NURSING EXCELLENCE is achieving specialty certification, which denotes a more advanced level of knowledge and practice. THE CERTIFICATION BOARD Perioperative Nursing (CBPN) provides specialty certification for perioperative nurses. The organizations mission is to be the leader in competency credentialing and education that promotes safe, quality patient care in the perioperative arena. THIS ARTICLE PRESENTS study findings regarding the perceived value of a barriers to obtaining certification.

Grounded theory as a qualitative research methodology

Grounded theory as a qualitative research approach provides nurses with strategies to build theories in areas previously unexplored or under explored. Although similar to other inductive processes, this methodology differs in that it emerges from the discipline of sociology. In addition, strategies for data analysis differ according to each methodologist. As with other qualitative methods, the researcher must link philosophy, methodology, and research method for rigorous and credible scholarship.

The concept of informed consent in qualitative research.

Informed consent is an essential part of all research endeavors that involve human participants. The human rights of research participants must be protected. It is incumbent upon the qualitative researcher to provide a dynamic informed consent when study outcomes change. The violation of privacy is more apt to occur with in-depth interviews, which has implications for researchers to protect human rights throughout data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

Instructional Bias—Awareness and Reduction in Perioperative Education

Through the use of instructional materials, perioperative educators provide education to staff members, physicians, patients, and family members. Although accrediting bodies and scholars have addressed the importance of diversity in patient assessment and nursing care, there has been little discussion regarding how instructional materials incorporate cultural, age, and gender diversity. This article defines bias and explores six forms of instructional bias. Suggestions are offered on ways to reduce or eliminate bias in instructional materials.

Information Literacy: Implications for Perioperative Nurses

The concept of information literacy may be new to some perioperative nurses; however, embracing this concept will help nurses identify situations that necessitate gaining more information, locate and access information sources, evaluate and analyze data, and cite information in compliance with copyright and fair use laws. The culture of health care is continually changing as a result of new technology and new methods to improve patient care, and this creates an information explosion. Perioperative educators should add information literacy as a strategic goal for obtaining Magnet status because it is foundational to evidence-based practice. Administrators also should advocate to obtain resources that will enable nurses to access information that addresses current patient care issues.

Integrating Perioperative Content in Nursing Curricula: A Case Study Approach.

Perioperative nursing care requires unique specialty knowledge, skills, and abilities. National initiatives in nursing education and health care support integrating perioperative nursing content into curricular offerings in nursing schools and health care institutions. We provide an overview of the initiatives affecting nursing education, followed by a case study example and a guide to assist educators with incorporating perioperative case studies into their education plans. These resources may enhance the integration of perioperative nursing concepts in undergraduate curricula, internships, and continuing education offerings. The purpose of this article is to provide resources for nurse educators to systematically create case studies and to encourage increased exposure to perioperative concepts and competencies in a myriad of educational environments.