Nicu Recruitment Process
According to Allbutt and Masters (2010), even the most experienced researchers find difficulty in recruiting adults in a research project. In view of this, Steinke (2004) contended previously that an essential issue in the recruitment process is to develop a mutual trust between the researcher and the participants. Since the researcher is a registered nurse in the NICU team in the hospital where the study will be conducted, a direct trust can be fostered and potential involvement of registered nurses was considered high. Nevertheless, determining recruitment and response rate is influenced by the presence of a network of key individuals who will aid in preparing the participants about the research and support the recruitment process (King and
Horrocks 2010; Walker and Read 2011). As such, Ward et al (2009) clarify that an essential role of the researcher in a study is to serve as a gatekeeper to individuals participating in the study. The gatekeepers have the authority to grant or deny access to potential staffs, consequently, it is important to identify them at an early stage of the study and involve them in the preparations (Jessiman,2013). As the first person of contact for registered nurses, NICU manager was identified as the most appropriate gatekeeper for the proposed population (Ward et al,2009). In order to deliver thorough information about the study, individual information packs will be prepared which contain an invitation letter, participant information sheet, and consent form. These documents will be sent for approval by the appropriate ethical and regulatory bodies. Samples of these forms are found in Appendices (). According to Richards and Schwartz (2002), providing this information is crucial prior to pursuing consent in an ethical manner. The author will approach eligible participants to inform them about the study and distribute the participant information sheet. Moreover, according to Bower et al. (2009), participants may assume that involvement in research is positive and prompted by altruism. In contrast to this instance, McLaughlin (2010) argue that participants are not only motivated by altruism, however, individuals assume perceptible acknowledgment from the researcher for their participation. Thus it should be agreed that as a way of showing respect to participants who will contribute to the study is by sending them acknowledgment letters and by sharing them the research findings which will help inform practice at their unit (Jessiman,2013).
Horrocks 2010; Walker and Read 2011). As such, Ward et al (2009) clarify that an essential role of the researcher in a study is to serve as a gatekeeper to individuals participating in the study. The gatekeepers have the authority to grant or deny access to potential staffs, consequently, it is important to identify them at an early stage of the study and involve them in the preparations (Jessiman,2013). As the first person of contact for registered nurses, NICU manager was identified as the most appropriate gatekeeper for the proposed population (Ward et al,2009). In order to deliver thorough information about the study, individual information packs will be prepared which contain an invitation letter, participant information sheet, and consent form. These documents will be sent for approval by the appropriate ethical and regulatory bodies. Samples of these forms are found in Appendices (). According to Richards and Schwartz (2002), providing this information is crucial prior to pursuing consent in an ethical manner. The author will approach eligible participants to inform them about the study and distribute the participant information sheet. Moreover, according to Bower et al. (2009), participants may assume that involvement in research is positive and prompted by altruism. In contrast to this instance, McLaughlin (2010) argue that participants are not only motivated by altruism, however, individuals assume perceptible acknowledgment from the researcher for their participation. Thus it should be agreed that as a way of showing respect to participants who will contribute to the study is by sending them acknowledgment letters and by sharing them the research findings which will help inform practice at their unit (Jessiman,2013).