NURS6900: Qualitative Research Plan Presentation Assignment

Introduction and Background 

Healthcare environments are increasingly complex, fast-paced, and unpredictable, requiring healthcare professionals to continuously adapt to change. Nurses, in particular, face growing demands related to patient safety, workload pressures, emotional labour, and evolving clinical responsibilities. These challenges can significantly affect job satisfaction, wellbeing, and quality of care delivery.

This qualitative study focuses on understanding nurses’ lived experiences of workplace stress in acute healthcare settings. The study is situated within hospital environments where high patient acuity, staffing shortages, and time constraints are common. Sociocultural factors such as organisational culture, leadership support, and team dynamics play a crucial role in shaping nurses’ experiences.

Research in this area is essential to inform supportive strategies, improve workforce retention, and enhance patient outcomes. By exploring nurses’ perspectives, this study aims to contribute meaningful insights to healthcare practice and policy.

Research Question 

Research Question:
How do registered nurses experience and manage workplace stress in acute hospital settings?

This question:

• Clearly identifies the study population (registered nurses)

• Focuses on the phenomenon of interest (workplace stress and coping)

• Uses appropriate qualitative terminology

• Explores the “how” aspect of lived experience

Study Design Methodology

A phenomenological qualitative approach will be used to explore nurses’ lived experiences of workplace stress. This methodology is appropriate as it allows in-depth understanding of personal meanings and perceptions.

Study Population and Eligibility

• Registered nurses working in acute hospital wards

• Minimum of 12 months clinical experience

• Currently employed in direct patient care

Sampling and Recruitment

• Purposive sampling will be used

• Participants will be recruited via workplace notices and email invitations

• Approximately 10–15 participants will be included to achieve data saturation

Data Collection Methods

• Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews

• Interviews will be conducted online or face-to-face

• Open-ended questions will encourage rich narrative responses

Data Analysis

• Thematic analysis will be used

• Transcripts will be coded and analysed to identify recurring themes

• Analysis will follow Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework

This design aligns with the research question and allows deep exploration of individual experiences.

Study Limitations and Rigour 

Potential Limitations

• Small sample size may limit generalisability

• Self-reported data may introduce recall or response bias

• Findings may be context-specific to acute care settings

Ensuring Rigour and Trustworthiness

• Credibility: Member checking and verbatim transcription

• Transferability: Thick description of context and participants

• Dependability: Clear documentation of the research process

• Confirmability: Reflexive journaling to minimise researcher bias

These strategies enhance the trustworthiness and reliability of the study findings.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical approval will be sought prior to data collection.

Key ethical considerations include:

• Informed Consent: Participants will receive full study information and provide written consent

• Voluntary Participation: Participants can withdraw at any time without consequences

• Confidentiality: Data will be anonymised and securely stored

• Privacy: Interviews will be conducted in private settings

• Data Storage: Data will be password-protected and de-identified

• Risk vs Benefit: Minimal risk with potential benefits to workplace wellbeing

Special consideration will be given to vulnerable populations if applicable, ensuring cultural safety and respect.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, this qualitative research plan aims to explore registered nurses’ lived experiences of workplace stress in acute healthcare settings. By using a phenomenological approach, the study seeks to generate rich insights into how nurses perceive and manage stress in demanding environments.

The findings have the potential to inform organisational strategies, improve staff wellbeing, and support sustainable nursing practice. Ultimately, this research contributes to enhancing both nurse satisfaction and patient care quality.

Summary of Assessment Requirements

The assessment required the student to develop a qualitative research plan focusing on nurses’ experiences of workplace stress in acute hospital settings. Key requirements included:

• Introduction and Background: Contextualize the study, outlining the complexity of healthcare environments, stressors faced by nurses, and the relevance of the research to healthcare practice and policy.

• Research Question: Clearly define the population (registered nurses), phenomenon of interest (workplace stress), and the qualitative focus on lived experience.

• Study Design and Methodology: Select an appropriate qualitative approach (phenomenology) to explore personal experiences in depth.

• Population and Eligibility Criteria: Define inclusion criteria such as clinical experience and employment in acute care wards.

• Sampling and Recruitment: Outline purposive sampling, recruitment strategies, and anticipated sample size to achieve data saturation.

• Data Collection Methods: Specify semi-structured interviews, delivery method (online or face-to-face), and open-ended questioning.

• Data Analysis: Explain thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework.

• Study Limitations and Rigour: Identify limitations (e.g., small sample size, self-report bias) and describe strategies for credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.

• Ethical Considerations: Include informed consent, voluntary participation, confidentiality, privacy, secure data storage, and cultural safety considerations.

• Conclusion: Summarize the study’s contribution to nursing practice and patient care.

Step-by-Step Guidance by Academic Mentor

The academic mentor guided the student in a systematic process:

1. Understanding the Assignment:

   • Clarified the scope of the qualitative research plan.

   • Emphasized the importance of aligning the research question with study design and objectives.

2. Developing the Introduction and Background:

   • Assisted in contextualizing the study within acute healthcare settings.

   • Encouraged the integration of literature on workplace stress, nursing responsibilities, and patient care implications.

3. Formulating the Research Question:

   • Guided the student to ensure clarity, specificity, and qualitative focus.

   • Ensured the question addressed the “how” of lived experiences rather than general perceptions.

4. Designing the Methodology:

   • Recommended a phenomenological approach to explore personal meanings and experiences.

   • Explained how purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews align with the research objectives.

5. Data Collection and Analysis Planning:

   • Demonstrated how to structure interview guides and employ open-ended questions.

   • Guided the use of Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework to systematically identify patterns and themes.

6. Addressing Limitations and Ensuring Rigour:

   • Helped the student identify potential biases and limitations.

   • Provided strategies to enhance trustworthiness, including member checking, thick descriptions, and reflexive journaling.

7. Ethical Considerations:

   • Explained key ethical principles and ensured alignment with institutional review board standards.

   • Highlighted the importance of participant privacy, informed consent, and data security.

8. Finalizing the Research Plan:

   • Supported the student in synthesizing all sections into a cohesive plan.

   • Ensured clarity, logical flow, and alignment with learning objectives.

Unlock Your Learning with Our Assignment Solutions

Need guidance on tackling complex assignments? You can download our sample solution to see how a high-quality, well-structured assignment is presented. Use it to understand research approaches, formatting, and critical analysis techniques.

Important: This sample is for reference only. Submitting it as your own work is considered plagiarism and can lead to serious academic consequences.

For a fully original, plagiarism-free solution tailored to your requirements, our team of professional academic writers is ready to help. Ordering a fresh assignment ensures:

• 100% Unique Content – Custom-written based on your instructions.

• High-Quality Research – Accurate, credible sources and up-to-date information.

• On-Time Delivery – Submit confidently without last-minute stress.

• Alignment with Assessment Criteria – Structured to meet your course requirements.

Take the next step in achieving academic success with solutions designed to support your learning and integrity.

[Download Sample Solution]  [Order Fresh Assignment]