Research Project - Non-Traditional Students

[KentuckyRN2Be]

It has been a long time since I have posted here, but read as much as I can around school, family and work.

I have a question regarding a research project I am planning to do this semester. I would like to do a study on nursing students who are considered "non-traditional" (2nd degree, older, mothers, fathers, etc) and some of the differences they face in nursing school. I am working on a questionnaire to be answered by those who are willing to be involved. Is there a good place to put this study online - such as Survey Monkey or something like that? Or is it better completed and either mailed or emailed? Is it kosher to ask for participants on sites like allnurses or allstudentnurses?

I have done one research project already and presented a poster at the SNRS conference last week as an undergrad. But it was a secondary study to my research professor's dissertation topic. I am fortunate to go to a school that allows undergrads - no encourages them - to be involved in research. I love it - I would just like to do something r/t non-traditional students and how nursing schools can help them face the unique challenges they have.

Thanks for reading this!

[MeganS]

I would like to do a study on nursing students who are considered "non-traditional" (2nd degree, older, mothers, fathers, etc) and some of the differences they face in nursing school. I am working on a questionnaire to be answered by those who are willing to be involved.

Non traditional student; 2nd degree, older and sandwich generation. Would love to help you.

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

Do a literature search on the merits of online versus paper surveys - people have definitely looked into it.

There's a forum in the student section for recruitment titled "Academic Nursing Research Participation Requests" where you can post. Be sure to follow the rules there.

Also, while I realize that you did not ask for any of the above responses, it is really not kosher to solicit participants before you get IRB approval (as in, you can get into major trouble with your institution, especially if Federal funding is in any way involved). I would ask your faculty research adviser before contacting anyone in this thread about participating in your prospective study.