They generally employ a carefully constructed online survey using a variety of tools that include ( but are not limited to ) SurveyMonkey ®, Qualtrics ®, and others to assure that the questions and processes protect you ( the “ recruited participant ”). The delivery is irrelevant – but the survey questions need to be clear . Researchers spend a great deal of time managing issues of validity and reliability to be sure that you are being solicited for something that values your time , your attention to detail , and most importantly your response . What you need to know is that the typical survey response rate is often 10 %, which means that when you push “ delete ” you are missing an opportunity to contribute to data-based evidence . And you may not want those 10 % who do participate speaking for you . Think about who they might be and what decisions will get made without your voice in the data .
We , at the National Student Nurses Association ( NSNA ), often send surveys to all of our membership to “ hear your voice .” It is important for us to know what you think about issues of importance to nursing , thereby improving conditions for others and helping to advance evidence related to your education and profession . NSNA ’ s “ Annual New Graduate Survey ” is frequently used by national organizations to understand workforce issues . Our frequent “ two-minute ” surveys provide timely , relevant information to you and the entire membership ; these surveys also help nursing programs and schools to improve nursing education . Your answers are most often anonymous . You will have missed an opportunity to participate if you do not take the time to respond .
Tips When you are invited to complete a survey , how do you know it ’ s legitimate and worth your time ? Most reputable research will have an abundance of information to let you know it has been reviewed , including an IRB approval , and contacts you can use if you have any questions . The sender ’ s email address will most often have an “. edu ” or “. org ” and may come from a known hospital or organization . Be cautious of marketing surveys with “. com ” or if you think a group purchased your email address . ( Keep in mind , however , that Google and Facebook share everything about you !) If an incentive , such as a raffle for a gift card in a legitimate study , is offered to participate it ’ s okay to give your time for the chance to win ; the researchers have had their solicitation mechanism approved . Go ahead ! Take the time to spend your time and add your data to the analysis . Help advance the services in education and health care and be part of an evidence-based profession .
NSNA also accepts research from PhD and EdD doctoral students . These surveys have been carefully developed and reviewed by the doctoral student ’ s sponsor and committee . By participating you are contributing to the development of new knowledge as most doctoral studies are original research . You can also consider that perhaps someday you will be in that researcher ’ s shoes — working on your own dissertation .
So , the next time you receive an invitation from nsna . org or another reputable organization to participate in a research study , please take the time to respond and add your voice to the growing body of nursing knowledge . Your voice is important . Participate ! n
Veronica Feeg , PhD , RN , FAAN , is the Associate Dean and Director of the PhD Program in Nursing at the Barbara H . Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences , Molloy College , Rockville Centre , NY .
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