Challenges of Recruiting School Nurses for a Study on Bullying

• In Event: Supporting Families, Groups, and Communities in Qualitative Research

Abstract

The purpose of the methodological paper is to explain challenges encountered when recruiting school nurses (SNs) to be interviewed for a qualitative study. We aimed to obtain SNs’ perspectives on bullying involving middle and high school students with chronic physical or behavioral health conditions. Using diverse recruitment strategies, we invited 714 SNs in New York State to be interviewed. Twelve (1.7%) agreed to participate. The low participate rate prompted us to consider what might have contributed to this outcome. We critically reflect on our recruitment strategies, SNs’ unwillingness to reveal their limited knowledge of bullying and reluctance to voice their perspectives. We conclude with recommendations for recruitment in qualitative studies that include school nurses and other non-teaching personnel.

Authors

• Sally S Cohen, New York University

• Timothy Guetterman, University of Michigan