APPENDIX C Interview Protocol

Associate Degree in Nursing Graduates to XXX University RN to BSN Program Students’ Experiences

Schedule an interview via email or phone with subject students. During this scheduling reintroduce yourself; present another summary of the purpose for this research and the reason why the participant’s participation is important to the successful completion of this research. Interviews will be completed at a location convenient to the interviewee. All interviews shall be scheduled at times which do not conflict with students' class or work schedules. Confirmation of an interview appointment will be accomplished by email, phone, or text message prior to the interview time.

On the day of the appointment, reintroduce yourself, the purpose of this research and establish rapport. Have the disclosure form and Interview Questionnaire Form on the table where the interviewee will sit.

"As part of my dissertation work, I would like to know more about your experiences which were significant to deciding to purse A Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I would like to understand how these experiences influence you decision to pursue a BSN."

"With your permission I would like to record this interview. Recording this interview will ensure that I have an accurate record of your experiences. I will not use your name in any part of this research, or in discussions with other persons who may help me. Only group data will be reported or discussed.

Your participation or lack of participation will not affect your grades in any way. If this Is that okay, I will like to start the digital recording.

Turn the recorder on. Read the Disclosure Statement and both sign. Read the opening text on the Participant’s interview sheet

“ The interviewer will ask the below questions during this interview. The intent of these questions is to capture your experiences that you believed affected your decision to pursue a BSN degree. The questions asked here are neutral questions with no intention of favoring negative over positive experiences or neutral ones. Please take your time in answering each question. You may also reflect on any question asked and add or update experiences during this interview. The important purpose of this interview is to record your genuine lived experiences which affected you decision to pursue a BSN degree.

At times the interviewer may appear not to be paying attention while writing or adjusting interview devices. These will be necessary actions which will not decrease the interviewer’s focus to and concern for recording your experiences.

Thank you for your time and responses to the following questions. "Do you have any questions about this Interview? Answer any questions. “Shall we begin?"

“Thank you; before we begin the interview questions could you please give me some background of where you are at right now in your nursing profession.

• What Experiences were incorporated into your state community college associate degree in nursing program that influenced your decision to pursue a BSN degree?

-If no significant experiences ask why.

• Which, if any, of these experiences significantly influenced your decision to pursue a BSN?

-Explore any experiences interviewee found significant. -Mentors/Programs/Instructors/Course

• Were there any pre-college experiences offered by the community college or other education institutions which influenced your decision to pursue a BSN degree?

-Class/instructor -Coursework -Campus Activities

• What family experiences influenced your decision to pursue a BSN degree?

-Parents -Siblings -Relatives -Grandparents

• What community or corporate events influenced your decision to pursue a BSN degree?

-Institutions

-Persons within the community

• What peer experiences influenced your decision to pursue a BSN?

-Peer workers/experiences

• If you have worked for a health organization, where there any work experiences, which influenced your decision to pursue a BSN degree?

-Promotion potential

-Career Paths of peer workers/their perceptions -Health institution Programs

-Institution incentives to pursue higher education

• If you have made changes to your decision to pursue a BSN degree, what was the change and what experiences influenced you to make the change?

-Explore any change interviewee deems significant

• Were there any experiences or events not previous given in this interview session which influenced your decision to pursue a BSN degree?

-Open question, tie into previous answers to other questions. Go back to other questions to add on to.

Concluding the interview

"Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to meet with me. Your time and

responses are critical to the success of this research. Upon reflection if you feel that there are any other important experiences you didn’t discussion in this interview, please contact me via my phone or email.

Appendix D

Email Requesting Participant Participation

My name is David Bartos, a doctoral candidate completing PhD dissertation research. I have IRB approval for my research. I am recruiting participants for a phenomenological research study. This research is focusing on the personal experiences during the ADN educational process that influences students to pursue a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. My focus population is students currently enrolled in the XXXX University RN-BSN program who received their ADN from XXXX Community College or YYYY Community College. This focus group is necessary as face to face interviews are required to fulfill the requirements of the study. The interview should take no more than one hour, with most taking about 20-30 minutes. I am happy to meet interested participants at your convenience date/time/place. I am attempting to complete the interviews by mid-May for a dissertation defense in July-August. If you feel that you fit my focus population and are interested in participating please contact me: cell 804-837- 2001 or by email [email protected] also contact me if you have further questions

Appendix E

Exempt Letter of Approval

October 23, 2013 Approved Application Number 201401027 Dr. Dana Burnett

Department Educational Research and Leadership Dear Dr. Burnett:

Your Revised Application for Exempt Research with David P. Bartos entitled, “Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Academic Program Experiences Affecting ADN Nursing Graduates’ Decisions to Enroll or Not Enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN) Program,” has been found to be EXEMPT from IRB review under category 6.1 by the Human Subjects Review Committee of the Darden College of Education, and you may begin your research project when you are ready. You will receive a signed copy of this letter in the campus mail.

The determination that this study is EXEMPT from IRB review is for an indefinite period of time provided no significant changes are made to your study. If any significant changes occur, notify me or the chair of this committee at that time and provide complete information regarding such changes.

In the future, if this research project is funded externally, you must submit an application to the University IRB for approval to continue the study.

Best wishes in completing your study. Sincerely,

Theodore P. Remley, Jr., J.D., Ph.D.

Professor and Batten Endowed Chair in Counseling Department of Counseling and Human Services ED 110

Norfolk, VA 23529

Chair

Darden College of Education Human Subjects Review Committee Old Dominion University

Appendix F

INFORMED CONSENT DOCUMENT