Full Answer Section

• Potential for Stratified Sampling: To enhance the generalizability of your findings, you might consider incorporating a stratified sampling approach within the convenience sample. Here’s how:
  • Stratification Variable: Years of ICU nursing experience could be a relevant stratification variable.
  • Rationale: Nurses with varying levels of experience might have different perspectives on stress levels, receptivity to mindfulness practices, and perceived feasibility of integrating MBIs into their routines. Stratifying by experience can ensure your sample includes nurses from both ends of the spectrum, leading to richer data.

Sample Size:

For a pilot study or initial exploration, a sample size of 30-50 participants is generally considered adequate. This allows you to gather initial data, gain insights into nurses’ experiences, and refine your research questions and instruments for a larger-scale study later.

Justification:

A smaller sample size is appropriate for this initial research phase. The focus is on understanding nurses’ perspectives and experiences, not generalizability to the entire ICU nurse population. This initial data can then inform the design of a larger study with a more robust sampling method (e.g., random sampling from a national database of ICU nurses) for broader generalizability.