Rural matureaged students rite of passage in learning to nurse: A constructivist grounded theory stu

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Rural mature-aged students rite of passage in
learning to nurse A constructivist grounded
theory study. Vicki Drury (supervisor Karen
Francis Co-supervisor Ysanne Chapman)Monash
University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and
Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery
Introduction Widening of traditional access
modes to university have resulted in an increase
in the number of mature students, many of whom
also carry the responsibilities of parenthood,
salary earner and partner. Finding the balance
between family, study and employment is a
continual challenge for these students. Unlike
their younger counterparts, family commitments
are usually greater for mature students,
involving a complex balancing act to ensure that
all commitments are met. This study develops an
understanding of the complexity of issues facing
mature students as well as explicating protective
resilience. Methodology This research study uses
a qualitative approach informed by constructivist
grounded theory and framed by postmodernity.
Consistent with grounded theory methodology
analysis occurred concurrently with data
collection. The processes of coding,
categorising, memoing, sorting and developing
theory were used throughout the analysis process.
Data collection methods Data was collected
through semi structured face to face interviews
with five (5) mature-aged students enrolled in an
undergraduate pre-service nursing program in a
rural University. Interviews started with me
asking participants Tell me about coming to
university and some of the challenges and
problems that you have as a mature age student
and how you manage them? Data Analysis Data was
audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The
analysis process utilized the constant
comparative method advocated by grounded theory
methodology. This approach to analysis occurs
concurrently with data collection, until the
researcher determines that all possibilities are
exhausted, data saturation. Below example of
developing a category through the use of
diagramming