Qualitative research: methodologies and use in pediatric nursing

With the increasing number of qualitative research studies being published in nursing journals, pediatric nurses need to understand the different qualitative research methodologies in order to adequately critique these studies and utilize the findings in their clinical practice. Three of the most prominent methodologies in qualitative research are discussed: phenomenology, ethnography, and grounded theory. Examples of published qualitative research in pediatric nursing are described to illustrate each of the three methodologies.