International nursing students' transition perceptions and preparation

Participant Information Sheet/Online Consent

Introduction

You are invited to take part in this research project, titled Transitioning to the Australian nursing workforce: the perceptions and experiences of international nursing students and new graduates, that is being conducted at UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences. All international undergraduate nursing students in the final year of their studies (Stage 3/ 3rd year) in 2020 are invited to take part in this project.

The researchers at the University of South Australia would like your help to explore your preparedness and experiences of transitioning to the domestic nursing workforce after completion of your studies.

This Participant Information Sheet tells you about the research project and explains the process involved in taking part in this project. Knowing what is included will help you make an informed decision as to whether to take part in the research.

Please read this information carefully. Feel free to ask questions about anything that you feel is unclear or unexplained. Before deciding whether or not to take part, you may wish to talk to a friend or relative.

Participation in this research is voluntary.

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to consent by clicking the button at the end of this form. By signing in, you are telling us that you:

• Understand what you have read.
• Consent to take part in the research project; and
• Consent to the use of your information as described.

You will be able to keep a copy of this Participant Information Sheet.

What is the purpose of this research?

This research project will give you the opportunity to voice your views and opinions related to your nursing workforce transition preparedness and report what matters to you about your transition process.

Your information can help universities and employers to understand how the workforce transition process has affected you and to enable them to give the right support in the future.

What does participation in this research involve?

This research project has two parts. Part 1 is conducted between August - November 2020 and a follow-up study (Part 2) will be conducted between June - September 2021. Both parts consist of an online survey for all participants and a further optional online interview.

Part 1 explores your views as a student about your preparedness for transitioning from the university to the nursing workforce. Part 2 explores your experiences of transition as a new graduate.

Part 1: You will be invited to complete an online survey. At the end of the survey, you can opt-in to participate in an online interview and the follow-up survey.

Taking part in the interview is optional. Further information will be provided to you if you opt-in.

The online surveys will take 15-20 minutes.

The online surveys will be anonymous. If you opt-in to the follow-up survey or interview, your contact details will be collected in a separate online form. You will not be identified in the reporting of the research. However, please be aware that the researcher cannot ultimately guarantee the confidentiality or anonymity of material transferred by email or the internet.

There are no costs and you will not be paid.

Do I have to take part in this research project?

No. Participation in the research project is completely voluntary. If you do not wish to take part, you do not have to. If you decide to take part and later change your mind, you are free to withdraw from the project at any stage by contacting Della John McKitterick (primary researcher) on +61 883021158 or email della.john_mckitterick@mymail.unisa.edu.au.

Your decision whether to take part or not to take part, or to take part and then withdraw, will not affect your studies. Please note that, should you choose to withdraw from the study, you have until (**two weeks**) after the completion of your interview to request that your data be removed from the study. For survey data, please be aware that, once you submit your online survey, the researchers will be unable to remove your response as it will be impossible to identify your individual data.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

Although there are no direct benefits to you, the findings may help to improve existing programs or assistance available for international undergraduate nursing students.

What are the possible risks and disadvantages of taking part?

If at any time you feel stressed or upset completing the questions, you can skip the questions and go to the next, or you may stop.

If you need to talk to someone about your feelings, please use the following link for support services

Lifeline- Crisis support chat (https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/online-services/crisis-chat )

Beyond Blue Support Services ( https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites )

What happens when the research project ends?

You can request a summary of the research findings by contacting the primary researcher Della John McKitterick via phone (+61 883021158) or email (della.john_mckitterick@mymail.unisa.edu.au).

What will happen to information about me?

By clicking on the consent button, you consent to the research team collecting and using the information you provide in the survey for this project.

Any records containing your personal information will remain confidential and no information that could lead to your identification will be released, unless required by law.

Your name and contact details will be kept in a secure database and only accessible to the research project team at the University of South Australia. Electronic and hard copy forms that contain your details will be deleted/destroyed. Your data will be stored in a database on a secure server for five years and then deleted. Non-identifiable survey data will be stored on the UniSA data repository where it may be accessed by other researchers, subject to ethical approval.

The results of this research project will be published and/or presented in a variety of forums. In any publication and/or presentation, the information will be provided in such a way that you cannot be identified.

This project has been approved by the University of South Australia's Human Research Ethics Committee. If you have any ethical concerns about the project or questions about your rights as a participant please contact the Executive Officer of this Committee,

Tel: +61 8 8302 3118; Email: humanethics@unisa.edu.au.

Who is organising and funding the research?

This research project is conducted by Della John McKitterick (PhD candidate) from the University of South Australia under the supervision of Professor Marion Eckert, Professor Mary Chiarella, Dr Nadia Corsini and Dr Micah Peters. There is no sponsor or funding for this research.

You will not benefit financially from your involvement in this research project.

No member of the research team will receive a personal financial benefit from your involvement in this research project.

Who has reviewed the research project?

The ethical aspects of this research project have been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of the University of South Australia as required by the Australian government research requirements, specified in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007 - updated 2018). This statement has been developed to protect the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies.

Further information and who to contact

The person you may need to contact will depend on the nature of your query. If you want any further information concerning this project or if you have any problems which may be related to your involvement in the project, you can contact the researcher on [+61 883021158] or any of the following people:

Research contact person

If you have any complaints about any aspect of the project, the way it is being conducted or any questions about being a research participant in general, please contact:

Reviewing HREC approving this research and HREC Executive Officer details

Online Consent

Declaration by Participant

I have read the Participant Information Sheet.

I understand the aim, what is involved, and risks of the research.

I have had an opportunity to ask questions and I am satisfied with the answers I have received.

I freely agree to participate and understand that I am free to withdraw at any time without affecting my future studies/career.

I understand that I can download a copy of this document to keep.

I understand that I have an option to participate in an online interview in part 1.

I understand that I have an option to participate in part 2 of the research project.

You have selected an option that triggers this survey to end right now.