In nursing research, snowball sampling can be invaluable for several reasons:
1. Access to Hard-to-Reach Populations: Nurses working in specialized areas like palliative care, advanced practice, or those involved in illicit activities (e.g., substance abuse) are often difficult to reach through conventional sampling methods. 2. Cost-Effectiveness: This method can be less expensive and quicker than other sampling techniques, especially when dealing with dispersed populations. 3. Rich Data: Participants recruited through their networks can provide more in-depth and qualitative data, leveraging trust and rapport already established within these networks.
