<p>Aim To compare and contrast postal and internet surveys in studies of nurse workforces.</p> <p>Background There is little research that examines the advantages and disadvantages of different surveys in studies of nurse workforces.</p> <p>Data sources Previous studies that used different approaches to disseminate surveys.</p> <p>Discussion There are advantages and disadvantages to using postal or internet surveys for nurse workforce studies.</p> <p>Conclusion Factors researchers may wish to consider in selecting survey methods include research topic, costs, coverage, timing and the characteristics of potential respondents.</p> <p>Implications for research/practice Response rate, data quality and adequate coverage of the population being studied can be optimised if the researcher selects an appropriate survey method.</p>