Focus groups were chosen as the method for data collection in a study to determine factors that influence registered nurses' decisions to teach in academia. This research design was chosen because the author wanted to obtain rich indepth information from the participants. The literature reveals that the faculty shortage is one of the contributing factors of the nursing shortage throughout the country (NLN, 2010). In response to this, the researcher sought to determine reasons of registered nurses who meet education requirements but do not choose to teach in academia. Although focus groups where appropriate for this type of study, the author experienced some challenges to this chosen data collection method. There is limited recent literature regarding the use of focus groups and its challenges. The purpose of this article is to discuss challenges experienced by the author while employing focus groups as a research methodology and to address lessons learned.