Abstract: Undertakes an evidence-based practice pilot project to examine the effectiveness of simulation-based learning in teaching nursing students to become aware of the role of stress, anxiety and distraction in medication errors. Stresses the importance of medication-error prevention at the pre-licensure level, by increasing awareness of patient safety culture. Notes the need to teach nursing students self-awareness of the distractions and stresses within the clinical environment and therefore the need for self-care to avoid medication error.

Abstract: Investigates nurses' catheter management practices, by means of an audit, as documented in a newly-introduced self-administered indwelling catheter-management checklist incorporating four components of catheter care in a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention bundle. Identifies these components of the bundle of care as: minimisation of inappropriate catheter use, aseptic insertion of catheters, adherence to catheter maintenance guidelines, and ongoing review and evaluation of catheter necessity. Shows that implementation of care components decreases bacteriuria rates and CAUTI when used together in standardised clinical checklists and performed collectively by nurses. Employs a quantitative research design as part of a mixed-methods study conducted at two surgical wards in a public hospital in Auckland where 50 nurses completed 175 checklists.