Abstract: This study was undertaken to ascertain the opinions of nursing students at Wellington Polytechnic (now Massey University Campus of Wellington) about their current uniform worn on clinical placements. As the NZNO National Student Unit representative at Wellington Polytechnic, it was brought to my attention by my fellow students that the current uniform was not particularly functional. As a result of these comments I concluded the best way for students to voice their opinions further was to circulate a survey. The survey questioned the students about the current uniform and what they thought the future uniform might be. The survey was available for collection by students for a two week period in July 1998. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. It was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee, School of Nursing, Health and Environmental Sciences, Wellington Polytechnic. The results were that sixty percent of students supported a change in the current uniform. Most students chose a tunic top as their preferred option. If there was to be a change, students would be prepared to spend $20-49. Consequently permission has been granted by the Head of Department – School of Nursing to investigate a change to a tunic style top. The item will be trialed by those who wish to purchase it in 1999. I believe that it is of utmost importance that student satisfaction with their clinical uniform is assessed at regular intervals to ensure that the students take a pride in their presentation and the uniform serves the purpose for which it is intended

Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to present a phenomenological exploration of the experiences of four woman who have had an adolescent child die of cancer. Using the method of hermeneutic phenomenology, as described by van Mann (1984,1990) the study drew on the stories of four woman. From their stories eight emerging themes became apparent.The analysis of the themes is described under the following headings:- wanting to protect; wanting to be with; maintaining normality; feeling positive and hopeful; facing finality; realizing that death was imminent; coping with the common reality; and interacting with health professionals.Further interpretation of the emerging themes revealed “hope expectations” as the phenomenon of concern that captures these mothers' experiences. The hope expectation phenomenon reveals how the mothers coped with adversity, differing hope expectations in the common reality, oscillating hope expectations throughout the journey and hope expectations inspired by the health professionals.The outcome of this work is to provide professional, especially nurses, with insight and knowledge of the maternal experience of caring for the dying adolescent. It is hoped this research will contribute to the body of nursing knowledge and influence the care of parents who experience the trauma of caring for their dying adolescent child

Abstract: Reveals that recent longitudinal evaluation of 21 Nursing Entry to Practice (NETP) programmes in NZ identified that preceptorship selection, education and support are not properly resourced. Identifies the factors preventing preceptors from receiving appropriate training and recommends development of a clearly-defined preceptor selection and education process.

Abstract: Explains the need for nurse-led Patient-at-Risk-Teams(PART) to prevent unnecessary ICU admissions. Investigates which nurse allocation policy between PART and ICU would result in the best outcomes for patients and hospitals. Provides econometric models to estimate the impact of critical care nurses on hospital length of stay. Proposes queueing and simulation models to obtain the optimal nurse allocation policy for minimising the ICU mortality rate. Validates proposed models at Middlemore Hospital from 2015 to 2016. Estimates the financial and mortality impact of allocating another nurse to PART per shift.

Abstract: Examines the mobility experiences and needs of morbidly-obese patients before and during hospital admission. Undertakes semi-structured interviews with seven morbidly obese patients. Identifies two categories of mobility problems: 'compromised pre-existing mobility', with a subcategory of 'accessing services prior to admission' and 'mobilisation difficulties during hospitalisation', with a subcategory of 'dissonance between dependency and need for assistance'. Recommends bariatric-care pathways for the morbidly-obese patient.

Abstract: The delivery of palliative care within contemporary New Zealand society is discussed, in the light of the recent publication of The New Zealand Palliative Care Strategy (2001). The viewpoint taken is largely descriptive rather than prescriptive, being based on a literature survey of international research and academic theory, which is also informed by the author's professionally gained knowledge. Four different perspectives, comprising a mix of providers and recipients of care are investigated: those of central government planning; specialist palliative care units; aged-care complexes; and patients, family and whanau. As an area of healthcare which current demographic projections indicate will become increasingly significant, the provision of palliative care to residents of and patients within aged-care complexes receives special attention. A metaphor of “parallel travellers” on “parallel journeys” is used to provide a thematic basis to the paper. The lived experiences and perceptions of each group of “parallel travellers” are explored. Difficulties in defining and evaluating palliative care, the implications of main-streaming, the scope of palliative care provision, the educative role of specialist palliative care providers and the current focus on mechanistic outcome measures are discussed. It is contended that the values and goals, both explicit and implicit, of the four specified groups may not at present be sufficiently congruent to optimise the effective provision of palliative care from the point of view of all concerned. While adequate resourcing and a genuinely collaborative approach among healthcare providers are both acknowledged to be critical, the potential for palliative care nurse practitioners to be appointed to the role of “care co-ordinator” alluded to within The New Zealand Palliative Care Strategy (2001), is also seen as pivotal. Insights from a postmodern perspective are offered as one possible way of achieving greater congruence.