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Author (down) Bunn, S. url  openurl
  Title An exploration of the transition of patients from intensive care to the ward environment: A ward nursing perspective Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Clinical decision making; Nursing; Communication  
  Abstract The transition of patients from intensive care to the ward environment is a regular occurrence in intensive care. Today patients are often transferred earlier and sicker due to the demands for intensive care beds. This results in patients with higher acuity being cared for in the wards. Here ward nurses have to meet the ongoing complex demands of caring for higher acuity patients, alongside managing high patient-to-nurse ratios, staffing concerns, and varying levels of experienced nurses. This research explored the experiences of ward nurses receiving patients transferred from intensive care. The aims were to identify any areas of concern, highlight specific problems that occur on transition and to address what information is pertinent to ward nurses when receiving patients from intensive care. A qualitative descriptive methodology using focus groups was utilised to gather information about these experiences. Three focus groups were held with ward nurses from various wards within the study setting hospital. All participants had considerable contact with intensive care and were familiar with the processes of transferring patients. Five themes emerged from the focus groups – Patients as intensive care staff say they are; Time to prepare the biggest thing; Documentation as a continuation of patient care; They forget what its like; and Families, a need to know about them. The theme Patients as intensive care staff say they are relates to reliable information sharing focused on the patient, their needs and condition. Participants expressed their concern that patients were not always in the condition that the intensive care staff stated they were on the referral. Having adequate time to prepare was considered important for the majority of ward nurses receiving patients from intensive care. Documentation was highlighted in the theme Documentation as a continuation of patient care particularly in relation to fluid balances and vital sign history. The theme They forget what its like suggests there is a perception that intensive care nurses have a lack of understanding of what the ward staff can actually manage. Decreased staffing levels during certain shift patterns and a lack of appropriately experienced staff on the wards is a common concern for ward nurses. Ward nurses also recognised that caring for families was part of their role. Patients and families may respond differently to the transfer process and their inclusion in transfer planning was seen as essential. Communication was a reoccurring element throughout all themes.The author concludes that communication is the paramount factor that impacts on a 'smooth transition' for ward nurses. A 'smooth transition' refers to the transfer of patients from intensive care to the next level of care. Subsequently, nurses' perceptions need to change, whereby transfer planning from ICU should be the focus rather than discharge planning. Transfer planning and education for all nursing staff is vital if the transfer process is to be improved. Consequently, transitional care within the context of ICU aims to ensure minimal disruption and optimal continuity of care for the patient. The knowledge gained from this research may provide better understanding of the multifaceted issues linked with transitional care that may be adapted for a wider range of patients in various clinical environments.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 827 Serial 811  
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Author (down) Bryson, L.W. openurl 
  Title Nurse-led heart failure services: A review of the literature Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Nursing specialties; Management; Nurse practitioners; Cardiovascular diseases  
  Abstract This research paper reports on the findings of a literature review conducted to establish and analyse the international magnitude, context and effectiveness of nurse-led heart failure initiatives. The research revealed that the underlying philosophy in establishing nurse-led disease management programmes of care is that, by treating chronic heart failure as a continuum, it is possible to decrease exacerbations and improve patient outcomes. Regardless of the type of heart failure management programme, critical components of care include a collaborative supportive approach that educates and empowers the patient (including family/whanau) to recognise the early indicators of exacerbation, access expedient care, and to adhere to evidence based treatments. The author points to significant evidence to support the establishment of nurse-led heart failure programmes. The positive outcomes associated with this model of care delivery include decreased readmissions, reduction in mortality, and cost efficiencies. However, the organisational model of care, or programme components that are the most effective in optimising patient outcomes, need to be selected on the basis of local healthcare infrastructure, services and resources. The author suggests that New Zealand has a unique opportunity to encompass the recent emergence of the Nurse Practitioner role in facilitating, coordinating and monitoring of heart failure programmes across the continuum of care. The delivery of evidence-based, cost effective, heart failure programmes is a prerequisite to improving the delivery of optimal treatment and ensuring that heart failure patients have the opportunity to attain quality care outcomes.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 558  
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Author (down) Brinkman, A. openurl 
  Title A study into the causes and effects of occupational stress in a regional women's health service Type
  Year 2000 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Stress; Midwifery; Nursing  
  Abstract Hospital-based health systems have the potential to be high stress environments, as staff work towards meetings the many and varied demands of the patients and their families / whanau in a situation of limited resources and unpredictable workloads. Dealing with physical and emotional trauma, and the 'normal' exigencies of daily life in what may be a far from normal workplace may compound the stresses facing health workers. Nurses, who are often at the interface between patients and other health professionals, may be caught in a cross-fire of transferred stress while also coping with stressors associated with their jobs. As well as being likely to have a negative effect on their well-being and job satisfaction, any such compounding impact of stress and stressors could have adverse impacts on patients and their supporters. The primary focus of this study has been to identify stress levels among nurses in a woman's health service, and to establish the causes of elevated stress. All staff were surveyed (with a 68% response rate). Midwives made up the largest portion, followed by nurses, doctors, therapies, support and clerical groups. The Job Stress Survey (JSS) and the General Health Questionnaire – 12 (GHQ-12) were used to help detect emergent stressors, and stress effects that staff were experiencing at the time. Aggregate data was used, focusing on the six occupational groupings and the nine areas within the health service. Findings from the JSS confirm that the staff had experienced a number of stressors, while indications of deleterious mental health effects in some staff emerged from the GHQ-12 scores. Occupational stress is a subset of general stress, making it difficult to separate one from the other as spheres of our lives overlap and interact. The stressors that were identified should contribute to the discussions and policies that might abet the reduction of stress. On the other hand, it is not possible to attribute the effects describes by the GHQ-12 as being derived primarily from occupational stress. A stressed staff member, no matter what the source of their stress might be, still needs support in order to cope. The author notes that the negative outcomes of occupational stress manifests themselves in many ways such as; mistakes, absenteeism, horizontal violence, burnout and turnover. These all affect the quality of the patient care delivered, leading to decreased patient satisfaction and and need to be addressed for these reasons.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 900  
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Author (down) Bridgen, A.F. url  openurl
  Title A heuristic journey of discovery: Exploring the positive influence of the natural environment on the human spirit Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Spirituality; Nursing; Nursing philosophy  
  Abstract The intention of this heuristic study was to explore and discover the essence of the positive influence of the natural environment on the human spirit. The study quest was identified as a central concern that evolved from the author's personal experience of spiritual awakening in the natural environment and an interest in the concept of connectedness in nursing care and practice. The study also focused on the self of the nurse and the qualities of holistic nursing care. Guided by heuristic methodology developed by Moustakas (1990) the thesis traces a journey of discovery. Using conversational interviews, six nurses were asked to describe their experiences of their spirit being positively influenced in the natural environment. These nurses were also asked if these beneficial experiences had any flow-on effect to their nursing practice. From these interviews various commonalities of experience were identified as well as some experiences unique to the individual participants. The participant knowing was articulated using Reed's (1992) dimensions of relatedness in spirituality as a framework. Reed describes these dimensions as being able to be experienced intrapersonally, interpersonally and transpersonally. A substantive body of nursing and non-nursing literature was explored to support the participant knowing and provide strength to the discussion. The study discovered that the human spirit is positively influenced in the natural environment. The three actions of personal healing and wellbeing in the natural environment, knowing self – knowing others and sustaining self in nursing practice were valued by the participants as contributing to the quality of their nursing care. In bringing together spirituality, the natural environment and nursing, holism was discovered to be the significant and connecting constituent. The study has some implications for the discipline of nursing that are also discussed by the author.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 831 Serial 815  
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Author (down) Bride, A.M. openurl 
  Title Contract clinical tutors experience of working with Bachelor of Nursing students in clinical practice Type
  Year 1999 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords  
  Abstract The aim of this qualitative study is to explore four clinical tutors' perceptions of their role on facilitating Bachelor of Nursing students' learning in the practice setting of the health sector in New Zealand. Participants were asked to share their personal experiences including the positive aspects and the difficulties and challenges they encountered when working with students.Contract clinical tutors, are employed because of their clinical experience and expertise to enable students to apply the knowledge learned in theory and the professional competencies learned in the laboratory into the reality of clinical practice. This requires that clinical tutors be familiar with the curriculum so that their role as supervisor, teacher, facilitator, guide ands mentor can assist the student in fulfilling their learning requirements when in clinical practice. They are not, however, involved in the development or the teaching of the theoretical component of the programme. The difficulties and challenges identified by the contract clinical tutors in this study, resulted in discussion concerning strategies that could be adapted by the faculty to support clinical tutors in their role of ensuring the students receive the best possible learning opportunities when assigned to the clinical areas.Focus groups interviews were chosen as a means of collecting data from four registered nurses currently or previously employed as contract clinical tutors to work with students from an undergraduate degree programme at a small polytechnic.A two hour focus group interview was held as a means of uncovering the shared thoughts and experiences of participants. A second focus group interview was conducted to qualify information and elaborate on some issues. From the data collected a number of recommendations were identified which if adopted by polytechnics will enhance quality teaching by contract clinical tutors.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 361 Serial 361  
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Author (down) Bresaz, D.M. openurl 
  Title Environmental influences on inpatient assaultive behaviour Type
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Workplace violence; Mental health; Psychiatric Nursing; Methodology; Administration  
  Abstract This retrospective quasi-experimental study reviewed assaults in two adult mental health inpatient rehabilitation units. The majority of clients in this area experience enduring mental health illnesses and have complex physical health issues. The service comprises of an intensive rehabilitation unit and a secure extended rehabilitation unit. Between May and August 2001 the service moved to purpose built facilities. The opportunity was taken to review clients' assaultive behaviour in the new environment and to compare the incidents with those in the old environment to see if there had been any significant changes. Data on assault incidents including time of assault, place of assault, who was involved and what preventative actions were suggested were collected from the Incident and Accident Hazard Reports (IAHR) dating from 1 April 2000 until 31 May 2002. Staff were expected to complete IAHR reports on all assault incidents. The research examined whether the change in environmental conditions impacted on clients' wellbeing in relation to assaultive behaviour. Trends within the IAHR reports were also examined in order to compare these to similar studies completed in other parts of the world. There were 141 IAHR reports of assault incidents. Fifty of these occurred in the pre move period, 38 in the transition phase and 53 in the post move. There was no significant difference in the rate of assaults in the pre-move to post move period. Completion of the IAHR forms was seen to be very problematic, especially in relation to legal status of perpetrators and documentation of prevention strategies. An urgent audit of existing practice is now required to establish if problems found with the quality and completion of the IAHR forms continues to be evident in the rehabilitation service and if present staff education is needed to improve the standard of documentation. Research is also needed to establish the extent to which staff implement strategies to prevent assaults, and to reduce recidivism.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 858  
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Author (down) Bray, Y.M. url  openurl
  Title A migrant family's experience of palliative nursing care Type
  Year 2004 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Palliative care; Cultural safety; Asian peoples; Nurse-patient relations  
  Abstract The focus of this research was to explore the migrant family's experience in palliative care. In writing this thesis, the author notes that it became evident that cultural safety was a connection that warranted further study in relation to end-of-life nursing care as was illustrated by the intergenerational case study of this migrant family in New Zealand. The use of the case study method of qualitative research enabled the voice of the migrant to be heard and the story of the migrant family's experience to be showcased. The uniqueness of this family's palliative care experience was around the religious and cultural needs and migration as a process of transition from a previous society to a new one. Palliative care was defined by the family approach with strong community support and empowered by culturally safe and appropriate nursing practice. End-of-life illness is a time when cultural perspectives are challenged for patients and their families and religious and cultural practices take on a new priority, regardless of how they have lived life previously. As a migrant nurse living and working in the New Zealand context, the author identifies as an important factor, the nurse-patient interaction as an encounter between two cultural perspectives, the patient's and the nurse as bearer of her own culture. Acknowledging this factor is an important step in developing a culturally safe approach to practice, an approach that proved to be a major ingredient in planning and caring for this patient and his family in end-of-life illness. This study and thesis explores the underpinnings of culturally safe palliative nursing care and identified 'reflexive bracketing' as a useful practice in the process.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 846 Serial 830  
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Author (down) Boyle, S.D. openurl 
  Title Nursing education in New Zealand: a case study of experiential learning Type
  Year 1994 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library & Welli  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords  
  Abstract This thesis presents a study of a nursing 'practicum' from the perspectives of nursing students and staff 'buddies'. A grounded theory approach was used to interview six nursing students during their transition placement, the final practicum of their Diploma in Nursing programme. Five staff nurse buddies selected by the students were also interviewed. An informal, conversational interview was used and data was analysed from an experiential learning perspective.This study differs from others because it focuses on the clinical experience component of nursing education, 'practicum', and includess practitioners viewpoints. At present there is a re-evaluing of experience within nursing education with a new emphasis on practice-based learning. Experience-based learning is becoming increasingly acceptable within academia as a 'seamless' education system evolves.I identified three learning stages which students' experience during practicum – initiation, exploration and consolidation. The key stage for learning through experience was exploration. Learning during this stage was predominantly buddy-directed which contradicted the self-directed curriculum design. Students and staff nurses however agreed that communication between them during this stage enabled the development of 'competence'.The learning /teaching approach used by the students and staff nurses made it difficult for students to translate their 'all-round' competencies during practicum. It is argued that it is the useof such competencies during practicum which enable nursing students to become autonomous in the attitudinal and epistemological sense. The predominantly 'technical training' approach adopted was understood by students and staff nurses to be reinforced by 'silence' from tutors.Restructuring gives the opportunity for nursing to develop an ';investigative', enquiry-based approach in practice. There will increasingly be an emphasis on practice-based research as a result of the implementation of degree and post-graduate programmes in nursing. This study highlights some aspects of nursing education and it's relationship with practice which can assist the development of such an approach  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 339 Serial 339  
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Author (down) Booth, W. openurl 
  Title Towards partnerships in praxis Type
  Year 1997 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library, Waiarik  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords  
  Abstract This action research project explored the factors that helped or hindered student nurse clinical learning from the perspective of nurse educators, practitioners and students. Participant analysis of their own discussions identified both common and disparate views regarding the student's learning experience. Researcher analysis identified five practical and three organizational issues that influenced the development of more effective partnerships between these three stakeholder groups that would facilitate student clinical learning. The practical issues were how to deal with the 'problem' people in the learning process, how to clarify and develop the various roles in the learning context, how to generate more effective communication, how to respond more effectively to the impact of the changing environment, and how to maximize 'moments of learning'. The organizational issues were identified as the schisms between the disparate personal and organizational cultures that direct the way educators, practitioners and students, perceive, think, feel and act  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 161  
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Author (down) Blanchard, D.L. openurl 
  Title Nursing practice in the changing health care environment “just keep going until you see it right” Type
  Year 1995 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords  
  Abstract  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 410 Serial 410  
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Author (down) Blanchard, D.L. openurl 
  Title Developing the place and role of family within the culture of critical care nursing: An action research approach Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Relationships; Nurse-family relations; Intensive care nursing; Nursing research  
  Abstract This research examines how nurses negotiate the context of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while working with families. The action research described in this thesis developed through a series of meetings and conversations where the conversations supported the reflexive intent of the research. In commissioning the research, the design of the meetings and conversations were as a series of overlapping actions. Data collection and data analysis occurred in the action research by meetings, reflective conversations, ad libitum observations, and in a research journal. Conceptual maps explain the progress and findings of the research in this thesis while categories distilled from the conversations also support the findings in the research. The Family Action Research Group that was established within this project proposed a Family Assessment Form for the family to provide an assessment of themselves and the patient. Implementing this assessment tool demonstrated that clear information was needed for the family in the ICU. Findings in this research focus on developing action research and family care in ICU. Findings also focused on the role of the researcher being of and not being of the context where action research is undertaken. Recommendations include staff examining relationships for potential asymmetries and seeking ways to address these to support families and staff. Suggested strategies for developing action research in a clinical context include detailed planning, clear focusing, transparency of data, and working to explain change initiatives through the research are also included.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 494 Serial 480  
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Author (down) Blair, K.M. openurl 
  Title Recognising the sick patient: An emergency nurses view: A research paper Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Emergency nursing; Patient safety; Diagnosis; Training; Clinical decision making  
  Abstract This paper reports on a literature review that examines how health professionals (mainly nurses) recognise the signs of physical deterioration in their patients. It includes discussion of how nurses' clinical decision making skills influence how physical deterioration is identified and determines what changes in the delivery of care could have an impact on emergency department patients at risk of life threatening deterioration.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 467  
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Author (down) Blackmore, L.A. openurl 
  Title Triaging patients away from the emergency department: A review of the issues Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Emergency nursing  
  Abstract With the intention of decreasing emergency department demand, there has been a focus on determining those patients who do not require the services of the emergency department so they can be redirected away to an alternative health care provider or facility. Co-locating an after-hours primary health care facility near to the emergency department is a model under consideration in some district health boards. This model suggests that a substantial proportion of the patients currently managed in the emergency department can be assessed and managed in a general practice setting. It is envisaged that by redirecting the lower acuity patients away from the emergency department, overcrowding will be relieved. This is despite evidence demonstrating that low acuity patients are not the cause of emergency department overcrowding. Moreover, being treated at the emergency department is the only safety net for many people in the community who cannot afford alternative care. This research report discusses the literature regarding the practice of referring or redirecting patients away from the emergency department and the issues associated with this model. In doing this, it looks at the Australasian Triage Scale, the system used to ensure patients are seen in order of clinical urgency, because it has been suggested that this system could be used as a tool to refer patients away from the emergency department. The author concludes that even though some people could be seen by another health care provider, the triage system is not an appropriate tool for achieving this. While it is tempting to believe that patients in the lower triage categories are prime candidates for being referred away, there is evidence from hospital statistics that patients in these categories have a high number of hospital admissions and in-hospital death rates. Additionally, to complicate matters, there is no universal definition of what constitutes an 'appropriate' emergemcy department presentation and no consensus of opinion amongst health professionals in deciding patients' 'appropriateness'. For these reasons it is unethical to expect nurses who administer the triage system to use it for the purpose of referring people away from the emergency department.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 736  
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Author (down) Beaton, T. openurl 
  Title Postnatal depression: Four women's experiences of care from a nurse Type
  Year 2004 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Female; Mental health; Nurse-patient relations; Feminist critique  
  Abstract Postnatal depression is a term used loosely to describe disorders of mood and distressing symptoms for women in the postpartum, yet it has its own distinct symptoms. It is thought to affect between 10 and 20 percent of new mothers in New Zealand. In order to deliver effective nursing care that has a positive impact on the health of women who experience postnatal depression, nurses need knowledge and theory to underpin practice. This study explores the experience of four women who experienced postnatal depression and the care they received from a nurse. A postmodern feminist position informed the research project. Women became actively involved in a focus group to explore their experiences. A thematic analysis of the focus group transcripts revealed the women's experiences of care from nurses and health professionals as not always helpful. The themes that arose from the analysis were knowledge, perception, care and self. Knowledge examined the women's and significant others' knowledge of postnatal depression as well as women's own knowledge of themselves. Perception identified the women's beliefs of and views on mental illness, as well as their expectations of motherhood. Care as a concept was examined as to how it was provided by nurses. This encompassed a lack of care and, in contrast, supportive care as impacting on the women's individual experiences. Self described the experiences of a loss of self as women experienced their distress in the postpartum, and that a regaining of self was identified by women as difficult, and this is where they required support. The themes are discussed and critiqued with literature that identifies the nursing role with women who experience postnatal depression. There are recommendations for ongoing research and development of the nursing role in order to promote the health and wellbeing of women in the postpartum.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 850  
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Author (down) Beale, T.M. openurl 
  Title Psychiatric nurses: the influence of their personal life experiences on therapeutic readiness Type
  Year 1995 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords  
  Abstract This research investigates the impact of fifteen psychiatric nurses' personal experiences on their therapeutic relationships with clines. A hermeneutic phenomenological methodology informed by Heidegger is employed to gain an understanding of the human experience of these nurses in the context of the therapeutic relationship.The research illuminates the significant impact of these nurses' experiences on their relationships. Some experiences are found to enhance therapeutic readiness while the other personal experiences impede it, some impeding it to a degree that nurses are unable to work therapeutically with certain clients. The stories that describe the personal experiences that lead towards therapeutic readiness care special, as are the accounts of the professionalism and care that these nurses bring to their clients  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 256  
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