Abstract: Tertiary education aims to develop specialist knowledge and the graduates' ability toapply the knowledge and skills to function effectively in their chosen career or work.Employers have criticised tertiary education when graduates cannot workco-operatively or independently in the work setting and teachers look for alternativesto lecturing to help develop these abilities. Cooperative learning (CL) is one suchmethod and this paper reports on a literature review and pilot study which exploredthe use of CL in a tertiary setting. The study was guided by three questions: 1) Whatarea the teacher's conceptions of effective learning and teaching? 2) How are theyusing CL and what is their role? 3) How are they assessing CL classes?Data was collected through in-depth interviews, using semi-structured questions,with three female and one male teacher from different disciplines in an urbanpolytechnic. Responses to each question were analysed thematically for recurringcodes and these were grouped into categories. Effective teaching was seen aswhere teachers facilitated the learning process by selecting appropriate teachingmethods, fostering classroom climate and monitoring learning. Effective learning waswhere students were actively engaged in the learning process and demonstratedtheir understanding and application of knowledge and skills. CL was used in avariety of ways and their role was to use strategies to foster the learning processand monitor learning. Assessment involved both individual and group presentations.Issues related to cooperative learning are discussed and recommendations forteaching made

Abstract: Nursing students have only recently learnt in-depth physical assessment skills within degree programmes in New Zealand. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of learning physical assessment skills for the first time from the student's experience. In exploring this experience it was hoped to uncover some of the factors, beneficial or not, which influence their learning process. Data was collected by two methods. Firstly through two non-participant observations of a class of sixteen pre-registration male and female nursing students at an urban tertiary institute. Secondly through taped in-depth interviews with a female and a male student, from the group, individually and then together. The data was analysed using coding categories suggested by Bogdan and Biklen (1992) and emerging themes related to the process of learning new knowledge and skills. The four themes identified were: students working at learning, tutors facilitating learning, students facilitating learning and learning in clinical practice

Abstract: It was believed that the Registered Nurse in the position of school nurse had much to contribute with assisting teachers with health education, health promotion; and able to offer personal counseling and assistance with family and personal problems of individual problems. A nurse who approached the researcher on a matter of pay rates was not used in this way. Was this a general trend in secondary schools? What exactly was the work of the school nurse? Was there any commonality between the work of school nurses in secondary schools in the Hamilton area? Were all schools nurses qualified as Registered Nurses? The role of the school nurses therefore appeared to be a suitable topic for a research project

Abstract: Since 1995 we have provided a bereavement follow-up service but the benefits of this to clinical care have not previously been reported . We reviewed the 1995 results, documentation methods, system design, discussed with reviewers their data collection, interview process and its effect on them and their practice. Next-of-kin of only 99/151 patients ( M87 age 14-88) were contacted 16-149 median 34 days after the death. Sleep disturbance (55/99) were the most common problems. We now give next-of- kin literature including a pamphlet which introduces our service and discusses these problems. Most next-of-kin (77/99) commented favorably on DCCM care, but 16/99 identified inadequate facilities and communication problems as service deficiencies. We have improved facilities (paint, furniture, telephone, drinks machine). We now notify patients general practitioners of every death and bring families back for meetings with staff when necessary. We changed systems of case identification and recording of next-of-kin information. Nurse interviewers (8) identified their needs for improved telephone skills, education about grief and research, debriefing after calls and their need for acknowledgement of participation in this service. Study days now address these issues. Interviewers difficulties with interview content have lead to changes. They suggested peer review of data forms to improve completeness which now occurs. Some found the interview process personally disturbing, but all reported positive changes in their practice with bereaved families.Within two years a bereavement service has led to improvements in facilities, communication, and staff expertise, it is now part of our holistic care

Abstract: The extent of early remediable morbidity after critical illness is unclear. We began a follow-up service to determine outcomes, facilitate rehabilitation and remedy service deficiencies. A critical care nurse identified hospital survivors (DCCM and hospital databases), completed a structured telephone interview with the patient and intervened according to predetermined guidelines. Of 261 admission 1/1/95 29/3/95 50 died in hospital (39in DCCM). Of 211 hospital survivors (M115, age 15-84 median40) 31 could not be contacted, one died at home and 179 contacts were made 21- 120 (median 51) days after DCCM. One refused interview, 178 interviews took 8-60, (median 15) minutes. Only 68/178 had resumed normal activities and 26/78 workers had returned to work. Seventy patients had contacted general practitioners because of critical illness sequelae. One hundred patients gad 191 problems (including unhealed wounds29, pain 28, impaired mobility26, neurological deficit 178, infection 10 weight loss 9, tiredness 6 depression 5, sleep disturbance 3, others 57). Sixty-five described DCCM staff as helpful, 37 had complaints (hallucinations 6, staff behaviour5, restraints5 sedation/analgesia inadequate5 or excessive 2, poor communication3, fear3, noise 2 other 4) and 5 raised serious non-DCCM issues. Forty-four patients were called again 6-84, median 42 days later when 69/112 health problems had resolved but 29/44 patients had not resumed normal activity. Four attended a clinic and were referred to other services. A follow-up service is well received. Morbidity is common but improves within three months after critical care. We are addressing service issues

Abstract: This research project, a descriptive study using narratives, explored the application of cultural safety theory and philosophy to clinical nursing practice. This application was illustrated through the stories of four experienced Pakeha,Tauiwi registered nurses in Aotearoa/New Zealand, who described their realities of applying cultural safety to daily clinical practice. The incentive for this study had been identified in light of the current political climate, pragmatic realities and in keeping with the current state of knowledge.Cultural safety was first identified by Maori nursing students and subsequently described and articulated by Maori nurses, as being a potential solution to improving Maori health statistics in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Many Maori and Pakeha/Tauiwi in this country accept that the Treaty of Waitangi, a covenant signed between Maori and the Crown in 1840, is the incentive for giving cultural safety status and credibility. While the Nursing Council of New Zealand has supported this concept and made it a requirement for all nursing education, there is little literature written concerning its application to practice from a Pakeha/Tauiwi perspective.The perceptions and insights of these nurses were heard when they were invited to describe how they saw cultural safety as part of their daily clinical practice and recount their struggles, realities, practice and experience. The literature review supported the use of narratives as an appropriate method for this study. The philosophy and assumptions of narrative appear to match the oral tradition of nursing and thus it was considered possible to contemplate the fit of narrative to nursing research.The stories of these nurses, gave examples of best nursing practice in which cultural safety was integral to practice, and provided exemplars of possible beginnings and possible endings. The depiction of cultural safety in practice surfaced as the weaving of four themes which were consistent in all the stories – themes of reflection, reverencing, the environment, and hidden blessings and healing. The research evidence suggested that cultural safety was visible in practice in many diverse ways; it emphasised the complexity of the concept; accented its evolving status; and identified a relative consistency in defining cultural safety despite the varied contexts of practice.Although this study was limited by the small sample, the findings indicated that there were potential implications for nursing education, research, nurses and nursing practice as well as for other health care providers working in the current health care system. They suggested that actions from nurse educators, nurse managers, health care managers and clinical nurses themselves, would be needed to ensure that cultural safety continued to be part of nursing practice and contribute to the improvement of all health statistics in this country as well as to encourage an increased development in the focus on Maori health issues.Further nursing research suggested by the findings include studies to appraise cultural safety from a patient's perspective, and consideration given to the evaluation and assessment of nurses and their culturally safe practice. In addition, exploration and research could ascertain the benefits and rewards of culturally safe practice and identify ongoing educational needs as well as examining the views of other members of the multi-discipline team

Abstract: As the clinical consequences of power failure in intensive care are seldom documented we reviewed the effects of a power failure on patient care, outcomes and the adequacy of our disaster plan. We reviewed clinical records of all ten patients in our department during a 20-minute total hospital power failure, determined the impact of the failure on the therapies being given, and the costs of failed equipment. We assessed the departments disaster plan and identified the causes of the power failure.Nine patients were intubated; six ventilated (one receiving nitric oxide) and three receiving continuous positive airway pressure. Two patients were ventilated by Servo 300,? which continued on batteries, the other four patients were ventilated manually. Six patients were receiving nine inotrope infusions through IMED Gemini,? (battery life 30 minutes). One patient was receiving high volume ultrafiltration using a Gambro? haemodialysis system, which failed. Blood flow to prevent clotting was maintained by turning the roller pump manually. All networked monitoring (SpaceLabs?) failed and three haemodynamically unstable patients were monitored by transport monitors (SpaceLabs Scout?). No patient suffered any ill effect. Failed electronic circuits cost $NZ11,724. The disaster plan was implemented and functioned well. The aged cables supplying Auckland Central failed during an El Nino summer. The hospital generators, supplying power to the city grid, failed to switch over to the hospital. During power failure infusion pumps should be only for inotropes. We now have external 12-volt battery backup. With good pre-planning, safe intensive care continued during a short power failure