Abstract: This paper reports on research into print media representations of industrial disputes in Canterbury in 2001, when mental health nurses undertook a variety of strike actions after stalled negotiations with the local district health board. One response to these actions was the temporary reduction of many of the regions' mental health services. The researchers identified themes of juxtaposed but largely deprecatory images of both mental health nursing and of consumers of services. Some professional nursing voices were given print space during the strike; however, these were largely incorporated into existing discourses rather than offering a nursing viewpoint on the strike. The researchers suggest organisational efforts to focus on ways of ensuring that mental health nurses are seen as a legitimate authority by the media.

Abstract: The article presents a theoretical model of social consciousness developed from nurses' life histories. A 3-position dialectical framework (acquired, awakened, and expanded social consciousness) makes visible the way people respond to social injustice in their lives and in the lives of others. The positions coexist, are not hierarchical, and are contextually situated. A person's location influences her or his availability for social action. Nurses who could most contribute to challenging social injustices that underpin health disparities are relegated to the margins of mainstream nursing by internal processes of discrimination. The author suggests that more inclusive definitions of “a nurse” would open up possibilities for social change.

Abstract: This study used a curriculum inquiry framework to investigate the perceptions of 184 nursing students and nurse educators in relation to bioscience in the nursing curriculum. Nursing students were found to have significantly more positive attitudes to bioscience in nursing education than nurse educators, and nurse educators were not found to have significantly better self-efficacy in bioscience than the students, although this might have been expected. The results of focus group discussions, used to investigate this in more depth, suggested that some nurse educators and clinical preceptors may not have sufficient science background or bioscience knowledge, to help nursing students apply bioscience knowledge to practice. As a result of this, it is suggested that the aims of the intended and prescribed nursing curricula are not being fulfilled in the implemented curriculum.

Abstract: This article describes the findings of a research study on the experience of teaching cultural safety. As a teacher of cultural safety, the first author was interested in exploring the experience of teaching the topic with other cultural safety teachers. A qualitative approach situated in a critical theory paradigm was used for the study. The study was informed by the ideas of Foucault and feminist theory. Fourteen women between ages 20 and 60 were interviewed about their experience of teaching cultural safety. Five women were Maori and 9 were Pakeha. Following data analysis, three major themes were identified: that the Treaty of Waitangi provides for an examination of power in cultural safety education; that the broad concept of difference influences the experience of teaching cultural safety; and that the experience of teaching cultural safety has personal, professional, and political dimensions. These dimensions were experienced differently by Maori and Pakeha teachers.

Abstract: The aim of this cross-cultural study was to collect stories of difference and fairness within nursing. The study used a life history methodology informed by feminist theory and critical social theory. Life story interviews were conducted with 26 women nurses of varying racial, cultural, sexual identity, and specialty backgrounds in the United States (n = 13) and Aotearoa New Zealand (n = 13). Participants reported having some understanding of social justice issues. They were asked to reflect on their experience of difference and fairness in their lives and specifically within nursing. Their stories were analysed using a life history immersion method. Nursing remains attached to the ideological construction of the “White good nurse.” Taken-for-granted ideals privilege those who fit in and marginalise those who do not. The nurses who experienced discrimination and unfairness, survived by living in two worlds, learned to live in contradiction, and worked surreptitiously for social justice. For nurses to contribute to changing the systems and structures that maintain health disparities, the privilege of not seeing difference and the processes of mainstream violence that support the construction of the “White good nurse” must be challenged. Nurses need skills to deconstruct the marginalising social processes that sustain inequalities in nursing and healthcare. These hidden realities-racism, sexism, heterosexism, and other forms of discrimination-will then be made visible and open to challenge.

Abstract: The author presents an overview of the impact and management of novovirus infections in New Zealand. The impact of this highly contagious virus on hospital settings is serious. With staff shortages already a problem, any outbreak of contagious disease has the potential to result in unsafe staffing, either through low numbers or poor skill mix. A report from New Zealand Environmental Science and Research (ESR) showed 35 reported norovirus outbreaks in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2004, resulting in 890 cases of the disease. Norovirus outbreaks are characterised by a rapid spread of infection, high uptake rate, and a high proportion of cases presenting with projectile vomiting. The author provides a definition of the novovirus, and looks at transmission, the management of hospital outbreaks, and the impact on emergency departments and hospital wards. Procedures include in-patient isolation. She notes there are no simple answers or “quick fixes” to the problem of norovirus outbreaks. While ongoing surveillance, recognition and isolation are key elements, there are wider structural and political implications that need to be acknowledged. These issues include overcrowding and staff shortages.

Abstract: The research aim was to explore women's perceptions of living with endometriosis, its effects on their lives and the strategies used to manage their disease. A qualitative research design informed by feminist research principles was chosen for this project. Eighteen women agreed to take part in the research. The individual, audio taped interviews were semi-structured and interactive. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The dominant feature of data from the interviews was the experience of severe and chronic pain impacting on all aspects of life. Analysis related to pain resulted in four themes: manifestations of pain, the pain trajectory, intractable pain and controlling pain. The diagnostic process typically took 5-10 years indicating that primary health care practitioners need higher levels of 'suspicion' for this condition. Case studies and problem-based scenarios focusing on endometriosis in health professional education programmes would enhance diagnostic skills and knowledge development. No formal pain management follow up after diagnosis and treatment meant women actively sought information from other sources as they made major lifestyle changes in the areas of activity and nutrition. Pain management services specifically for women with endometriosis would provide much needed support with this neglected aspect of the disease. The authors conclude this is an area for the development of the nurse practitioner role which, also drawing on the considerable collective expertise of women with endometriosis, could provide significant information and support for women as they manage this highly complex condition.

Abstract: The author reviews the controversial treatment of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which has re-emerged as a safe and effective treatment for major depressive disorders. She first addresses the popular conceptions of ECT, which are based on early misuse of the treatment when it was delivered unmodified, or forcefully and without anaesthetic. She then uses a case study to illustrate the benefits of ECT for catatonia and catatonic states. Diagnostic criteria for catatonia include motoric immobility, excessive motor activity, extreme negativism or mutism, peculiarities of voluntary movement, and echolalia or echopraxia. The treatment of a patient is detailed, and the role of the ECT nurse is outlined. The ECT nurse is a co-ordinator, an educator, liaises with other services and families, and is a point of contact about ECT within the mental health service generally and in the ECT unit in particular. The case study showed successful use of ECT. A series of eight ECT treatments were administered to the catatonic patient, after which he was discharged home with minor depression and showing signs of enjoying life once again.