Abstract: The aim of this paper is to report on an exploratory, qualitative study exploring what people living with terminal illness considered were the areas of priority in their lives. Ten people living with terminal cancer were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews incorporated principles of narrative analysis and grounded theory. Over 30 categories were identified and collated into five inter-related themes (personal/intrinsic factors, external/extrinsic factors, future issues, perceptions of normality and taking charge) encompassing the issues of importance to all participants. Each theme focused on 'life and living' in relation to life as it was or would be without illness. Practical issues of daily living and the opportunity to address philosophical issues around the meaning of life emerged as important areas. The central theme, 'taking charge', concerned with people's levels of life engagement, was integrally connected to all other themes. The findings suggest that the way in which health professionals manage patients' involvement in matters such as symptom relief can impact on existential areas of concern. The findings challenge some aspects of traditional 'expert-defined' outcome measures. As this was an exploratory study, further work is needed to test and develop the model presented.

Abstract: This study aims to identify work related factors contributing to New Zealand nurses' intent to leave the job. Two hundred and seventy five surveys (response rate = 68.8%) from a random sample of 400 nurses employed in one district health board were used to explore intent to leave the job. Three research questions directed the description of levels of job satisfaction, job stress, and burnout found in nurse participants, correlations between the three variables, and the identification of variables predicting intent to leave the job through regression analyses. The survey found levels of job satisfaction were high, job stress was low, and burnout was average. Specifically, lack of opportunity to participate in organisational decision making, control over work conditions, control over what goes on in the work setting (key Magnet Hospital characteristics) were not evident, and with pay rates, were the main sources of job dissatisfaction. Workload was the most frequently experienced source of stress by nurse participants. Twenty-five per cent of nurse participants reported high levels of intent to leave the job. Correlations suggested that reductions in job satisfaction influenced increases in job stress and burnout. Job stress was associated with increases in emotional exhaustion. Emotional exhaustion was influenced by eight job satisfaction, job stress, and burnout subscales. Five subscales (professional opportunities, praise and recognition, interaction opportunities, extrinsic rewards, lack of support) explained 26.2% of the variance in nurse participant's intent to leave. The author concludes that issues of power and control were associated with job dissatisfaction, job stress and burnout in nursing practice. However, predictors of intent to leave the job suggest a growing realisation by nurse participants that postgraduate education and nursing research may provide the tools to create positive change in the health care environment and make nursing visible, valued and appropriately rewarded.

Abstract: This article describes the role of men in the nursing profession in New Zealand from colonial times to the 1970s. It considers attitudes towards male nurses, the provision of training for men and the various laws and regulations dealing with the issue.

Abstract: The author notes that many registered nurses undertake a role in the community which may or may not be recognised for what it really is – one of these roles may be that of the unpaid health care provider. The nurse may be called on by family, friends, neighbours, or the wider community to provide a voluntary health service at any time of the day or night according to the need of the person wanting the information or assistance. This is the story of one such nurse. Four themes have been uncovered from a nursing practice that has spanned three decades of providing an on-call basic first aid service to a community of about two hundred households in a rural community. These experiences are used to shape the stories within the story of this voluntary role, and provide a framework to discuss the implications for the future of voluntary practice.The themes are: Maintaining personal and professional boundaries; Maintaining values and a high standard of care; Commitment to ongoing education; Accepting accountability for one's actions. The confidence and competence that such practice demands is explained from a personal perspective, along with an attempt to answer a question that is often asked – “Who will or indeed does anyone want to replace me when I retire or shift away from the district?” This question is addressed in the context that this story is written, the changes that the healthcare system is experiencing at present, and the impact that these changes may have for the future.

Abstract: This article reports data from 15 schools of nursing, surveyed to identify difficulties experienced by nurse educators with respect to entry, progression and programme completion of undergraduate nursing students. Risk assessment, along with a lack of clear policy and procedures were found to be the main problem areas. Difficulties were exacerbated for educators when there were challenges to their professional judgement, either from the Nursing Council of New Zealand or from within their own institution. The authors argue for more recognition of the dual role of nurse educators, and greater clarification of the Nursing Council of New Zealand role in regulating the student's programme entry and progression, and ultimate admission to the Register. It is suggested that the recently passed Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003) provides nursing with an opportunity to address some of these issues.

Abstract: There are a number of factors recognised as significant for nursing staff retention. These include, a lack of organisational care, bullying (commonly referred to as horizontal violence), and high workload acuity. However, there does not appear to be any indication that these factors influence the retention of nurses within the speciality of acute perioperative nursing. A descriptive study using postpositivist methodology and triangulation of methods was designed to answer the question: What are the critical factors that influence staff retention in an acute perioperative environment? Forty-eight perioperative nurses answered a questionnaire in relation to individual needs, provision of nursing care and administration and management. Four nurses subsequently participated in a focus group interview that explored in more depth, the survey data related to the following characteristics: Educational opportunities; Level of workload acuity; Rostering flexibility; Management; Established policies/Quality assurance; Graduate orientation programs and Professional relationships in an acute perioperative setting. Data analysis revealed that > 90% of respondents agreed that these characteristics are important for job satisfaction and influence staff retention in an acute perioperative environment. A sense of belonging appears to be the most important theme that emerged from the qualitative data. Job satisfaction and staff retention are attained when nurses have a sense of belonging in the workplace. To achieve this nurses need to identify barriers, develop their communication and leadership skills and determine the ideal professional practice model. The author suggests that the themes “Finding time” and increased “sick leave”, in relation to workload acuity are new findings that provide a platform for future research.