Abstract: This article draws on empirical evidence to illustrate the core role of nurse practitioners in Australia and New Zealand. A study jointly commissioned by both countries' Regulatory Boards developed information of the newly created nurse practitioner role, to develop shared competency and educational standards. This interpretive study used multiple data sources, including published and grey literature, policy documents, nurse practitioner programme curricula and interviews with 15 nurse practitioners from the two countries. The core role of the nurse practitioner was identified as having three components: dynamic practice, professional efficacy and clinical leadership. Nurse practitioner practice is dynamic and involves the application of high level clinical knowledge and skills in a wide range of contexts. The nurse practitioner demonstrates professional efficacy, enhanced by an extended range of autonomy that includes legislated privileges. The nurse practitioner is a clinical leader with a readiness and an obligation to advocate for their client base and their profession at the systems level of health care.

Abstract: Investigates the requirements for documentation by nurses. Research by Millar & Araquiza (1999) suggests that nurses spend an estimated 30% of their time documenting patient care.

Abstract: This paper reports a study to investigate the roles and experiences of nurses caring for clients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Nurses are in a potentially unique position in the assisted reproductive technology environment as they maintain a more constant contact with the client. A qualitative approach was taken and a convenience sample of 15 nurses from New Zealand was interviewed in 2005. Data were analysed using interpretive description. The overarching theme identified was that of the potential role of the nurse to 'hold together' multiple components of the assisted reproductive technology process: holding together clients' emotional and physical experiences of assisted reproductive technologies; holding together the roles of different specialist team members; and holding together personal own emotions. It encompasses practices such as information-giving, interpreting, supporting and advocating. The researchers note that recognition of and support for the complexity of the role of ART nurses may positively contribute to clients' experiences.

Abstract: This qualitative study investigated surgical nurses' perceptions of patient-controlled analgesia as a strategy for managing acute pain in a tertiary care hospital. Patient-controlled analgesia is commonly used and nurses play an essential role in caring for patients prescribed it. The study was divided into two parts. First, audiotaped semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 nurses. The interviews were followed by a postal questionnaire to 336 nurses with 171 returned. Thematic analysis was the chosen methodology. The audiotaped transcripts and questionnaires surfaced five themes, with the dominant one being `I think PCA is great, but . . .'. The paper outlines and explores these themes and addresses the implications arising from the research for both clinical practice and education.

Abstract: This article describes the development of the Generic Orientation Programme, Child Health Nursing and its perceived impact on practice after ten months, through two simultaneous evaluation surveys, seeking the views of programme participants and their nurse managers. The programme aims to equip the newly appointed RN in the child health cluster or the nurse working in a non-designated children's area with the knowledge and skills to safely care for children. These include basic anatomical and physiological differences; fluid and electrolyte management; safe administration of medication; pain management; recognition of the seriously ill child; and building partnerships with children and their families. A survey instrument eliciting qualitative and quantitative responses was used. The majority of nurse respondents believed they had gained new knowledge and described how they were incorporating it into everyday practice. Similarly, several nurse managers observed that nurses' clinical knowledge and skills had improved since attending the programme. In particular, responses from those working in non-designated children's areas suggested the programme had provided them with greater insight into the care of children.

Abstract: This research presents a discourse analysis of articles published in the New Zealand Herald between October 1999 and September 2005. The terms “nurse prescribing” and “prescribing fights” identified seven articles published which referred specifically to this issue. They were predominantly editorial comments and statements attributed to senior doctors. Examples of comments from these articles are presented and discussed in this article, and three inter-related themes are identified – competence, responsibility and competition. Discussion on competence centred on education, skill and experience level of nurses, as described by editorial comment and senior doctors. Positive international research and experience of nurse prescribing did not feature. A number of comments in the articles analysed could be seen to represent concerns about competition between medicine and nursing. One interpretation of the comments contained in these articles is to see medical practitioner groups defending their status and desire to define and control nursing practice. The media has the power to select the information conveyed and, in these instances, appears to have demonstrated a bias towards the medical community's perspective.

Abstract: The author presents the approach of a nursing team at Christchurch's Princess Margaret Hospital, in the regional specialist service for people with anorexia nervosa. This unit provides the only specialist inpatient unit in the country, consisting of a six or seven-bed facility that shares a unit with a mother and baby unit. A multidisciplinary team of psychiatric nurses, dietitians, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers all make significant contributions. The Christchurch unit uses a cognitive-behavioural therapy model (CBT) across the disciplines, a multidimensional approach incorporating psychotherapeutic, psychoeducational, biomedical and behaviourist paradigms. This occurs within a “lenient flexible approach”. Within the Unit, the eight nurses constitute what could be seen as an “intra”-disciplinary team within the wider “inter”-disciplinary or MDT team. They apply an evidence-based nursing approach with a commitment to partnership and advocacy with their patients. They use collaborative techniques for defining shared goals, and the careful management of the introduction of food. As one of the team members, the author envisages that the job of specialised nurses is to form a therapeutic alliance with patients, which takes account of the dynamic ways that patients may negotiate their own complex understandings of health, care, and recovery.

Abstract: The author reflects on his use of the American psychotherapist James Prochaska's stages of change theory. This model deals with individuals and how they move towards change, through stages of pre-contemplation to maintenance of changed behaviours. He presents examples of his use of the model with clients, when dealing with issues of smoking cessation and weight loss. He analyses his practice and interactions with clients, and affirms that stages of change model can be a useful tool to bring about change within clients. He suggests it gives clients the opportunity to contemplate change and gives nurses working in health promotion the opportunity to be part of the change process.