Abstract: Argues that the concept of cultural safety (CS) has been appropriated from an indigenous-led bicutural context to an inclusive cross-cultural framework for working with diverse patient populations. Investigates nurses' understanding of the 'Guidelines for Cultural Safety, the Treaty of Waitangi and Maori Health in Nursing Education and Practice' published in 2011 by the Nursing Council of NZ. Conducts a mixed-methods survey using both closed and open-ended questions to gauge nurses' confidence in applying the guidelines and their view of their relevance. Describes differences between NZ Registered Nurses (RN) and Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN) in their understanding of CS. Argues that the CS model should be by Maori, for Maori.

Abstract: Identifies how traditional nursing practice in Maori communities may be enhanced. Highlights the need for nursing to broaden concepts of health, community, and public health nursing, to focus on issues of capacity-building, community needs, and a broader understanding of the social, political, cultural, and economic contexts of the communities primary health-care nurses serve. Explores how health is experienced by Maori women during in-depth interviews using critical ethnographic method, underpinned by a Maori-centred approach. Articulates a model of health that is a dynamic process based on the restoration and maintenance of cultural integrity, derived from the principle of self-determination.

Abstract: Critically examines the work required to establish nurse practitioner (NP) services in rural primary health care in NZ, using the institutional ethnography approach to the inquiry. Explores the work and experiences that nurses undertook to become NPs delivering rural primary health care services. Considers how these were institutionally-shaped and coordinated. Conducts interviews with a total of 13 NPs and four NP candidates.

Abstract: This study, which is methodologically grounded in qualitative research and philosophically informed by critical social science, explores aspects of the socio-political context in which practice nurses and general practitioners (core primary health care team) work within a team environment. It is indicated in the literature that there are benefits for improved health care through the development of collaborative teamwork. However, there have been many barriers identified which prevent collaborative teamwork. Amongst the many barriers, is the lack of role clarity and attitudinal differences. This thesis explored and highlighted whether the lack of role clarity and attitudinal differences do indeed impede the team's success, and are barriers to teamwork. The views and opinions of practice nurses and general practitioners and the understanding of their own and each other's current roles within the general practice setting were explored. The participants had the opportunity to discuss together, in focus group meetings, their thoughts on the topic. This raised their awareness of their taken for granted ideas on role and teamwork. Focus groups offered the participants the added opportunity to question each other which allowed for a deeper and more fulfilling understanding of role. New understandings that emerged could lead to alternative models of health care and influence the future delivery and planning of general practice. The thesis concludes by offering a potentially suitable model/framework which has been developed to further the understanding of teamwork in the future.

Abstract: The intention of this research is, through collaborative discussion and selective conversations, to explore female caregivers' expectations and perceptions of primary health services for some Te Atiawa Maori children. The research process was developed in a partnership between the Maori women participants and the researcher. In addition, two local kuia actively participated in and supported the process. Emancipatory critical social theory underpinned and informed the project. Power relationships between the researcher and the participants can be overtly explored within this theoretical framework. In terms of this particular exploratory study, participatory research appeared to be applicable. The participants are female caregivers of Te Atiawa children. Data collection was done using group interactions and semi-structured interviews in the winter of the year 2000. A thematic analysis of the data was used, in which common themes were identified, compared and discussed. From the analysis of the data of the participants' conversations, key ideas were identified. The major findings have been identified within two main themes. These are: a concept of health is not the same for Pakeha as for Maori, and access issues are still problematic for the participants in this study. Many quotes from the interview participants are included in order to keep the focus of the project on the voices of the women interviewed. In terms of the significant contribution of this research, this study aims to allow voices of female caregivers of Te Atiawa Maori children to be heard. Individual and collaborative interactions offer insights into what is important to them in terms of Maori child health. Clearly, the primary health initiatives promoted by the New Zealand government are not reaching at least some of the people for whom they are intended. The research participants offered their ideas as to how these deficits could be remedied in their community.

Abstract: Records from patient perspectives the nature of the engagements patients have with practice nurses which influence patients' health and well-being. Posits this mutually-beneficial close association as a form of symbiosis. Surveys 15 patients from seven rural and urban general practices in NZ about aspects of the participants' relationships and engagements with nurses, analysing the results using Narrative Inquiry methodology.

Abstract: Determines the clinical effectiveness, in terms of glycaemic control, other biological measures, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction, of nurse-led diabetes interventions led by primary health care nurses. Uses PRISMA guidelines for reporting the results of a systematic review of the literature. Compares quantitative studies of physician-led care and cost-effectiveness, with qualitative studies of patient experiences of nurse-led care.

Abstract: Traditionally the use of advanced physical assessment skills when assessing a patient or client has been the domain of the medical profession. The last few decades has seen many changes in health provision that have influenced nursing practice, as a result of the social and economic trends impacting on New Zealand society. A notable change in nursing practice has been an increased emphasis on the use of advanced physical assessment skills by registered nurses, as an expected part of the registered nurse's health assessment. Nurses in the United States, and more recently Canada and Australia, readily include these skills as an expansion of their health assessment into their nursing practice. The purpose of this research is to investigate whether New Zealand registered nurses have done the same. The factors that influence the registered nurses' use of these skills are also explored. This descriptive design was chosen in order to focus on exploring and describing this phenomenon in a holistic fashion. Data collection involved one hour semi- structured interviews with seven participants who all completed the same postgraduate advanced health assessment educational course. Three themes were identified as influencing the use of advanced physical assessment skills; the registered nurse's work environment, the registered nurse's attributes and the registered nurse's original nursing education. The findings from this research have implications for nurses in practice and nurse educators, in both undergraduate and postgraduate education.