Abstract: Describes an exploratory study of Registered Nurses (RNs) within a local District Health Board which pursued the question of 'if' and 'how' professional practice frameworks assisted nurses in their individual professional practice, specifically self-assessment and performance appraisal. Utilises a qualitative descriptive framework to explore the experiences of RNs in inpatient settings, via questionnaire. Identifies 8 themes related to self-assessment, performance appraisal, and professional practice.

Abstract: The author notes that it is widely accepted that there is a global shortage of nurses, and there are many studies in the health workforce literature about the negative aspects of nurse work environments, nursing workloads, decreased job satisfaction of nurses and the impact these have on patient health outcomes. In the past five years there has also been international and New Zealand-specific research into the effects of health restructuring on nursing leadership, retention of nurses, and on patient care. Much of this research has shown that countries with very different health care systems have similar problems, not only with retention of qualified nursing staff due to high levels of job dissatisfaction, but also with work design and the provision of good quality patient care in hospitals. This dissertation explores the many detrimental effects on nurses and nursing leadership, of extensive, and continuing, public health restructuring in New Zealand. The context of this dissertation is New Zealand public hospitals, with references pertaining to medical and surgical areas of nursing practice. Health reforms have negatively impacted on patient care delivery systems, patient health outcomes, and retention of educated nurses in the workforce. In order to resolve these issues, coordinated efforts are required in New Zealand district health boards to develop and sustain effective nursing leaders, who will promote and assist in the development of strong, healthy organisational cultures to retain and support professional nurses and the ways in which they wish to practise.

Abstract: Investigates intensive care nurses' resilience levels and their association with personal factors and physical activity behaviour; physical work activity behaviour during a 12-hour shift; and clustered physical activity profiles and associations with resilience. Performs a cross-sectional study with intensive care nurses from four units at three hospitals in Auckland. Employs accelerometry to measure participants' physical activity during four days, two at work and two in their own time, and uses the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale to measure resilience levels.

Abstract: Argues that nurses undertaking doctoral research have a responsibility to ensure their research engages with international nursing research and is relevant post-doctorally. Distinguishes between the purpose of PhDs and Professional Doctorates. Finds that nursing doctoral graduates are impeded from assuming leading roles in funded research. Attempts to find ways to address this challenge, suggesting that remote attendance at conferences and Internet communication with nurse researchers overseas encourages an international perspective on nursing topics. Backgrounds the establishment of an international nursing research community between Oxford Brookes University in the UK and Victoria University of Wellington in NZ.

Abstract: Reports on the experiences of five Maori and two Pacific nurses, and three senior indigenous nurse leaders, of being involved in a whakaropu (collective grouping) to attend and present at the National Enrolled Nurse Conference. Conducts face-to-face and online interviews with the members of the group to determine the value of the innovation to foster learning experiences for Maori and Pacific nurses.

Abstract: Investigated final-year nursing students' perception of the effectiveness of a ward-based simulation learning activity using actor patients. Conducts focus group interviews after the simulation and three months later after clinical placement. Identifies three themes: decreasing the theory-practice gap; decision-making; nursing behaviour.

Abstract: Draws on a conversation between Wood and Adams, both tauiwi (non-Maori) academics, exploring challenges, innovations, and paradigms of care at a time in NZ history when colonising processes had already affected Maori. Traces the origins of rural, district and Plunket nursing. Provides insight into the structure and content of the book, its value in recording the history, proactive leadership, and practice of modern nursing as instigated by the British nursing diaspora.