Abstract: The author reconsiders the meaning of expert, specialist and advanced practice. She proposes that they are distinctive and complementary aspects of every nursing role and suggests a set of attributes for each. Expertise is discussed in terms of the quality of performance, speciality in relation to particularity of performance, and advanced practice with regard to the level of performance.

Abstract: Since 1991, nursing profession in New Zealand has primarily been through a three year programme. The purpose of this study was to explore the issues faced by a group of degree graduates in their first year of registered nurse practice and to identify if the degree graduatesoutcomes (such as critical thinking, problem solving, reflection on practice, research, independent learning, and using cultural safety knowledge) had mediated this transposition process. Purpose sampling was used to invite five female graduates to take part in two focusgroups, one held at months and the other at 9 months after starting work. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured questions and the taped interviews were analysed for themes. Five themes were identified: accepting responsibility, accepting their level of knowledge, becoming a team member, professional standards, and workplace conditions. Graduates were using their cultural safety knowledge but they perceived their knowledge of research was linked to further academic. Their ability to critique their own practice was evident but they found it difficult to challenge their colleagues' practice and the wider agency culture. Implications of the study are discussed in relation to nursing education and preceptor programmes and areas for further research are indicated

Abstract: At Whitireira Community Polytechnic the curriculum philosophy for the Bachelor of Nursing Degree Programme is based on the Treaty of Waitangi, which provides a framework to articulate the concepts of Partnership, Governorship, Advocacy and Empowerment. This paper will describes a research study that aimed to explore the phenomenon of empowerment from the perspective of the student nurse.Using grounded theory methodology, emancipatory and feminist philosophies. Six year Two nursing participants were interviewed and asked to define the term empowerment and give exemplers of moments when they had been empowered in a teaching/learning context. Analysis of data led to the discovery of a theory and development of a theoretical model that described the conditions and consequences that led to empowerment or disempowerment for the student.The theoretical model will be presented and explained, and the conditions that enhanced empowerment will be explored. Recommendations from the research included the need for relevant preparation for students prior to clinical placement, preparation of clinicians through preceptor pregrammes, greater awareness by registered nurses of the communication that is effective in supporting student nurses and support for assisted reflection for students following clinical placements. It was further recommended that the theoretical model be tasted in other contexts

Abstract: The report of an exploratory study of current approaches to case management by nurses as requested by the College of Nurses Aotearoa New Zealand. It revealed different interpretations of nurse case management around New Zealand and in the US, UK and Australia. They differed according to the conceptualisation of health service design and delivery in the respective country. Case management in New Zealand in general presented nurse care management roles as an interface between the mangement of health service delivery and the peculiarities of the healthcare people received, holding the potential for achieving tailored, patient-centred care outcomes.

Abstract: Otago women who had been treated for breast cancer were asked by questionnaire about patterns of arm swelling post treatment. Almost one third indicated they had had swelling at some time. Few had received preventive advice or what to do should arm swelling occur

Abstract: High stress and staff turnover in a multi-specialty paediatric area prompted this study that aimed to :1) measure the burnout level of nurses in a multi-specialty paediatric area2) identify and validate causes of stress3) identify new ways of preventing stress on the wardFifty four percent (n=14) of the paediatric nurses completed the questionnaire booklet that included demographic data, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Nursing Situations Questionnaire the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-21 the Ways of Coping Checklist and open ended questions about sources of stress and satisfaction at work. Results indicated levelsof burnout and distress comparable with larger studies. Conflict with doctors was the major source of stress followed by workload, inadequate preparation in dealing with the emotional needs of patients and their families and death and dying. Conflict with doctors has not previously been identified as the major source of stress. However workload and death and dying are commonly identified as sources in the literature. Suggestions for further research and the low response rate are discussed

Abstract: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of five Registered Nurses involved in the withdrawal of nutrition and hydration in a persistant vegetative state (PVS) patient. Three female and two male nurses who had been involved in the care of a PVS patient within the last ten years were interviewed. The phenomenological design was used because it provided richness and clarity to the issues raised. Three major findings were identified as positive significant experiences for these nurses: support through 'talking': coping through 'thinking': and, decision making being kept 'in-house' (family and central care giving team)"