Abstract: Identifies changes that link nurses noticed in their practice areas as a result of participating in a pressure-injury prevention programme. Uses three nurse focus groups to collect data about changes in pressure-injury prevention within their practice areas following implementation of a link-nurse programme. Talks to 22 nurses about increasing awareness of pressure injury prevention, use of assessment tools and documentation, and acquisition of injury prevention equipment.

Abstract: Describes the behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, including depression, agitation, psychosis, hallucinations, delusions and apathy. Employs an integrative review to investigate why care-givers resort to anti-psychotic medication in the first instance instead of non-pharmacological interventions to manage such symptoms. Identifies three themes: low staff-to-patient ratios, insufficient specialised staff; inadequate understanding of the manifestations of dementia.

Abstract: Aims to provide practical guidance for health-care providers to ensure the safe and effective administration of intramuscular injections, when there is the potential for violence and agitation, as well as during personal restraint. Undertakes a realist review of the evidence comparing the dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal sites.

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: This paper provides an overview of the structure and processes of an eighteen month, distance education course focused on developing advanced practice in the context of critical care nursing. Within the framework of a Master of Health Science, the postgraduate certificate (critical care nursing) was developed as a collaboration between Auckland University of Technology and two regional health providers. Students enrol in science and knowledge papers concurrently then, in the second half of the course, are supported within their practice environment to acquire advanced clinical skills and to analyse, critique and develop practice within their specialty. This course is set against a background of increasing interest in education post registration. The acquisition of highly developed clinical capabilities requires a combination of nursing experience and education. This requires collaboration between clinicians and nurse educators, and approaches to address accessibility of relevant educational opportunities for nurses outside the country's main centres.

Abstract: The author contends that responses to cultural diversity in nursing need to consider the theory and practice developments of the profession, whilst also responding to broader social and historical process that prevent marginalised groups from utilising universal health services. A combination of approaches is suggested in this paper to meet these two imperatives. Cultural safety is one indigenous New Zealand nursing approach derived in response to inequalities for Maori, whereas cultural competence is an imported paradigm derived from a multicultural context. Furthermore, research and dialogue are required to examine points of complementarity and tension. This paper offers a beginning for this process.

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.