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Author Leeks, O. openurl 
  Title Lesbian health: Identifying the barriers to health care Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Attitude of health personnel; prejudice; cultural safety  
  Abstract Homosexuality has been practiced since ancient times, but through the centuries this expression of sexual identity has moved from being acceptable to unacceptable and finally regarded in a contemporary era as a mental health problem that needed to be, and it was thought could be, cured. This paper focuses on the barriers that lesbian women perceive when wanting to access health care. Most of the research about lesbian women has been conducted in the United States with some in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand. Through reviewing the available literature and grouping common themes, the author identifies three main barriers to health care that exist for lesbian women. Firstly, ignorance or insensitivity of the health care professional about the specific health care needs of this client group; secondly, homophobia or heterosexism that may be present in the health care environment; and thirdly the risk of disclosing one's sexual orientation. These barriers are discussed using the concepts of cultural safety and nursing partnership. The author concludes that the negative health care experiences that lesbian women encounter leave them feeling vulnerable and fearful. This fear and stigmatisation has resulted in lesbian women becoming an 'invisible' community. It is the assumption of heterosexuality that immediately places the lesbian woman at a disadvantage and this potentially may produce missed opportunities to provide individualised care to the lesbian client. The purpose of this work is to encourage discussion within nursing to challenge attitudes and the approach to women who identify as lesbian. The author hopes that this paper will contribute to the increasing body of knowledge in regard to this client group.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 816  
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Author Sampson, C. openurl 
  Title The allergy nurse specialist: A proposed nurse-led model of care for children with severe food allergies Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Children; Nursing specialties; Child health services; Food allergies  
  Abstract The prevalence of allergic disease has increased significantly in western countries over the last decade. However, the author points to the availability of specialist allergy services in New Zealand being limited to the large cities, resulting in a lack of, or fragmentation of, the allergy-related services in smaller regions. As a public health nurse in Otago working with a rising number of families with severely food allergic children, the author had become aware of the challenges many parents face in accessing accurate information about their child's allergy and the negative impact this has had on them and their child. The purpose of this dissertation is to explore how an Allergy Nurse Specialist (ANS) led service could improve the experiences and health outcomes of the families and children with severe food allergies living in Otago. A critical analysis of the literature on allergy nursing, advanced nursing roles, and related food allergy issues was conducted and applied to the Otago region. Drawing on the 'Nurse with a Special Interest in Allergy' model of nurse-led allergy care outlined by Cross (2005) and the existing Otago District Health Board's (2004) clinical nurse specialist role, the author proposes that an ANS-led model of care, incorporating advanced nursing practice, primary care access and multidisciplinary collaboration could complement the existing allergy related services in Otago. The focus of the ANS's care will be on facilitating timely access to accurate assessment and advice for families regarding the management of their child's food allergies.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 730  
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Author Paterson, J.E. openurl 
  Title Nurses' clinical decision-making: The journey to advancing practice Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Clinical decision making; Mentoring; Nursing; Nurse practitioners  
  Abstract This dissertation reports on a scholarly journey to better understand the processes of clinical decision-making by nurses. It begins by identifying the various terms used to describe a clinical decision, its components and the contexts within which clinical decisions are made. Two philosophies of decision-making are summarised. Some insight into the history of the phenomenological and the rationalist theories of decision-making is offered. The author notes that it became evident that both of these theories are applicable to all nurses and their clinical decision making competencies. Four studies that were undertaken to analyse the decision-making methods of nurse practitioners are critiqued. Of the studies two are British, one is American and one is Australian. The author has summarised the combined findings that identified that the nurses were using a blend of decision-making processes that involved rational decision making as well as the use of intuition. The studies identified that sound clinical decision-making is determined by appropriate educational and clinical preparation and supported by a formal mentoring process and the use of critical reflective practice. In conclusion, the author reflects on her knowledge of decision making prior to embarking on the dissertation and states her intent to facilitate and support advanced decision-making by her colleagues. She goes on to say that uppermost is the need for an institutional and managerial environment that encourages advanced and independent decision-making by nurses.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 681  
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Author Macfarlane, K. openurl 
  Title Communicating changes in a patient's condition: A critical incident approach Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Communication; Clinical assessment; Physicians; Nursing; Relationships  
  Abstract This study explores how registered nurses working within the acute surgical ward environment of a New Zealand hospital communicate changes in a patient's condition. The purpose of this research study was to examine the processes, communication techniques and behaviours that nurses use, in order to determine the critical requirements for registered nurses to effectively communicate changes in patients' conditions to doctors. The critical incident technique developed by Flanagan (1954) was adapted and used to explore incidents that occurred when six registered nurses working in acute surgical wards communicated a change in a patient's condition to a doctor. Communication is an integral part of everyday activity. This study has shown an assessment process occurs before communication can take place. A nurse's concern for a patient's condition initiates the assessment process. A judgement is formed from the nurse's concern that a patient's condition has changed. Judgements take into account multiple ways of knowing including pattern recognition, empirical knowing and intuition. Institutional protocols also affect judgements and the ability of a nurse to ensure support is received for the patient's well being. The communication process is initiated for two reasons, to support the patient, and to support the nurse in providing care for the patient. Significant in determining the need for support is the action required that might be outside the nurse's scope of practice. The response should address the nurse's concern and take into account the importance of the relationship, trust between all parties, respect of each other's positions and knowing team members and their capabilities. Understanding these aspects of the communication process should enhance nurses and doctors abilities to effectively communicate regarding a change in a patient's condition.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 724  
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Author Feather, A. openurl 
  Title What is so hard about a drug calculation? An exploration into my experience of teaching the competency of drug dosage calculation to the undergraduate nursing student Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Drug administration; Nursing; Education; Students  
  Abstract This dissertation was written to promote the author's understanding of the development of drug calculation competency in the undergraduate student nurse. It explores and critiques the literature surrounding the topic and examines the differing teaching methods that are currently used to promote this competency. Findings from the literature were compared to her experience of teaching drug dosage calculation competency to second year undergraduate nursing degree students. This dissertation suggests that drug dosage calculation may be an ongoing problem for nursing students not only during their course of study but also post registration. It appears that age and educational background may be factors in determining whether or not the student will truly master the concept. Although highly debated, it does appear that the use of a calculator assisted the nursing students within the author's class with their arithmetic operation. However, problems associated with conceptual understanding remain notable. The recommendations from this dissertation include the use of varied methods of instruction, integration of both the theory and practical components and the possible use of the dimensional analysis method in the teaching of drug dosage calculation. The author suggests that further research is required both locally within the School of Nursing where she is employed and nationally to fully examine the extent of this issue. Research which is not only focused on the student's calculation ability and its progression over the course of their study but which also allows the School to collate data on age, educational background, culture and learning style would allow lecturers to gain greater insight into student competency, progress and learning needs. She goes on to say that the continued ongoing exploration of her own practice utilising action research is also required as this would assist her in meeting the needs of students and lead to an overall improvement in her practice.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 805  
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Author Stewart, C.M. openurl 
  Title “Caring as the heart of nursing education” Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Education; Nursing; Nurse-patient relations  
  Abstract Literature and discussion on the role of caring theory in nursing has been in evidence for at least the past 30 years. Many nursing theorists have identified caring as the heart of nursing. Nursing is a profession involved and concerned with relationships. These relationships begin in the schools of nursing, and are continued into the clinical practice setting. Curriculum development is focused on ensuring nurses are prepared for the real world of practice. It is the author's belief, that nurses who receive their education in an environment where caring is modelled and evidenced throughout the curriculum, become nurses who continue to practice in a caring way. This dissertation will demonstrate that Swanson's (1991) five caring processes provide a framework to evidence caring practice within a nursing curriculum. The author believes this topic needs to be discussed as schools of nursing continue to review their curricula to prepare nurses for an ever changing and challenging health environment. This dissertation explores the question, 'If caring is at the heart of the profession of nursing, is it also at the heart of nursing education?' The author's objective is to inform the reader, and perhaps encourage educators to be courageous in the demonstration of caring practice, and in the development of caring curricula.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 499  
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Author Holbrook, P. openurl 
  Title Nurse initiated analgesia in an emergency department: Can nurses safely decrease door to analgesia times by providing analgesia before medical assessment? Type
  Year 2005 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Emergency nursing; Drug administration; Nursing; Pain management  
  Abstract Pain management practices within emergency departments require a more patient focused approach due to extended waiting times for analgesia. This dissertation questions current methods of providing timely and appropriate delivery of analgesia. Nurses represent the biggest resource in emergency departments therefore are in a position to be able to access patients in a timely fashion. A review of the literature pertaining to nurse initiated analgesia protocols has been evaluated and information relating to efficiency and safety utilised to discuss the processes for planning and implementation of a similar protocol. The author finds that the literature provides no evidence that nurse initiated analgesic practices prior to medical assessment compromises patient safety or delays diagnosis. A discussion of the benefits to patients, nurses and the institution has been included to highlight the appropriateness of extending nursing roles.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 664  
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Author Horner, C. openurl 
  Title Maintaining rural nurses' competency in emergency situations Type
  Year 2005 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Emergency nursing; Nurse practitioners; Rural nursing; Education  
  Abstract On call emergency health services are becoming routinely provided by some rural nurses, predominantly within the South Island. Rural nurses have been advancing their practice to accommodate the limited availability of general practitioners in rural communities. Although this is becoming routine practice, the author has been providing a service such as this for the past 12 years. This dissertation describes this practice in relationship to the present social-political context, advancing nurse competencies and her experience of rural nursing in a rural town within the South Island. Particular significance for the rural nurse is the required independent practice and overall responsibility when remote from traditional medical oversight. Providing on call emergency care with the possibility of a broad spectrum of emergency situations while maintaining competence for the unpredictable frequency (or lack of frequency) of the rural emergency is the focus of this dissertation. The professional and personal risks are high for rural nurses when placed in situations they are not prepared for or unable to remain competent to manage. Implications resulting from the critique of the health service literature on this subject are identified. Firstly, rural nurses need to be insightful of their own emergency on call expertise and limitations. Secondly, rural nurses require ongoing education and thirdly that appropriate education is available and accessible to rural nurses. Lastly, rural nurses require maintenance of competency so these emergency skills are not lost. This dissertation and the resulting recommendations embrace Nursing Council of New Zealand Nurse Practitioner Competencies. The resulting outcomes fulfilling the rural nurse's need for maintenance of competency for emergency on call care, the community's need for safe appropriate emergency care and national legislation requirements.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 666  
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Author Johnson, H. openurl 
  Title Clinical trials in the intensive care setting: A nursing perspective Type
  Year 2008 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Evaluation; Intensive care nursing  
  Abstract As carers of patients who are clinical research participants, nurses' contribution to the success of clinical trials is acknowledged in the literature. Ethical dilemmas and challenges that clinical trials may present for nurses are also recognised. Although there is some discussion regarding these issues, few studies explore and identify the perceptions of intensive care nurses regarding clinical trials and how they may impact on nursing practice. This thesis explores and describes the viewpoints and experiences of sixty intensive care nurses from a tertiary level referral centre in New Zealand engaged in clinical research activities. The descriptive study utilised a self-administered questionnaire to gather information regarding nurses' roles in clinical trials, associated issues encountered and contributory factors, and the impact of issues on nursing practice, stress and satisfaction levels. Suggestions for potential strategies to minimise the impact of issues on nurses' practice were also sought. Descriptive statistical and content data analyses identified three key areas in which nurses' encounter issues associated with clinical trials and their practice: nurses' workload; ethical concerns; educational preparation and support. The findings indicate that, when issues exist in these areas, routine patient care can be delayed, the enactment of nurses' patient advocacy role can be affected, and nurses' stress and satisfaction levels can be negatively impacted upon. The perceptions of a group of intensive care nurses who are enveloped in the daily balance of patient care, the need for clinical research, and their professional obligations are discussed in this thesis. While the study's findings are reflective of one group of nurses in a distinct practice setting, their experiences can prompt other nurses, research teams and clinical leaders to reflect upon their own clinical research environment.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 923  
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Author Hansen, S. openurl 
  Title The reality: Doctors and nurses in general practice in New Zealand Type
  Year 2005 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) History; Nurse practitioners; Primary health care; Physicians  
  Abstract Provision of a primary health care system that delivers timely, appropriate, affordable and effective care is a challenge throughout the world. The purpose of this work is to discuss the realities of collaborative practice in primary health care, where care is delivered by doctors and nurses in general practice settings in New Zealand. The close relationship between the two professions has been historically marked by the dominance of medicine over nursing. Unclear articulation of nursing practice by the nursing profession along with historical gender issues has further hindered a more collegial relationship between medicine and nursing. The author suggests that historical gender inequalities have also contributed to a system which has disadvantaged nurses in the execution of their work. Collaboration occurs when mutual respect is present between two parties intent on furthering mutual goals. Collaboration is not supervision or co-operation. It is therefore, the author suggests, questionable that collaboration exists in the New Zealand system other than through the good will of individual practitioners. An examination of these issues using the work of Jurgen Habermas and Michel Foucault offers insight into how the current working situation between medicine and nursing came about. The author concludes that the emergence of the nurse practitioner role in New Zealand along with a change in the way that primary health care is being managed nationally provides opportunities for the nursing profession to move into emancipatory collaborative practice roles.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 676  
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Author McNab, M. openurl 
  Title The nursing roles in respect of tuberculosis in New Zealand from 1928 to 1966 Type
  Year 2005 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) History; Nursing; Tuberculosis  
  Abstract In this thesis the nursing roles in respect of tuberculosis in New Zealand from 1928 to 1966 are identified, and then examined by contextualising them in relation to the changing social, political, demographic, scientific and technological environments in which the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis took place. The history of the various institutions is described in order to show some of the circumstances that led to the evolution of the roles of dispensary nurse, district nurse, school nurse, public health nurse, sanatorium nurse, and hospital nurse. 1928 to 1966 covers a sufficiently long period of intensive activity and change in the detection, treatment and research of pulmonary tuberculosis in New Zealand, to enable comparisons between nursing roles to be made. It was found that nurses had an individualised approach to their work. This was defined by the physical environments within which they worked, whether it was a hospital, sanatorium, dispensary, school or in a patient's home. Also, the medical treatments advocated and implemented by the medical practitioners, the rules and regulations which governed the various work areas, and the availability of staff, funds, facilities and resources all had an impact upon how nurses were able to work and how their respective roles developed. In addition, some of the factors which contributed to nurses getting tuberculosis and the initiatives to improve the nurse's conditions of work are examined, because these had an impact on the performance of the nurse's work and evolution of her role. Apart from practical nursing care, nurses also had a role in the on-going inspection, monitoring, notification, emotional support of patients and families, morale boosting and education. Each role had these components. The differences were in the time and emphasis given to each.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 660  
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Author Cook, D. openurl 
  Title Open visiting: Does this benefit adult patients in intensive care units? Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Hospitals; Intensive care nursing  
  Abstract As the healthcare system moves toward a consumer-driven paradigm, visiting hours for family and significant others of the intensive care unit patient have become a topic of interest and discussion. Research since the 1970s has generated controversy and speculation over the ideal visiting practices in the adult intensive care unit. The aim of this dissertation was to examine the benefits for the patient, family members and nurses of appropriate visiting practices within intensive care areas in order to establish if open visiting is the best regime for patients in the adult intensive care unit (ICU). This dissertation explores visiting practices in adult critical care unit settings. Specifically, the benefits of visiting for patients, and the factors that may impede or facilitate visiting practices within the ICU were critically discussed. These factors included the benefits and disadvantages of open visiting, and the nurse as an influential factor in visiting. These areas linked together to form the basis for consideration of visiting in the ICU. Review of existing literature pertaining to visiting in the ICU indicated that patients wanted open visiting hours yet also indicated that they would like some visiting restrictions. Nurses appeared to value family input into care and were aware of patient and family needs, even though they may restrict visiting to suit their own work practices. Family members can provide the patient with psychological support, provide important historical data, assist the nurse with selected aspects of physical care, and actively encourage the patient's efforts to recover. The outcome of this exploration is the recommendation of an open visiting policy tailored to individual patients, as, the author suggests, this would foster nursing practice and ultimately benefit patients and their families.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 680  
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Author Haitana, J. openurl 
  Title Building relationships: A qualitative descriptive study reflective of the day-to-day experiences of one group of preceptors in a provincial hospital in New Zealand Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Hospitals; Preceptorship; Education; Professional development; Mentoring; Training; Nursing  
  Abstract Research suggests that the experience of being a preceptor can be rewarding, but there are challenges which may impact on their ability to fulfil the preceptorship role. In an effort to understand the experiences of being a preceptor and the factors that impact on that role, a qualitative descriptive study was undertaken in a small provincial hospital in New Zealand. A purposeful sample of five registered nurse preceptors completed semi-structured audio-taped interviews. Seven common categories were developed from the data – willingness to engage, building a relationship, letting go, support, workload, students in the clinical setting and making judgements. The author notes that this research has highlighted that preceptors need prior notice that they are going to be having student nurses so that they can be better prepared; preceptors and student nurses also need to be rostered together for the whole placement to allow a one-on-one relationship to develop. Preceptors would benefit from having a lighter workload during the first few days of preceptoring as then they can spend more time teaching the student. Schools of nursing and hospitals also need to have an ongoing collaborative relationship in planning and supporting the preceptorship program; this would further support preceptors in their role. The lecturer from the school of nursing needs to be contactable and available to both the preceptor and the student to clarify any misunderstandings and as a resource should any problems arise.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 476  
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Author Buxton, J. openurl 
  Title Factors which may influence parental decisions about childhood vaccinations Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Immunisation; Practice nurses; Children; Parents and caregivers  
  Abstract Practice nurses are primarily responsible for the administration of vaccinations in New Zealand, although many other health professionals contribute to the success of the National Immunisation Schedule by providing vaccination information and advice to parents. Vaccination uptake remains relatively low, indicating many parents choose not to vaccinate their children. A literature review was undertaken to gain an understanding of factors which may influence parents when they are making decisions about childhood vaccinations. Four key themes were identified within the literature: Perceived risk; Vaccine safety and efficacy; Child characteristics; and the Influence of health professionals/supporting vaccination structures. Increased knowledge and awareness about influential factors creates opportunities for health professionals and policy makers to develop strategies to increase vaccination uptake. Implications and recommendations are made for practice, with particular emphasis on the role of the primary healthcare nurse.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 919  
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Author Evans, S. openurl 
  Title Silence kills: Communication around adverse events in ICU Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Intensive care nursing; Communication; Interprofessional relations  
  Abstract The aim of this dissertation is to assess the preventability or reduction of adverse events in the intensive care unit (ICU) through a literature review. Research shows the ICU is at high risk for errors, nevertheless there is a huge gap between knowing something should be done and applying this knowledge to practice. That being the case, this dissertation identifies and discusses several proven and transferable quality improvement proposals. These include: instituting anonymous error reporting; documentation of a daily goal-of-care; a nurse as ICU team co-ordinator; conflict resolution processes and communication training for all ICU staff. NThe author concludes that nurse-doctor collaboration requires the support of medicine, with recognition of the unique contribution nurses make to patient safety.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 741  
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