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Author Bridgen, A.F. url  openurl
  Title A heuristic journey of discovery: Exploring the positive influence of the natural environment on the human spirit Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Victoria University of Wellington Library  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords Spirituality; Nursing; Nursing philosophy  
  Abstract The intention of this heuristic study was to explore and discover the essence of the positive influence of the natural environment on the human spirit. The study quest was identified as a central concern that evolved from the author's personal experience of spiritual awakening in the natural environment and an interest in the concept of connectedness in nursing care and practice. The study also focused on the self of the nurse and the qualities of holistic nursing care. Guided by heuristic methodology developed by Moustakas (1990) the thesis traces a journey of discovery. Using conversational interviews, six nurses were asked to describe their experiences of their spirit being positively influenced in the natural environment. These nurses were also asked if these beneficial experiences had any flow-on effect to their nursing practice. From these interviews various commonalities of experience were identified as well as some experiences unique to the individual participants. The participant knowing was articulated using Reed's (1992) dimensions of relatedness in spirituality as a framework. Reed describes these dimensions as being able to be experienced intrapersonally, interpersonally and transpersonally. A substantive body of nursing and non-nursing literature was explored to support the participant knowing and provide strength to the discussion. The study discovered that the human spirit is positively influenced in the natural environment. The three actions of personal healing and wellbeing in the natural environment, knowing self – knowing others and sustaining self in nursing practice were valued by the participants as contributing to the quality of their nursing care. In bringing together spirituality, the natural environment and nursing, holism was discovered to be the significant and connecting constituent. The study has some implications for the discipline of nursing that are also discussed by the author.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 831 Serial 815  
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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 (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords 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 Grainger, J. url  openurl
  Title Mind shift: Creating change through narrative learning cycles: A qualitative interpretive study of clinical conversation as an appraisal process for sexual and reproductive health nurses Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Auckland University of Technology Library  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords Sexual and reproductive health; Nursing; Professional development  
  Abstract This thesis explores the process of an annual appraisal strategy, 'clinical conversation', from the perspective of seven nurses who were assessed using this technique. The findings demonstrate that clinical conversation is a strategy which facilitates reflection, both as a solitary exercise and with others, to ensure that learning from experience is optimised. The research used a qualitative interpretive approach informed by the model of Grounded Theory espoused by Strauss and Corbin. All eight nurses who were assessed using the clinical conversation strategy were advanced practitioners working within the scope of sexual and reproductive health. Two of the actual appraisals were observed and seven of the nurses were interviewed within eight weeks of being assessed. The outcome of the clinical conversation was primarily one of learning; the acquisition of new insights into self as practitioner. The learning was facilitated through the process of narration; telling the story of clinical practice. Three distinct narrative cycles were identified, each an experiential learning episode. The experience of undertaking a variety of assessment activities created a narrative with self and triggered an internal reflective thinking process; the experience of working with a peer created an additional narrative, a mutual dialogue reflecting back on practice; the experience of sharing practice with an assessor created a further and final narrative, a learning conversation. Each narrative can be seen as a catalyst for change. Primarily, the nurses felt differently about themselves in practice, the way they saw themselves had shifted. Such a change can be described as an alteration in perspective. These alterations in perspective led all nurses to identify ways in which they would change their actual clinical practice. In this way the nurses attempted to align their espoused beliefs about practice with their actual practice. The author notes that the study shows that each nurse responded differently to each narrative learning cycle: for some the conversation with the assessor was more of a catalyst for change than for others. In this way clinical conversation may be flexible enough to respond to a variety of differing learning styles. Learning was person specific which is an imperative for the continued professional development of already highly skilled clinicians. The implication of the research is that whilst clinical conversation was designed as a tool for appraising clinical competence, its intrinsic value lies in supporting the professional development of nurses.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 833 Serial 817  
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Author McGirr, S. openurl 
  Title New graduate nurses clinical decision making: A methodological challenge Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords New graduate nurses; Clinical decision making; Methodology  
  Abstract New graduate nurses, particularly in the first year of clinical practice, face challenges with making clinical decisions about patient care. A review of the literature revealed no studies that reported using fundamental qualitative descriptive methodology to investigate new graduate nurses' clinical decision making. Aspects of decision making by new graduates have been studied using observational and interview methods, the findings from which have been interpreted using various theoretical decision making models. There has been little research outside of the context of critical care or intensive care units, but anecdotal reports in 2006 from the New Zealand Nursing Entry to Practice Programme (NetP) coordinators network suggest that new graduates are seldom employed in critical care or intensive care units in New Zealand. Nursing educators involved in undergraduate nurse training and NetP programmes need to understand how new graduates perceive, experience and manage decision making in clinical practice, in order to assist them to develop and refine those skills. There is a need for studies utilising fundamental qualitative descriptive methodology in order to explore the experiences of new graduates' decision making in clinical practice. The author notes that the topic is particularly relevant in light of the introduction of the national NetP programmes framework in New Zealand, and to her role as a NetP programme coordinator. This dissertation examines the relevant literature about decision making by new graduates and the research methods that were used, and concludes that fundamental qualitative descriptive method is a highly appropriate method by which to study new graduates' decision making.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 818  
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Author Primary Health Care Nurse Innovation Evaluation Team, url  openurl
  Title The evaluation of the eleven primary health care nursing innovation projects: A report to the Ministry of Health Type Report
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords Primary health care; Evaluation; Nursing  
  Abstract In 2003, as part of implementing the Primary Health Care Strategy, the Ministry of Health announced contestable funding, available over three years, for the development of primary health care nursing innovation projects throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Ministry looked for proposals that would: support the development of innovative models of primary health care nursing practice to deliver on the objectives of the Primary Health Care Strategy; allow new models of nursing practice to develop; reduce the current fragmentation and duplication of services; and assist in the transition of primary health care delivery to primary health organisations. This report describes the findings from the evaluation of the 11 primary health care nursing innovations selected for funding by the Ministry of Health. It provides an overview of the innovations' success and of the lessons learnt from this policy initiative.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 819  
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Author Barber, M. openurl 
  Title Nursing and living in rural New Zealand communities: An interpretive descriptive study Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords Rural nursing; Rural health services; Recruitment and retention  
  Abstract This study used an interpretive descriptive method to gain insight into and explore key issues for rural nurses working and living in the same community. Four Rural Nurse Specialists were recruited as participants. The nurses had lived and nursed in the same rural community for a minimum of 12 months. Participants were interviewed face to face and their transcribed interviews underwent thematic analysis. The meta-theme was: the distinctive nature of rural nursing. The themes identified were: interwoven professional and personal roles; complex role of rural nurses and relationships with the community. A conceptual model was developed to capture the relationship between the meta-theme and the themes. A definition for rural nursing was developed from the findings. This research identified some points of difference in this group of rural nurses from the available rural nursing literature. It also provides a better understanding of the supports Rural Nurse Specialists need to be successful in their roles, particularly around the recruitment and retention of the rural nursing workforce.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 820  
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Author Patrick, S. openurl 
  Title A nursing role in rural adolescent sexual health Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords Sexual health; Adolescents; Nursing; Rural health services  
  Abstract This dissertation explores the nurse's role in addressing the sexual health needs of a rural adolescent community in New Zealand. The increasing incidence of adolescent sexual activity is widely recognised and it is acknowledged that youth face unique barriers to health care. These barriers are particularly apparent in access to contraception with a resulting increase in the rates of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies and termination of pregnancies. These deteriorating adolescent sexual health statistics are of particular concern within New Zealand's health sector. A review of national and international literature examined the potential nursing role in adolescent sexual health. Results provide strong evidence that experienced nurses can competently and confidently assist in meeting the needs of this population group, especially in rural areas. Literature consistently concluded that nurses could provide care that is as effective as that provided by a doctor. School-based health clinics are identified as a viable way to improve access to adolescent sexual health services. In conclusion, the author suggests that nurses are in a key position to provide an alternative model of health care delivery that can improve adolescent sexual health.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 821  
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Author Seccombe, J. url  openurl
  Title Attitudes towards disability in an undergraduate nursing curriculum: The effects of a curriculum change Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication Nurse Education Today Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) Issue 27(5) Pages  
  Keywords People with disabilities; Nursing; Education; Students  
  Abstract Through improved technology and treatment and ongoing de-institutionalisation, nurses will encounter growing numbers of people with disabilities in the New Zealand community and hospitals. Quality of nursing care is influenced by attitude and this study was to evaluate the effect of a curriculum change on the attitudes of two different streams of student nurses towards people with disabilities. During the year 2002 a focused disability unit was introduced to the revised undergraduate nursing curriculum of a major educational institution in New Zealand. The opportunity arose to consider student nurses' attitudes toward disabled people, comparing two streams of students undertaking two different curricula. A convenience sample of students completed Yuker, Block and Younng's (1970) Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons scale (ATDP) form B prior to and on completion of their relevant disability unit. No statistically significant difference in scores was demonstrated. A number of possible reasons for this are suggested.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 833  
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Author Seccombe, J. url  openurl
  Title Attitudes towards disability in an undergraduate nursing curriculum: A literature review Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication Nurse Education Today Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) Issue 27(5) Pages  
  Keywords Nursing; Education; Students; People with disabilities  
  Abstract In the process of introducing a new disability unit into an undergraduate nursing curriculum in a New Zealand educational setting, the opportunity arose to conduct a small study comparing the attitudes of students nurses to people with disabilities. This paper discusses the literature review, which formed the basis for the study. A range of perspectives and research was identified that explored societal and nurses' attitudes, disability studies in undergraduate nursing curricula, the impact of nurses' attitudes on patient care, and interventions for changing those attitudes. Effective nursing care can be severely compromised through negative attitudes, and concerns are expressed at the lack of attention given to this issue in nursing curricula generally. The literature showed that combining educational approaches with opportunities for student nurses to interact with disabled people provides the most effective means for student nurses to develop positive attitudes towards disabled people. The goal for nurse educators is to ensure the inclusion of disability studies as a core component in undergraduate nursing education.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 834  
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Author Gosnell, M. openurl 
  Title Postoperative pain assessment: A retrospective review of nursing documentation Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords Pain management; Nursing  
  Abstract An essential part of nursing practice for the nurse on the surgical floor is to relieve the discomfort of post operative pain for patients in their care. Post operative pain management encompasses a series of processes from assessing pain, providing relief, assessment of measures used to relieve pain through to documentation in the patient record. Yet literature, both internationally and from Australia and New Zealand, suggests that post operative pain continues to be poorly managed despite having the means to provide more than adequate relief. Events leading up to the commencement of this study indicated that locally, post operative pain assessment, including documentation in the patient record may be substandard. The objective of this study was to develop and test an audit tool; undertake a retrospective audit of nursing records, including nursing notes and the nursing care plan, in respect of what postoperative pain assessments nurses document in the patient record; evaluate data and make recommendations for practice. Methodology: A five part, 23 question Likert scale audit tool, designed specifically for this study was used to collect data over a period of two months. In total 40 patient records that met the inclusion criteria were audited.The results indicate that local practice reflects poor documentation standards found in other studies. The most complete recordings were those entered on specifically designed charts such as the Patient Controlled Analgesia and Epidural charts (N 28) but this did not carry over into the patient record. Despite that fact that the patient's self reports of pain is said to be the single most reliable indicator of pain, there was only four occasions when the patient's verbal response to pain was recorded. None of those responses were according to any type of pain rating scale. Evidence of evaluation following measures used to relieve pain was more likely to be recorded if pain was poorly controlled or when side effects such as nausea were experienced by the patient. The author concludes that overall the audit has highlighted many gaps in what is or is not recorded in the patient record in respect of post operative pain assessment and has highlighted the need to develop standards of practice that will improve post operative pain management practices.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 915  
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Author Allan, J. openurl 
  Title What is it like for older women to live with depression? Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords Mental health; Older people  
  Abstract The author's interest in this study came from working as a mental health nurse with mainly older women with depression and developed from her concern that depression for older people is frequently misdiagnosed, not recognised or is under-treated. To date, research has rarely paid attention to the voices of people who have actually experienced depression and even less is known from the perspective of older women. This hermeneutic phenomenological study, informed by Martin Heidegger and Max van Manen, describes what it is like for four older women to live with depression. Multiple interviews were conducted with the participants. Heidegger's philosophical concepts of Being-in-the-world and Being-with-others structured the analysis. Depression was found to have a significant effect on the participants' Being-in-the-world. The themes that emerged were: something is wrong; the search for reasons; self-loathing; being overwhelmed by the feelings; hiding from the world; loss of self; loss of meaning; the struggle of everyday life; and living circumspectly. Being-with-others was difficult for the participants and the themes that emerged were: maintaining relationships when well; Being-alone; misinterpreting self and other people; the stigma of mental illness – society and self; and seeking understanding from other people. The author suggests that the findings have implications for nurses and other health professionals.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 917  
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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 (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords 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 Johnson, S. openurl 
  Title Hope in terminal illness Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords Palliative care; Terminal care; Psychology  
  Abstract Hope is considered an elusive, vague, over-used, and ambiguous concept in nursing practice which lacks clarity, but hope is essential to the quality of life in the terminally ill. Therefore, hope is an important concept to research further. A gap in nursing research has been identified in the area of hope in terminal illness. The aims of this research were to clarify the concept of hope as perceived by patients with a terminal illness; to develop hope as an evidence-based nursing concept; and to contribute new knowledge and insights about hope to the relatively new field of palliative care. Utilising Rodgers' (2000b) evolutionary concept analysis methodology and thematic content analysis, 17 pieces of research-based literature on hope as perceived by adult patients with any terminal illness pathology (from the disciplines of nursing and medicine) have been reviewed and analysed. Hope's attributes, antecedents, consequences, social-cultural variations, temporal variations, surrogate terms, and related concepts have been considered. An exemplary case of the concept in action is presented along with the evolution of the concept hope in terminal illness. Ten essential attributes of the concept were identified in this research: positive expectation, personal qualities, spirituality, goals, comfort, help / caring, interpersonal relationships, control, legacy, and life review. The evolution of hope in terminal illness has evolved from patients hoping for a prosperous healthy future to an enrichment of being is more important than having or doing. Patients' hopes and goals are scaled down and refocused in order to live in the present and enjoy the time they have left with loved ones. Hope in the terminal phase of one's illness is orientated in the past and the present, hope in the here and hope in the now. The author concludes that by completing all the steps to Rodgers' (2000b) evolutionary view of concept analysis, a working definition and clarification of the concept in its current use has been achieved, providing a solid conceptual foundation for further study. Recommendations are made for hope-enhansing strategies, that may help to maximise the quality of life of terminally ill patients in the future.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 922  
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Author Whittle, R. url  openurl
  Title Decisions, decisions: Factors that influence student selection of final year clinical placements Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords Clinical assessment; Nursing; Education; Students  
  Abstract Clinical practice is an essential and integral component of nursing education. The decision-making process involved in student selection of clinical placements is influenced by a range of factors which are internal or external to students. As there was little research that explored these factors and the influence they have on student decisions, the author sought to investigate this further. A mixed-method approach was used, using a questionnaire and focus group interview, to give breadth and depth to the research. This study found that students are particularly influenced by previous positive experiences, or an interest in a particular area of practice. Their personality will also influence their placement decisions. Nurse preceptors and clinical lecturers also provide a key support role to students in the clinical environment.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 1103  
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Author Marlow, S.A. url  openurl
  Title A voyage of grief and beauty: A phenomenological study of the experience of supporting a family member with an intellectual disability who is dying in a community setting Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Research Archive@Victoria  
  Volume (down) Issue Pages  
  Keywords Nurse-family relations; Terminal care; Parents and caregivers; People with disabilities  
  Abstract This thesis reports on a research project which explored the phenomenon of supporting a family member with an intellectual disability who is dying in a community setting. The research purpose was to enhance professional understanding of what it is like to encounter this lived experience. Literature back-grounding the phenomenon and philosophical and theoretical constructs embraced by the researcher are outlined. An explanation is given of the hermeneutic phenomenological methodology which was utilised. The main method of collecting research data was through conducting five open-ended interviews with participants who had supported a dying child or sibling. The participants' family members were aged between 3 and 52 years old at the time of their deaths. Their specific intellectual disabilities included Down syndrome, a metabolically induced disorder and a non-identified syndrome. The family members had died from a variety of terminal illnesses and in a range of community settings. Interpretive analysis was achieved through reflexive journaling and hermeneutic intuiting of interview transcripts and field notes. The research findings have been subjected to rhetorical consideration in the light of further literature and poetic texts. Research findings are expressed metaphorically as groups of boulders representing themes and sub-themes. Three major themes were revealed as having impacted on the river voyage shared by participants and their dying family members. These were Interlocked Companionship, Search for New Balance and Permeable Interaction. An assessment is offered of the strengths and weaknesses of the research project. The thesis concludes with recommendations for reflective practice, evidence based practice, service development and areas of future research.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 1144 Serial 1129  
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