Abstract: This research aimed to understand the level and scope of practice of the nurse practitioner in Australia and New Zealand further using a capability framework. The original study, from which the present paper was developed, sought to identify competency standards for the extended role of the nurse practitioner in Australia and New Zealand. In doing so the researchers became aware that while competencies described many of the characteristics of the nurse practitioner they did not manage to tell the whole story. In a search of the literature, the concept of capability appeared to provide a potentially useful construct to describe the attributes of the nurse practitioner that went beyond competence. A secondary analysis of data obtained from the interviews with 15 nurse practitioners working in Australia and New Zealand was undertaken. The analysis showed that capability and its dimensions is a useful model for describing the advanced level attributes of nurse practitioners. Thus, nurse practitioners described elements of their practice that involved: using their competences in novel and complex situations as well as the familiar; being creative and innovative; knowing how to learn; having a high level of self-efficacy; and working well in teams. This study suggests dimensions of capability need to be considered in the education and evaluation of nurse practitioners.

Abstract: The study was undertaken as a project for the International Year of the Child. There was a need for information to identify what health care in needed in schools and to contribute to a review of the role of the nurses. Teachers and principals of all primary schools of the Wellington area were surveyed to describe the health care being provided and needed. Recommendations were made for school nurses who would support the health-related teaching by teachers, provide first aid and advice, and take an extended role for family health operating from a clinic in the school.

Abstract: A paper presenting the findings of a small research project involving a group of self-selected senior nurses of Wellington Hospital to explore the nature of nursing practice in the care and management of hospitalised patients and to formalise the language that would acknowledge its significance in the current effort of hospitals to define patient care pathways. The nature of hospital nursing practice was described in themes of a generic process of nurse-patient care that articulates a distinct specialism of hospital nursing, whatever the hospital department in which nurses hold positions.

Abstract: Feasibility for Nursing studies component of B.A. degree, Wellington Victoria University, Wellington 1978. With health workers and clients in 4 different health districts, an Industry, Health Centre, Intermediate School and University Health and Counselling

Abstract: Using the content analysis method all items published in the New Zealand nursing journal over 12 months every 10 years 1910 – 1980 were analysed. The focus was nursing in the community and data was gathered on categories of nurses mentioned, the contexts, categories of clients plus 68 nursing activity sub-categories. The data in analysed and discussed to show demands and patterns over time

Abstract: In October, 1986 the fifteen technical institutes that run Nursing programs in New Zealand were sent questionnaire that were designed to find out about the Nursing Research Component in the Diploma of Nursing, The Advanced Diploma of Nursing and other Nursing Courses. The same questions were asked of each of these courses. Twelve replies were received and eleven were analysed in this report. Two general observations emerged from the Diploma of Nursing: 1. The questionnaires varied greatly in the detail provided in answers. 2. Where there were small numbers enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing, the questionnaire answers suggest there is less emphasis placed on Nursing research as a separate component in the course. This small project provides us with some information about the Nursing Research Component in the Diploma of Nursing courses offered in New Zealand

Abstract: The purpose of this paper was to observe the effectiveness of continuous intravenous narcotic infusions as a means of pain relief in the first 48 hours post operatively. 12 patients who had experienced major thoracic or abdominal surgery participated in the study. Pain was assessed at rest and on activity on visual analogues at 5 specific times daily for up to 48 hours post operatively. Data was also collected from a structured interview within the first 48 hours and a retrospective interview when the infusion was discontinued. Results indicated- 1. Very little correlation of changes in pain relief dose to the assessment of pain intensity. 2. Documentation and assessment was not always thoroughly completed. 3. Inadequate treatment of pain post operatively was evident especially on activity. It should be emphasised that pain management could be improved through a focus in interdisciplinary consultation, continuing in service education on pain management and accountability in procedure.