Abstract: The author has taken a broad approach to this research to explore the views of Generation Y New Zealand Registered Nurses towards the nursing profession, the work itself and their career plans. This study arose out of the author?s interest in health care workforce planning for nursing and in particular the retention of young nurses given the current national and global shortage of nurses. Because of the broad and descriptive nature of the research, a wide variety of topics are included in the literature reviewed.
Chapter one provides background to the study and an overview of generational cohorts.
Chapter two explores selected literature relevant to the concept of work and the characteristics of the Generation Y workforce.
Other topics included in this chapter include Herzberg?s work motivation hygiene/maintenance theory and a selection of literature about key workforce recruitment and retention issues.
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences

Abstract: This study explores the phenomenon of dilemma in paediatric practice. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological method informed by the writings of Heidegger [1889-1976] and Gadamer [1900-2002] this study provides an understanding of the meaning of 'being in dilemma' from the perspective of predominantly paediatric health care professionals but also families in New Zealand. Study participants include four families who had a child requiring health care and fifteen health care practitioners from the disciplines of medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, play specialist and occupational therapy who work with families and children requiring health care. Participants' narratives of their experiences of 'being in dilemma' were captured via audio taped interviewing. These stories uncover the everyday realities facing health professionals and families and provide an ontological understanding for the notion of dilemma. The findings of this study suggest that experience of dilemma for health professionals reveals a world that is uncertain and questionable where they are thrown into having to make uncomfortable choices and must live with the painful consequences of their actions. The consequences of being in such dilemma are having to find ways of living with the angst, or risk becoming too sensitive or desensitizing. For families the experience of dilemma reveals a similar phenomenon most evident in circumstances where they feel totalized by the impact of heath care encounters. This study has uncovered that the perspectives that health professionals and families bring to the experience of dilemma reveal different concerns and commitments and may be hidden from each other. This thesis proposes that health professionals and families need support in living with their own personal encounters of enduring experiences of dilemma.

Abstract: A research portfolio submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Nursing, the University of Auckland, 2010.
Sustained weight loss maintenance is a constant challenge, especially for morbidly obese individuals who have tried and failed repeatedly. Why is it then, that some individuals are successful whilst others are not so successful? This two-phase sequential, mixed methods study sought to identify and gain insight into the factors associated with successful weight loss maintenance for participants in an adult weight management programme in the Waikato. Success appeared to be independent of age, gender, ethnicity, domicile, employment status and the presence of co-morbities.
Four major themes emerged:
- “Actions speak louder than words – just do it” (Following a lower energy diet, having higher levels of physical activity, regular self weighing, and vigilance in adjusting their behaviours based on the results)
- Routines were also important in supporting the changed behaviours
- What's it worth to me
- Valuing the achievements associated with lesser weight was seen as another important factor of success

Abstract: A research portfolio submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, 2010.
Background:
The 2006 New Zealand (NZ) Guidelines for Rheumatic Fever (RHF) (National Heart Foundation of New Zealand and Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, 2006) have an over-arching objective to support appropriate management of RHF to prevent recurrent attacks and reduce mortality and morbidity from RHF and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) (Craig, Anderson, & Jackson, 2008; National Heart Foundation of New Zealand and Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, 2006).
Aims:
The aims of this study were to audit current practice and service provision associated with RHF programmes and initiatives in NZ District Health Boards (DHBs) against the 2006 NZ Guidelines for RHF and to identify the barriers and facilitators to clinicians meeting the guidelines.

Abstract: A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Nursing at Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, New Zealand. June 2007
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.

Abstract: A research portfolio submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Nursing, The University of Auckland, 2009
This paper is a report of a study seeking to understand the experience of New Zealand rural dwelling Mäori clients with end-stage renal disease who receive haemodialysis. End stage renal disease (ESRD) is related to lifestyle, genetic factors and environment, and Mäori are at higher risk of renal disease which results of need for renal replacement therapy to sustain their lives. Dialysis clients are a group of ?silent? clients under the care of the dominant health professionals. Adherence with therapeutic regimes has been a main issue for health care professionals and service delivery, as it directly contributes to the efficacy of the treatment and cost effectiveness. Mäori clients? experience of living with haemodialysis has not been explored. Although there are a number of studies describing the experience of patients living on dialysis so far, no studies have yet focused specifically on the experience of Mäori clients towards their renal replacement therapy. The continual demands of dialysis treatment are significant and given the high proportion of Mäori having dialysis. It is timely to explore the experience of Mäori clients and their family/whänau in order to understand the need for quality of care and to promote Mäori health outcomes in chronic kidney disease management

Abstract: Identifies the experiences of NZ cancer nurses whose primary role is to care for patients aged 20 or older, and their whanau/family, and describes the factors that may influence care. Examines whether nurses received training in the management of stressors associated with caring for cancer patients, either during their training or while in the cancer workplace setting. Considers whether nurses working in peripheral (satellite) cancer centres were at more risk than their colleagues in larger regional centres. Conducts a quantitative, descriptive and anonymous survey of members of the Cancer Nurses' Section of the NZNO, using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) questionnaire, which scores compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and burnout.