Abstract: The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 requires nurses to have evidence to support they are competent to practice. Many nurses have become distraught and / or angry at this prospect, and the researcher suggests that this response appears to be more commonly related to the expectation of undertaking reflective writing, which is a key component of the competence evidence. This study explores the predisposing factors relating to nursing, reflective writing and competence to determine how this may impact on a nurse's self esteem. Utilisation of Critical Social Theory informed by feminist framework allows for exploration of the historical, social, political and cultural factors that shape and form female nurses reality in practice. It is a theory that relates to oppression and power, with the primary intent being to raise consciousness in order to emancipate. Although no definitive findings were made, there are multiple factors relating to nurse's history, socialisation, political imperatives and cultural beliefs that have the potential to impact on their self esteem. Competence, competence assessment and reflective practice are complex, therefore presenting multiple challenges. In order for nurses to understand their contextual reality and opportunities for change there is a need for them to engage in critical reflection.

Abstract: This paper reports an initiative which is an example of partnership between education and health organisations resulting in the implementation of a jointly funded advanced nursing practice role. The model is for community based Nurse Practitioner-managed health care for primary health and disease management. The key partners in this project are the Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawke's Bay District Health Board, and a Primary Health Organisation (Tu Meke – First Choice). This article summarises the objectives, implementation, evaluation and benefits of the programme.

Abstract: Identifies the processes used in those general practices that consistently reach the Ministry of Health 95 per cent immunisation target for eight-month-old infants. Considers how the practices manage parents and caregivers who are reluctant to immunise. Invites practices in a number of different community settings to participate in the study over a ten-week period, using a mixed-method approach. Analyses quantitative data from the National Immunisation Register using Excel, gathering qualitative date from face-to-face or phone interviews, and anysing these using both SSPS and NVivo 10.