Abstract: Explores the challenges encountered by nurse educators who seek to assess aspects related to emotional competence in nursing students. This emotional competence includes nurses managing their own emotional life along with the skill to relate effectively to the multiple colleagues and agencies that nurses work alongside. The research was designed to explore the views of nurse educators about the challenges they encounter when seeking to assess a student's development of emotional competence during the three year bachelor of nursing degree. Focus groups were used to obtain from educators evidence of feeling and opinion as to how theory and practice environments influence student nurses' development of emotional competence. The process of thematic analysis was utilised and three key themes arose as areas of importance to the participants. These were personal and social competence collectively comprises emotional competence in nursing; emotional competence is a key component of fitness to practise; and transforming caring into practice. The findings of the study indicate a need for definition of what emotional competence is in nursing. It is argued that educators and practicing nurses, who work alongside students, must uphold the expectation that emotional competence is a requisite ability and should themselves be able to role model emotionally competent communication.

Abstract: The authors evaluated a nurse-led cardiovascular disease and diabetes (CVD) management project. The Ministry of Health funded the project to implement models of nurse service delivery, with care pathways for risk reduction of CVD and diabetes based on national guidelines, with quality assurance, audit and nurse leadership. The paper presents the components required to implement and sustain a nurse CVD risk assessment and management service, which were identified and clarified through the action research process.

Abstract: The author contends that responses to cultural diversity in nursing need to consider the theory and practice developments of the profession, whilst also responding to broader social and historical process that prevent marginalised groups from utilising universal health services. A combination of approaches is suggested in this paper to meet these two imperatives. Cultural safety is one indigenous New Zealand nursing approach derived in response to inequalities for Maori, whereas cultural competence is an imported paradigm derived from a multicultural context. Furthermore, research and dialogue are required to examine points of complementarity and tension. This paper offers a beginning for this process.

Abstract: This paper focuses on the work of primary health care nurses on chronic conditions, through both formal chronic care management (CCM) programmes and informal work. The author overviews the key components of CCM and describes Care Plus, a funding stream accessed via PHOs. The author gives examples of nurse led clinics and programmes in the general practice environment, and outlines the structures and processes necessary. A table summarises nurse involvement in several PHOs throughout the country. The author finds that the role of PHC nurses within a framework of inter-disciplinary chronic condition care is diverse and increasing.

Abstract: This thesis explores the customary kaupapa of Matauranga Maori or Maori knowledge, which the author identifies as the appropriate technique to determine how health care should be maintained by and for Maori. The research highlights the need to meld these kaupapa with that of a contemporary Maori viewpoint, to focus more on a deeper enhancement of these kaupapa, and develop an understanding of the social, cultural, educational, political and economic contexts these concepts have on Maori as a people. This research identified six Maori registered women nurses, who shared their experiences regarding Matauranga Maori and its importance to their nursing practice. Over a period of one year, in-depth conversations unfolded and produced data on what Matauranga Maori involves and how the six participants in the study believe it influences their nursing practices. All were currently practicing nurses within various health settings such as psychiatric and comprehensive nursing. From the inception of this study, the focus was to introduce Matauranga Maori as the epistemological framework of choice. The author notes that the findings of this research indicate that a collection of key kaupapa, namely whakapapa, whanaungatanga, te reo Maori, wairuatanga, tuurangawaewae, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga are crucial to the health and wellbeing of Maori as a people. These kaupapa enable Maori to determine and strengthen their worldview, which in turn reflects the concept of being Maori thereby contributing to the health and status of their whanau, hapu and iwi. She goes on to say that the findings support the view that there is a substantial collection of kaupapa, which are inherent in Matauranga Maori as being able to provide a framework for theoretical research. These kaupapa will provide a framework for nursing practice and educational curricula that will develop and maintain nursing standards to meet the needs of Maori.

Abstract: In this article the authors introduce an alternative way that nurses can be with families, using a relational process that can enhance nurses' responses when working with those transitioning to parenthood. Seasons of Life, a framework adapted from the Maori health model He Korowai Oranga, emerged from practice to offer a compassionate and encouraging stance, while at the same time respecting each family's realities and wishes. The model allows the exploration of the transition to parenthood within a wellness model, and takes a strengths-based approach to emotional distress. This approach provides a sense of “normality”, rather than of pathology, for the emotions experienced by new parents. The specific issues men may face are discussed, where despite recent culture change that allows men a more nurturing parental role, there is still no clear understanding of how men articulate their sense of pleasure or distress at this time. Practitioners are encouraged to examine their own assumptions, values and beliefs, and utilise tools such as reflective listening, respect, insight and understanding. The most significant aspect of relationship between nurse and parents is not the outcome, but how nurses engage with families. Examples from practice will demonstrate some of the differing ways this relational process framework has been effective.

Abstract: Healthcare systems in New Zealand and the western world are grappling with changes with an aging population; increased use of technology resulting in shorter inpatient stays, increasing chronic illness rates and people with complex health needs. Supporting people through the health system and meeting their needs is an aim of all services. Trying to support seamless transition and manage complex care requirements has become important for community health services. In the district health board, where the author works, the role of Liaison Nurse/Complex Coordinator was established to support this. This role has become important in reviewing what the best model of care for Community Health Services is and how to describe the current practices in this context in an appropriate way. The first section of the report reviews the literature and current practice in relation to liaison nursing. This section explores how to make the role clear and identify its clinical and organisational effectiveness, drawing out the key elements and aspects for this role that will contribute to a model of care. The second section progresses onto the clinical work related to managing patients with chronic illness and complex needs. Utilising literature to inform current practice when supporting patients through health transitions to achieve seamless care and identifying key aspects required to manage this and adding these aspects to the model of care. Following this, a review of current care models available and in use in the health care systems is undertaken. There are some elements and aspects similar in these models and those explicated in the previous sections. Finally a model of care is developed bringing all the key aspects and elements together. This model describes the practice of Liaison/Complex Coordination role in community health service in New Zealand and identifies the need for care, provision of care, outcomes of care provided and impact for the service and organisation. The author suggests that this model is relevant for any liaison or complex coordination role and could be a basis for other models of care to expand upon the specific needs for their services.