Abstract: The researchers assessed the compliance rates with the rheumatic fever secondary prophylaxis programme established through the Auckland Rheumatic Fever Register and managed by community nursing services in Auckland. They undertook an audit of the 1998 and 2000 Auckland Rheumatic Fever Register data to establish the compliance rates of patients with the rheumatic fever secondary prophylaxis programme. The sample included all patients on the Auckland Rheumatic Fever Register during this time. Results showed compliance rates across the three Auckland DHBs ranging from 79.9% to 100% for individual community nursing offices. They found that a community-based nurse-led secondary prophylaxis programme for rheumatic fever heart disease is able to deliver excellent patient compliance levels. Secondary prophylaxis is the WHO-recommended cost effective first step to rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease control. Community health workers have a key role to play in facilitating this compliance.

Abstract: Psychiatric consultation liaison (PCL) nursing is an evolving specialist area of mental health nursing in the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. The aim of this dissertation is to explore models of PCL nursing practice in order to develop and discuss a PCL nursing model applicable to the New Zealand context. The role of the PCL nurse was of particular interest to the author as a new practitioner in this specialist area. While there have been PCL nurses in practice for over 50 years, the literature does not offer much clarity about models of PCL nursing. From a review of the literature, four themes were recurrent in the work of PCL nurses. These themes represent four functions which are vital to the role of the PCL nurse: partnership, expertise of the PCL nurse, therapeutic relationship and organisational consultation. The needs of the patient are the core of this model and the primary objective is to improve the quality of care of patients in the general hospital with co-existing physical and psychological problems. It is imperative that PCL nurses evaluate their practice and embark on research to investigate clinical outcomes, cost effectiveness and the impact of PCL nurse practice on patients and staff. This PCL nursing model provides a beginning for this process. It also clarifies and articulates the role of the PCL nurse which enables the service to be promoted to colleagues. This PCL nursing model represents a critique of the author's understanding of the role of the PCL nurse. As expertise develops, the model will continue to be tested and refined.

Abstract: The authors review the literature on the residual effects of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which can include fatigue, foot drop or numbness, reduced mobility and nerve tingling. In GBS the peripheral nerves are attacked by the body's defence system, an auto-immune attack, and as a result, the myelin sheath and axons of nerves are impaired. The pathophysiology of the illness and long term effects are presented, and implications for nursing care and rehabilitation are discussed. Two case studies are included which illustrate coping with the long-term effects of GBS, the effect of GBS residuals on extreme fatigue and depression.

Abstract: Explores and describes the experiences of Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN) working in a public hospital in NZ. Uses qualitative descriptive methodology to illuminate their experiences. Employs purposive sampling using maximum variation and snowball sampling methods to recruit 12 IQNs employed in the tertiary hospital. Conducts 12 one-to-one, semi-structured face-to-face interviews, which were analysed using Braun and Clarke's method of thematic analysis. Derives the following three themes: hospital navigation, ambivalence and being an outsider.

Abstract: There is a considerable body of literature discussing the stressors experienced by nurses and other health professionals when caring for those who are terminally ill and dying. Also, a number of articles offer suggestions, including the views of staff, as to what type of professional and organisational support is required when working in this often demanding specialty. There are, however, very few reports of assessment of the effectiveness of such supportive interventions and in particular, the impact of such support on the quality of patient care. This literature review examines any reported relationships between the quality of nursing provided by palliative care nurses and the staff support received by those nurses.

Abstract: The author examines some of the issues affecting preceptorship in relation to a graduate diploma programme of psychiatric mental health nursing. Previous research by the author lead to recommendations on clarifying the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the programme, and improving preceptor selection, training, support and evaluation. By providing such clarity and support, the preceptor role in the clinical setting is given the best chance to succeed.

Abstract: Research suggests that the experience of being a preceptor can be rewarding, but there are challenges which may impact on their ability to fulfil the preceptorship role. In an effort to understand the experiences of being a preceptor and the factors that impact on that role, a qualitative descriptive study was undertaken in a small provincial hospital in New Zealand. A purposeful sample of five registered nurse preceptors completed semi-structured audio-taped interviews. Seven common categories were developed from the data – willingness to engage, building a relationship, letting go, support, workload, students in the clinical setting and making judgements. The author notes that this research has highlighted that preceptors need prior notice that they are going to be having student nurses so that they can be better prepared; preceptors and student nurses also need to be rostered together for the whole placement to allow a one-on-one relationship to develop. Preceptors would benefit from having a lighter workload during the first few days of preceptoring as then they can spend more time teaching the student. Schools of nursing and hospitals also need to have an ongoing collaborative relationship in planning and supporting the preceptorship program; this would further support preceptors in their role. The lecturer from the school of nursing needs to be contactable and available to both the preceptor and the student to clarify any misunderstandings and as a resource should any problems arise.