Abstract: Conducts an exploratory case study investigating the experiences of third-year undergraduate nursing students in simulations, collecting stories about their experiences in the clinical environment, and highlighting the potential use of simulation as an alternate learning environment to foster the development of clinical judgement in nursing students. Considers two research questions: how do nursing students experience simulation as an environment for learning, and how do nursing students' learning experiences in simulation and clinical practice influence their development of clinical judgement skills? Conducts one-to-one interviews and observes simulations in the course of an exploratory case study.

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: 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.

Abstract: Examines nurses' attitudes to activities that promote career progression as well as training and education. Identifies demographic characteristics of nurses who are, respectively, most and least positive about career progression and training/education. Analyses existing data from the NZNO Employment Survey 2015, using quantitative methods to describe and compare responses with those from nurses registered with the Nursing Council of NZ. Investigates the relationship between nurses' attitudes about career progression and training/education and their experiences of participation in some of those activities.

Abstract: Seeks to explore the issues surrounding the request for a kidney by end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, in order to gain a better understanding of the decision-making process and motivations of patients as they choose or decline to approach others for a kidney. Interviews participants recruited from patients either on the deceased donor list (DDL) or who were pursuing Living Kidney Donation (LKD). Asks about the challenges of requesting a kidney donation and whether patients could identify strategies that might have been useful to them. Uses a qualitative descriptive approach to analyse interview data.

Abstract: Seeks to describe the perceptions and experiences of a sample of nurses working in a critical-care tertiary referral centre in New Zealand, engaged in mentorship of new staff and/or student nurses. Undertakes a descriptive study which identifies four barriers within the critical care environment: the impact that clinical workload has on the provision of mentorship; lack of acknowledgement of the mentorship role; challenge of assessment of new and student nurses; insufficient training and knowledge opportunities for mentors.

Abstract: Interviews thirteen registered nurses and one enrolled nurse working in different nursing positions within the Southern District Health Board -- Mental Health Services. Codes data into 24 sub-themes related to the sequence and impact of assaults on the participants. Discusses the nature and impact of assaults and the supportive strategies associated with violence against mental health nurses.

Abstract: Outlines the history, emergence, necessity, challenges, and strategies of the patient safety movement. Explores the challenges for staff working to reduce harm and implement safety improvement in NZ hospitals. Considers medical harm as a persistent and expensive threat to public health. Analyses health policy in the US, England and NZ using the theory of countervailing powers, and a shift from medical to managerial dominance. Reviews theories of accidents and risk, and the safety improvement literature. Provides staff perspectives from NZ by means of interviews with doctors, nurses and managers in two hospitals.