Abstract: The author notes that it is widely accepted that there is a global shortage of nurses, and there are many studies in the health workforce literature about the negative aspects of nurse work environments, nursing workloads, decreased job satisfaction of nurses and the impact these have on patient health outcomes. In the past five years there has also been international and New Zealand-specific research into the effects of health restructuring on nursing leadership, retention of nurses, and on patient care. Much of this research has shown that countries with very different health care systems have similar problems, not only with retention of qualified nursing staff due to high levels of job dissatisfaction, but also with work design and the provision of good quality patient care in hospitals. This dissertation explores the many detrimental effects on nurses and nursing leadership, of extensive, and continuing, public health restructuring in New Zealand. The context of this dissertation is New Zealand public hospitals, with references pertaining to medical and surgical areas of nursing practice. Health reforms have negatively impacted on patient care delivery systems, patient health outcomes, and retention of educated nurses in the workforce. In order to resolve these issues, coordinated efforts are required in New Zealand district health boards to develop and sustain effective nursing leaders, who will promote and assist in the development of strong, healthy organisational cultures to retain and support professional nurses and the ways in which they wish to practise.

Abstract: Seeks to develop a better understanding of the undergraduate nursing students' experience of their clinical placement in mental health, and to identify the influences on student learning in an acute adult mental health service. Enrols a cohort of 13 nursing students to analyse their lived experiences through their written reflections on practice, which offered important insights into the students' experience of their first mental health clinical placement. Identifies six themes by means of thematic analysis.

Abstract: Explores, through kaupapa Māori (Māori ideology) research principles, the fundamental concepts guiding ten Māori nurses working in end-of-life care settings. Identifies the concepts of whanaungatanga (establishing connections), manaakitanga (generosity and care for others), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) as central to the practice of these Māori nurses along with the ethical principles of tika (the right way), pono (honesty) and aroha (generosity of spirit). Describes how these concepts and principles shape how these Māori nurses cared for their Māori patients and whānau, and for themselves. Stresses the need for the health system to better understand the Maori world view on death and dying.

Abstract: Explores the role of the generic clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in order to provide clarity and guidance for an evolving Gynaecological Oncology CNS. Undertakes an integrative literature review to identify the generic components of a CNS role, the factors that impact on role development, and to establish what current literature states regarding the impact of the CNS role on patient outcomes. Highlights clinical expert, educator, consultant, researcher and care coordinator as generic components of a CNS role, with relational practice key to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Abstract: Examines the experiences of parents and nurses in caring for a child following invasive Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE) repair. Conducts semi-structured interviews with parents of five children, predominantly Māori or Pacific, who underwent SUFE repair, and five paediatric nurses caring for the children and their families in the hospital ward. Offers two perspectives of the journey for these parents following such an injury, from the child's hospitalisation to caring for these children once they are home. Presents and contrasts these perspectives, revealing insights into the parents' ongoing need for support, information and planning for care, and nurses' efforts to meet these needs. Presents implications for nursing practice.

Abstract: Aims to contribute to an understanding of the work of nurse educators by illustrating the effect that changing health care and nursing workforce demands have had on the nurse educator role. Employs both academic and narrative writing in order to traverse the complexity of being a nurse educator. Argues that the educator needs to position the role between education and nursing practice, fulfilling the role of Kaiako Tapuhi.

Abstract: Traces the origins of gerontology knowledge among student nurses while considering how people designated as older are perceived by the student nurse, and the effects of functional decline and biomedical discourses on their views of older people when on clinical placement in aged residential care (ARC) facilities. Hghlights the contested domain of gerontology knowledge to generate dialogue about how older age is actually represented in student nurse education, as the current iteration perpetuates stereotypical assumptions about older age.