Evans-Murray, A. (2004). Meeting the needs of grieving relatives. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 10(9), 18–20.
Abstract: This article examines the role of nurses working in intensive care units who may need to work with families as they face the death of a loved one. How the nurse communicates with relatives during these crucial hours prior to the death can have profound implications on their grief recovery. Universal needs for families in this situation have been identified in the literature, and include: hope; knowing that staff care about their loved one; and having honest information about their loved one's condition. A case study is used to illustrate key skills and techniques nurses can employ to help meet these universal needs. In the first stage of grief the bereaved is in shock and may feel a sense of numbness and denial. The bereaved may feel confused and will have difficulty concentrating and remembering instructions, and they may express strong emotions. Studies on families' needs show that honest answers to questions and information about their loved one are extremely important. It is often very difficult for the nurse to give honest information when the prognosis is poor. Good communication skills and techniques are discussed, in which hope is not offered at the expense of truthfulness, and the nurse facilitates the process of saying goodbye and expressing emotions. Practical techniques, such as including the family in basic care such as foot massaging and simple hygiene routines, may also be used to move the family from being bystanders to the impending death, to comforters.
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Hansen, G. (2002). The role of massage in the care of the critically ill. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 8(7), 14–16.
Abstract: This article looks at the research on the benefits of massage for alleviating the anxiety of patients in critical care. The author draws on her own experiences with cardiac patients and affirms the lasting psychological benefit of massage. She provides advice on which parts of the body to massage on patients in critical care, which to avoid and how to know when it is contraindicated.
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Polley, H. (2006). Treating wounds with oxygen. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 12(2), 16–17.
Abstract: This article overviews the use of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in New Zealand primarily for chronic wounds, those who have had radiation therapy and those who are having or who have had head and neck surgery. In New Zealand there are just three hyperbaric oxygen treatment units: The Devonport Naval Base and The Oxygen Therapy Clinic, both in Auckland; and the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit in Christchurch; thus access to this treatment is limited.
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Sadlier, C. (2002). Gaining insight into the experience of diabetes. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 8(1), 14–16.
Abstract: This article reports a research project that investigated the experience and expectations of Maori who were newly-diagnosed with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Four people diagnosed with NIDDM were interviewed over 12 months. Participant recommendations are incorporated into suggested improvements for managing the condition.
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Skadiang, K. (2001). Researching post-tonsillectomy bleeding. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 7(4), 22–23.
Abstract: This article reports findings from an audit of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage among patients at South Auckland Health from October 1998 to April 1999. All patients who underwent tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy were contacted by telephone, after the 14th day and before the 21st day following surgery.
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Barber, M. (2007). Exploring the complex nature of rural nursing. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 13(10), 22–23.
Abstract: This article reports the results of a research study undertaken to examine how nurses manage their professional and personal selves while working in small rural communities. The participants were a small group of rural nurses on the West Coast. The rationale for the study was the long-term sustainability and viability of the service to this remote area. The research showed that the rural nurse specialists' role is a complex and challenging one, performed within the communities in which nurses live.
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Bland, M. F. (1994). Challenging the myths: the lived experience of chronic leg ulcers (Vol. 2). Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This phenomenological study explored the experiences of five men and four women whose lives have been shaped by chronic leg ulcers. It reveals the suffering that accompanies these wounds, and challenges health professionals to move from a focus on wound management to understanding the realities of chronic illness experience
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Hunt, M. (2006). Nurses can enhance the pre-operative assessment process. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 12(10), 20–22.
Abstract: This reports on an initiative at Whakatane Hospital, where a Nurse-Led pre-assessment (NLPA) was delivered at an outpatients clinic. NLPA involves taking a comprehensive medical history, a nursing assessment, physical examination, airway assessment, ordering appropriate investigations and carefully documenting the process and results. More valuably, it provides an opportunity for the patient to participate in planning their care. The aim of this initative was to short circuit delays and congestion in existing pre-assessment clinics, streamline the pre-assessment process and reduce the number of patient visits to hospital. Reducing cancellations of surgery (often on the day of surgery) and “did not appear” (DNA) numbers were also objectives. After a small pilot, a six-month trial was funded by the Ministry of Health. Over the six-month trial, 373 patients attended NLPA; 178 patients required anaesthetist review before surgery, and 198 could proceed directly to surgery following NLPA. An anonymous postal survey was made of patients, who indicated satisfaction with the service. Other outcomes are discussed, and the trial was deemed successful. Follow up plans have been disrupted by restructuring at the hospital and the clinic has yet to be implemented.
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Shaw, S. (2007). Constructing media images of nursing: How does the media represent nurses when reporting on nurse prescribing? Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 13(1), 16–18.
Abstract: This research presents a discourse analysis of articles published in the New Zealand Herald between October 1999 and September 2005. The terms “nurse prescribing” and “prescribing fights” identified seven articles published which referred specifically to this issue. They were predominantly editorial comments and statements attributed to senior doctors. Examples of comments from these articles are presented and discussed in this article, and three inter-related themes are identified – competence, responsibility and competition. Discussion on competence centred on education, skill and experience level of nurses, as described by editorial comment and senior doctors. Positive international research and experience of nurse prescribing did not feature. A number of comments in the articles analysed could be seen to represent concerns about competition between medicine and nursing. One interpretation of the comments contained in these articles is to see medical practitioner groups defending their status and desire to define and control nursing practice. The media has the power to select the information conveyed and, in these instances, appears to have demonstrated a bias towards the medical community's perspective.
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Wilkinson, J. A. (2002). Creating a culture of workplace safety. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 8(6), 14–15.
Abstract: This study investigated the safety of working environments of a group of urban district nurses. Six district nurses were interviewed and participated in a focus group. The findings focus on the risks associated with client behaviour and with the organisational structure in which district nurses work. Recommendations for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of harm to nurses working in isolation in the community are presented. The author describes her personal background in district nursing, which prompted the study.
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