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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Dellagiacoma, T. (2007). Contracting as a career option for nurses. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 13(1), 20–22.
Abstract: A nurse presents research and her own experiences of contracting. Contracting, as defined in this article, refers to a nurse not employed permanently on a wage. It covers agency nursing, short and long fixed-term contracts and secondments. The author identifies the need to continue to develop professionally, which is now a mandatory requirement under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act. Contractors have little, if any financial support to develop professionally, and time taken to do courses is not paid. Taking study leave within a contract may also not be an option. Options for managing professional development in these conditions are offered, including goal setting, investing in education or training, and considering some longer contracts. Practical financial advice and examples are given, including managing accounts and consideration of employment law. The author recommends that skilled nurses looking for interesting ways to develop their careers and to branch out in an entrepreneurial way should seriously consider taking up contract work.
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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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Webby, A. (2001). Developing safe nursing practice for Maori. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 7(1), 16–17.
Abstract: A safe mental health nursing practice for Maori is defined as one that includes Maori ways of knowing. The author also notes that Maori mental health nurses must be given the ability to create their own practice to best meet their clients' needs.
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Litchfield, M. (1989). Knowledge embedded in practice. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 82(10), 24–25.
Abstract: A statement of the nature of research needed to distinguish the knowledge of nursing practice from knowledge developed by other disciplines. It orients to the interrelationship of practice and research as the foundation of the discipline of nursing.
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Surtees, R. (2007). Developing a therapeutic alliance in an eating disorders unit. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 13(10), 14–16.
Abstract: The author presents the approach of a nursing team at Christchurch's Princess Margaret Hospital, in the regional specialist service for people with anorexia nervosa. This unit provides the only specialist inpatient unit in the country, consisting of a six or seven-bed facility that shares a unit with a mother and baby unit. A multidisciplinary team of psychiatric nurses, dietitians, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers all make significant contributions. The Christchurch unit uses a cognitive-behavioural therapy model (CBT) across the disciplines, a multidimensional approach incorporating psychotherapeutic, psychoeducational, biomedical and behaviourist paradigms. This occurs within a “lenient flexible approach”. Within the Unit, the eight nurses constitute what could be seen as an “intra”-disciplinary team within the wider “inter”-disciplinary or MDT team. They apply an evidence-based nursing approach with a commitment to partnership and advocacy with their patients. They use collaborative techniques for defining shared goals, and the careful management of the introduction of food. As one of the team members, the author envisages that the job of specialised nurses is to form a therapeutic alliance with patients, which takes account of the dynamic ways that patients may negotiate their own complex understandings of health, care, and recovery.
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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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Woods, M. (2002). Dissecting a brave new nursing world. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 8(10), 20–22, 36.
Abstract: This article critiques the 'Strategic Review of Undergraduate Education' commissioned by the Nursing Council. The premise of the review is examined, along with the foundations of nursing practice and the role of nursing education.
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Hales, A., & Dignam, D. (2002). Nurse prescribing lessons from the US. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 8(10), 12–15.
Abstract: The researchers present a survey of a sample population of 32 advanced practice nurses (APN) in the US about their experiences of acquiring and implementing prescriptive authority. The issues relevant to nurse practitioners in New Zealand are discussed, around acquiring knowledge and education, relationships with other professionals, establishing the role, and retaining the nursing role. The intent and scope of APN prescribing in the US is also discussed.
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Wallis, R. (2000). Preventing post-anaesthetic shaking. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 6(10), 22–24.
Abstract: The author presents her experience investigating the incidence of post-anaesthetic shaking in the recovery room ward, and develops a clinical tool for its treatment. Several theories about post-anaesthetic shaking are examined. The cases of 1296 patients who had major regional or general anaesthetics over four consecutive months in the previous year are studied. The incidence of post-anaesthetic shaking and correlating core body temperature readings with post-anaesthetic shaking are examined. A protocol for reducing/treating post-anaesthetic shaking is developed on the basis of the findings of the study.
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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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Shih, L. - C. (2010). How does dialysis treatment affect the lives of rural Maori patients? Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 16(10), 12–14.
Abstract: Research into the effects of dialysis treatment on Maori patients living in rural Northland has already brought changes to practice just one year after the research was completed. Li-Chin Shih completed a thesis entitled “Impact of Dialysis on Rurally Based Mäori Clients and Their Whänau” in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Nursing, The University of Auckland, 2009. This article in Kai Tiaki is based on this research.
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Challis-Morrison, S. (2006). Caring for a community wanderer. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 12(11), 20–22.
Abstract: A community based registered nurse from Waikato District Health Board's Older Persons Assessment Team (OPAT) presents her experiences of working with older people with dementia. She uses a case study approach to highlight the issue of wandering, behaviour which can be difficult to modify and can cause carer distress. She outlines a team approach to the condition which requires good communication and co-ordination. Key aspects of management included a risk assessment plan, support for caregivers, and encouraging activity.
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McKenna, B., O'Brien, A. J., Dal Din, A., & Them, K. (2006). Responsible clinician role offers opportunities for nurses. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 12(11), 12–14.
Abstract: The authors report on a recent study investigating the statutory role of responsible clinician. Statutory roles under mental health legislation offer mental health nurses a means of having advanced practice skills recognised, as well as contributing to improved access to services. There is a proliferation of roles intended to develop nursing readership, but in most cases they are not primarily clinical roles. The concept of “advanced practice” has become a means of developing clinical leadership roles in nursing. Research on responsible clinician role is presented along with the results of a survey of the 11 Registered Nurses practicing as responsible clinicians, five senior nurses from each of the 21 district health boards, and the Auckland Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services (n = 121). Respondents were asked whether the responsible clinician role was a legitimate one for nurses and whether they were motivated to attain or maintain that role. They were also asked which competencies for the role they believed they met, their perceptions of credentialing processes and the educational requirements needed to achieve the role. A clear majority of the respondents felt the role of the responsible clinician was a legitimate advanced practice role for mental health nurses. Despite this, some respondents expressed ambivalence about taking on the role. The research highlighted deficits in knowledge and skills that could become a focus of education for advanced practitioners seeking appointment as responsible clinicians. Deficits included some assessment skills, knowledge of a range of interventions and knowledge of other legislation affecting mental health legislation.
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Marcinkowski, K. (2000). Shortening hospital stays for orthopaedic patients. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 6(11), 28–29.
Abstract: The author provides a review of current protocols and presents new ways to manage the care of patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, hip and knee replacement surgery.
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