Abstract: This article discusses the important role that preconceptions play in the process by which students learn to be nurses. The importance of preconceptions emerged from the analysis of data in a grounded theory study that sought to gain a greater understanding of how undergraduate student nurses in New Zealand experienced and responded to differences they perceived between the theory and the practice of nursing. It became clear that the preconceptions each student nurse held about the nature of nurses and nursing care were the standards against which the worth of the formal, practical and personal theories to which students were exposed during their nursing degree was evaluated. It was clear that preconceptions functioned as the mediator between the intentions of nursing education and the learning that eventuated for each student from practicum experiences. The implications for nursing education, for which preconceptions are not generally highly valued as a basis for learning about professional nursing, are that the individual experience and personal characteristics of each student receive significant focus when a nursing programme is planned. This means that the orthodox principles that underpin the design of nursing curricula should be reviewed and an overtly constructivist perspective adopted for nursing education for which the prior experiences of the student are the starting point.

Abstract: This paper describes a survey undertaken with postgraduate nursing students in a university-based school of nursing in 2002 to establish their access to and use of computers and information technology for study. Whilst there was minimal flexibility and use of technology to support student learning for postgraduate nurses in the school, the university proposed increasing flexibility across all courses. This is in part a response to the increased internationalisation of education and developments in technology affecting programme design, delivery and support that can benefit teachers and students. The author notes that the findings of this survey form a basis for planning the introduction of flexible learning. Results indicated that not all students have convenient access to technology for study purposes, nor are they at the same level in terms of using technology.

Abstract: A preceptorship programme of 100 hours duration was developed and delivered by a nurse education institute, in consultation with a health care organisation. The purpose of the study was to examine preceptors, preceptees, and nurse managers' preceptions of the preceptor role and factors which influenced the performance of preceptors. Using focus groups, participants were each asked to identify the outcomes of the programme in practice. Study findings highlighted the importance of formal preceptor preparation, personal and professional development of the preceptors, and the promotion of positive partnerships between nurse educators and nurse practitioners. The need for formal recognition of the preceptor role in practice, particularly in relation to the provision of adequate time and resources, emerged from the study. The research findings enabled the development of an evaluative model of preceptorship, which highlights the intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting on the preceptor role

Abstract: This research project was undertaken to inform nurse educators in the Department of Nursing and Health Studies of Manukau Institute of Technology of the employment opportunities for new graduate nurses emerging from the three year degree and registration programme. Graduates from the programme for the previous three years were surveyed for their experiences in gaining employment. 89.8% of graduates were successful in gaining employment in the first three months post registration. The number of graduates employed within a district health board declined across the three years but there were no significant differences between cohorts. Overall, 73% of graduates were employed into new graduate positions. The majority of graduates felt that their nursing education prepared them well for their role as a registered nurse. The findings of the qualitative data identified a strong need for science throughout the degree; longer clinical blocks; increased hands on experience; more practice with skills and less theory in relation to practical experience.

Abstract: In the process of introducing a new disability unit into an undergraduate nursing curriculum in a New Zealand educational setting, the opportunity arose to conduct a small study comparing the attitudes of students nurses to people with disabilities. This paper discusses the literature review, which formed the basis for the study. A range of perspectives and research was identified that explored societal and nurses' attitudes, disability studies in undergraduate nursing curricula, the impact of nurses' attitudes on patient care, and interventions for changing those attitudes. Effective nursing care can be severely compromised through negative attitudes, and concerns are expressed at the lack of attention given to this issue in nursing curricula generally. The literature showed that combining educational approaches with opportunities for student nurses to interact with disabled people provides the most effective means for student nurses to develop positive attitudes towards disabled people. The goal for nurse educators is to ensure the inclusion of disability studies as a core component in undergraduate nursing education.