Abstract: A pilot study was conducted to identify nurses' attitudes and concerns pertaining to the care of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Data was collected using an anonymous voluntary questionnaire , which was made available to all nurses at a Wellington area Health Board (New Zealand) hospital. Of 652 nursing staff, 286 (51%) responded, of which 74 (25.9%) had previously attended an HIV/AIDS workshop for Area Health Board staff. Of those staff handling blood, 132 (49.4%) always wore gloves, and only half of the respondents (n=148.51%) treated all body fluids as potentially HIV positive. The possible attrition rate from nursing positions in the canvassed hospital ws 2.8%, with a further 43 (15.0%) undecided about resigning from their post. Only 36 nurses (12.5%) believed the employer did not provide adequate safety measures. The provision of education regarding HIV/AIDS, by the employer, ws considered inadequate by 61 (21.3%) respondents. This study demonstrates that further safety and education needs should be attended to or reinforced

Abstract: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of five Registered Nurses involved in the withdrawal of nutrition and hydration in a persistant vegetative state (PVS) patient. Three female and two male nurses who had been involved in the care of a PVS patient within the last ten years were interviewed. The phenomenological design was used because it provided richness and clarity to the issues raised. Three major findings were identified as positive significant experiences for these nurses: support through 'talking': coping through 'thinking': and, decision making being kept 'in-house' (family and central care giving team)"

Abstract: It is evident from the prevalence of items in the popular press and incased research by health professional that, over the last two decades, menopause as been discussed more openly. However, medical information is still largely oriented toward menopause as a disease with emphasis on the pharmacological interventions needed to correct the disease. Literature in medical and nursing journals is also predominantly oriented towards menopause as a state of oestrogen, nurse researchers and feminists writers are challenging this viewsThe aim of the research was to discover how women gain knowledge about menopause, and how they make decisions about “managing” their menopause. In the study knowledge was defined as being more than information. It is seen as being more than information. It is seen as understanding derived from synthesis of data about menopause collected from various sources. Eleven women aged 46-55 recruited through a letter in the researcher's local newspaper, were interviewed. The resulting data was analysed by the constant comparison method as used in grounded theory.A descriptive model was developed including the basic social process of “integrating menopause into midlife”. A tertiary level of education and good social support were found to be associated with the women being seekers of knowledge about their menopause. These women, the majority of the participants, revealed themselves as being self-controlling with respect to their menopause. Among the few who had allowed their menopause to be managed by others, if they experienced adverse effects of the treatment, then there was a move toward greater self management.,Generally, nurses were not seen by the participants as possible sources of information. That finding highlights menopause as an area of health education in which nurses have the potential to play a more active role

Abstract: This article looks at the concept of autonomy particularly in relation to the population of older persons living in residential care settings. It examines the values underpinning the exercise of personal autonomy and notes how individual autonomy may be enhanced or restricted. The implications for gerontological nursing practice are outlined and suggestions offered as to how personal autonomy for older persons living in residential care may be preserved and promoted.

Abstract: This paper reports the findings of a preliminary survey of two district health boards, which shows that high workloads and lack of relief staffing appear as the greatest hurdles to mental health nurses participating in practice-based nursing research. A further constraint on their participation is lack of research expertise and experience. Consultative discussions with senior mental health nurses support these conclusions. In this paper, mentoring and flexible research designs are promoted as possible ways of overcoming these barriers.

Abstract: This article details how an individual family planning nurse's practice concerning opportunistic testing for sexually transmitted chlamydia was improved through an audit of her testing rates and reflection on the outcome. The leading curable sexually transmitted infection in New Zealand, chlamydia, (including the incidence and spread of the infection and why it is a public health issue) is discussed, and the audit examined. The first audit of fifty consecutive client visits exposed a lack of opportunistic testing. The second looking at a similar but more recent group of client visits, made after the results of the first (zero opportunistic testing) were known, shows an increase in testing and education about chlamydia. Important clinical issues concerning chlamydia testing and treatment are considered. In conclusion the article challenges other nurses in the community to take a lead in raising awareness of the consequences of undiagnosed chlamydial infection and find ways of increasing opportunistic testing for chlamydia within their practice.