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: The author contends that responses to cultural diversity in nursing need to consider the theory and practice developments of the profession, whilst also responding to broader social and historical process that prevent marginalised groups from utilising universal health services. A combination of approaches is suggested in this paper to meet these two imperatives. Cultural safety is one indigenous New Zealand nursing approach derived in response to inequalities for Maori, whereas cultural competence is an imported paradigm derived from a multicultural context. Furthermore, research and dialogue are required to examine points of complementarity and tension. This paper offers a beginning for this process.

Abstract: Visits the US and the UK to observe paediatric nursing services for chronically-ill children at home. Discusses the concepts that enable children with long-term illness to be cared for in the home, how staff are chosen and trained and the degree to which the family is involved in setting objectives and directing the focus of care. Part of the Margaret May Blackwell Scholarship Reports series.

Abstract: This study explores the phenomenon of the relationships between practitioners and families who have a child with a chronic illness. Using a heremeneutic phenomenological method informed by the writings of Martin Heidegger [1889-1976] and Hans-Georg Gadamer [1900-2002], this study provides an understanding of the meaning of 'being in relationship' from the perspective of both families and practitioners. Study participants include ten family groups who have a child with a chronic illness and twelve practitioners from the disciplines of nursing, medicine, dietetics, physiotherapy and speech therapy who work with children with chronic illness. Narrative audio-taped interviewing was the means by which the participants told their stories about times that relationships worked well and when they did not. These stories uncover the every day realities of 'being in relationship' and provide another understanding of the relationship between family and practitioner.The findings of this thesis suggest that chronic childhood illness 'throws' families and practitioners together into a web of relationships that must work for the sake of the child. The relationship is primarily conducted between adults. Children are usually excluded. In order to understand and manage the child's illness, practitioners and families 'go around' and act 'in-between' relationships. While the quality of the relationship from the family perspective is not essential to the chronic illness journey, relationships are more successful when practitioners recognise the uniqueness of each family web. The nature of the relationship is often simple, yet it co-exists with complexity. This thesis proposes that a 'companion relationship' between practitioners and family may offer a more effective and satisfying way of working. It also challenges practitioners to consider the voice of children within health care relationships.

Abstract: This exploratory descriptive study informed by grounded theory examines the experience of mothers in managing their pre-school child's acute asthma attack at home. The study reveals that mothers perceive that they are responsible for the management of their pre-school child during an acute asthma episode, a process they described as 'managing it'. This process involves mother in 'working on treatment', 'making the call', 'watching' and 'calming', while the husband/partner, family, friends and health professionals are 'supporting treatment'. This study suggests that nurses and doctors need to move away from the current paternalistic view of health care delivery in acute settings and embrace the concepts of support and partnership in the care of the pre-school child with asthma and their family.

Abstract: This chapter explores the concept of islands particularly in relation to rurality, individual and community identities, and nursing. The author argues that all New Zealanders are islanders, and considers the implications of this on personal and community values, when they are shaped by geographic isolation and structural separateness. She explores commonalities between islanders and rural peoples in areas such as identity, isolation, and health, and outlines the impacts this has on rural nursing practice and competencies. A case study of a nurse on Stewart Island is briefly discussed.

Abstract: An emergent theoretical perspective in the nursing literature relates to nursing as a human science and the application of critical social science and feminist frameworks to nursing research. This research adds to the discipline's knowledge base in that it is at the leading edge of exploring how critical case study illuminates critical issues in the practice of nursing.My interest in the research question came from hearing colleagues espouse the view that other than a legal one, there were no differences in practice between enrolled and registered nurses. How accurate was this perception? Without answers to this question, members of the nursing profession in New Zealand were likely to make some major decisions about the future of enrolled nursing which history will show were ill founded. Since I “walk the talk” of both the world of practice and the corridors of nursing power relationships, I sought answers by incorporating the viewpoints of both groups into the research design.Five registered nurses who had previously been enrolled nurses were asked to consider what was different about their present practice compared to their experiences as an enrolled nurse.Through critically reflexive discourse and journalling, Liz, Emma, Kathy, Helen and myself came to reflect on our nursing worlds in order to transform them.Writing about these transformations in a way that kept our voices alive was more difficult. The cases were written as stories, using storytelling as a legitimate academic activity to link the methodology with the theoretical perspectives. This ensured our individual voices were heard rather than silenced by the research process. It also left a clear decision trail for the reader to follow related to issues of rigor. Paradoxically, the identification of patterns across the case studies was facilitated.Two main patterns emerged in answer to the question “what's different in your practice now from when you were an enrolled nurse?” The differences were explicated in the pattern “Becoming a registered nurse” while “She was one of us” exposed the underlying power and control issues. This study found that the enrolled nurse controls practice at the bedside.The nursing profession's stance on the future of enrolled nurses was also explored through case study. Key nursing stakeholders were interviewed using a proposed legislative change to the Nurses' Act, 1977, that would lead to the demise of the enrolled nurses as a category of nurse, as a focus point. These different perspectives expose for critique the socio-political forces that silence the voice of enrolled nurses in determining their own future. At a legislative level, the stakeholders' voices are dominant. The future of enrolled nurses looks increasingly bleak in New Zealand as the nursing profession positions itself legislatively for the 21st century