Hylton, J. A. (2005). Relearning how to learn: Enrolled nurse transition to degree at a New Zealand rural satellite campus. Nurse Education Today, 25(7), 519–526.
Abstract: This paper reports a study that examined the factors that assisted or hindered the transition of a group of enrolled nurses to registration/degree programmes, via a flexible course developed by a North Island tertiary institution. The study follows ten enrolled nurses, primarily Maori and working in rural settings, as they continued to work while studying at a small satellite campus. The study was exploratory and descriptive, and utilised focus group interviews. Two major categories emerged from comparative analysis of the data. One category entitled 'relearning how to learn', demonstrated the cognitive and behavioural adaptations made and is the focus of this paper. The other category 'barriers and catapults', demonstrated the physical and environmental factors that influenced the students' transition but is outside the scope of this paper. Recent changes in New Zealand nursing education have witnessed the clarification of scopes of nursing practice and the controversial development of a new Certificate in Health Science (Nurse Assistant). Currently enrolled nurses are again facing threats to employment and it is envisaged that many will be seeking to undertake transition to registered nurse in the near future.
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Powell, J. (2002). Caring for patients after an ICU admission. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 8(7), 24–25.
Abstract: The author presents research on nursing strategies that reduce the psychological effects of critical illness and prevent the intensive care unit (ICU) atmosphere from adversely affecting the nurse-patient relationship. Post-traumatic stress disorder and other phobic anxiety syndromes are noted as a risk among former ICU patients. Four interventions to put in place for discharge are presented: patient-centred nursing, communication, multidisciplinary care, and patient/family education.
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Richardson, S. (2005). Coping with outbreaks of the norovirus. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 11(7).
Abstract: The author presents an overview of the impact and management of novovirus infections in New Zealand. The impact of this highly contagious virus on hospital settings is serious. With staff shortages already a problem, any outbreak of contagious disease has the potential to result in unsafe staffing, either through low numbers or poor skill mix. A report from New Zealand Environmental Science and Research (ESR) showed 35 reported norovirus outbreaks in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2004, resulting in 890 cases of the disease. Norovirus outbreaks are characterised by a rapid spread of infection, high uptake rate, and a high proportion of cases presenting with projectile vomiting. The author provides a definition of the novovirus, and looks at transmission, the management of hospital outbreaks, and the impact on emergency departments and hospital wards. Procedures include in-patient isolation. She notes there are no simple answers or “quick fixes” to the problem of norovirus outbreaks. While ongoing surveillance, recognition and isolation are key elements, there are wider structural and political implications that need to be acknowledged. These issues include overcrowding and staff shortages.
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Tielemans, W. (2008). Encouraging young women to have regular smear tests. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 14(7), 16–18.
Abstract: The author presents the results of a study carried out as part of a research project with two nurse researchers from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to examine awareness among female students aged 18 to 25 about cervical cancer and to identify factors associated with their decision or intention to enter the cervical screening programme. Students aged 18-25 were recruited from four tertiary institutions in the Wellington region. A questionnaire was available online and distributed by student health centres and the researchers. Questions covered the following areas: intentions, attitude, knowledge, awareness, modelling, and support systems and efficacy. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and independent t-tests. The findings are presented, and factors associated with intention and participation in cervical screening are discussed. The results indicate that the information concerning the national screening programme needs to be adjusted for the different age groups.
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Bradshaw, W. (2007). Helping clients move towards health change. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 13(7), 16–18.
Abstract: The author reflects on his use of the American psychotherapist James Prochaska's stages of change theory. This model deals with individuals and how they move towards change, through stages of pre-contemplation to maintenance of changed behaviours. He presents examples of his use of the model with clients, when dealing with issues of smoking cessation and weight loss. He analyses his practice and interactions with clients, and affirms that stages of change model can be a useful tool to bring about change within clients. He suggests it gives clients the opportunity to contemplate change and gives nurses working in health promotion the opportunity to be part of the change process.
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Gregory, R., & Kaplan, L. (2008). Understanding residuals in Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 10(7), 16–18.
Abstract: The authors review the literature on the residual effects of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which can include fatigue, foot drop or numbness, reduced mobility and nerve tingling. In GBS the peripheral nerves are attacked by the body's defence system, an auto-immune attack, and as a result, the myelin sheath and axons of nerves are impaired. The pathophysiology of the illness and long term effects are presented, and implications for nursing care and rehabilitation are discussed. Two case studies are included which illustrate coping with the long-term effects of GBS, the effect of GBS residuals on extreme fatigue and depression.
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McCallum, C. (2002). Balancing technology with the art of caring. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 8(7), 21–23.
Abstract: The author examines the role of technology in high dependency units, which can alienate nurses from patients. The ethical issues raised by technology are reviewed, particularly the allocation of expensive interventions, and the implications of life-sustaining technology on the application of informed consent. The author highlights the challenge facing nurses to bridge the gap between medical technology and humane caring.
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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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Paterson, M. (2000). Dealing with life and death decisions. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 6(7), 14–16.
Abstract: This article examines the implications for nurses of not-for-resuscitation orders and orders to withdraw treatment. The rights of patients and correct procedure in the case of not-for-resuscitation or do-not-resuscitate orders are considered, as well as the ethical dilemma facing nurses in cases of the withdrawal of treatment. Guidelines are offered to assist nurses in reaching an ethical decision to withdraw treatment. Euthanasia is defined and case law decisions on not-for-resuscitation and treatment withdrawal are cited.
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Carr, J. (2000). Ensuring consent is informed. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 6(7), 22–23.
Abstract: The author examines the concept of informed consent as it applies to patients and as it is obtained by nurses. The principles of autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence are discussed. How these principles inform critical care nursing is explored and five inappropriate uses of technology in resuscitation are used as examples.
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Ho, T. (2000). Ethical dilemmas in neonatal care. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 6(7), 17–19.
Abstract: The author explores possible approaches to the ethical dilemma confronting nurses of critically ill premature infants with an uncertain or futile outcome despite aggressive neonatal intensive care. A case history illustrates the issues. The morality of nursing decisions based on deontological and utilitarian principles is examined, as are the concepts of beneficence and non-maleficence. A fusion of virtue ethics and the ethic of care is suggested as appropriate for ethical decision-making in the neonatal intensive care environment.
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Lindsay, N. M. (2007). Family violence in New Zealand: A primary health care nursing perspective. Whitireia Nursing Journal, 14(7), 7–16.
Abstract: This article explores the implications of clinical decision making by primary health care nurses in relation to identifying family abuse, particularly partner abuse. The historical and sociological background to family violence in New Zealand, and government-led strategies are considered, along with issues for Maori and Pacific peoples. The concept of health literacy in relation to family violence is also briefly discussed.
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Martin, M., & Mullard, T. (1997). High level of compliance with rifampicin chemoprophylaxis of meningococcal disease. The New Zealand Public Health Report, 4(6), 41–43.
Abstract: This study investigated the degree of compliance and reasons for non-compliance with chemoprophylactic Rifampicin medication among 103 close contacts of memingococcal disease in the greater Auckland region during the period July to September 1996. The study showed a high degree of compliance among close contacts, with 96.1% taking Rifampicin as prescribed. Reasons for compliance were related to the contacts ' perceptions of susceptibility to the illness, the severity of the disease, and the benefits of medical intervention. The contacts found the service provided by the public health staff ws sufficient, and the information provided was valuable
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van Wissen, K. A., & Woodman, K. (1994). Nurses' attitudes and concerns to HIV/AIDS: a focus group approach. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 20(6), 1141–1147.
Abstract: An exploratory qualitative study was investigated to further identify nurses'' attitudes to the care of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodefiency syndrome (AIDS). This follows as a sequel to a study using questionnaire. Data collected from nine focus groups attended by a total of 29 nurses at a hospital within a new Zealand regional health authority. The principal findings suggest that nurses' attitudes to this patient group are varied and depend on social influences, personal experiences and the extent of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. Other concerns raised included nurses' rights to choose to care for HIV-positive patients and the issue of universal precautions. Theses findings may have implications for further educational initiatives and information of hospital policy
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Litchfield, M., & Noroian, E. (1989). Changes in selected pulmonary functions in patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Journal of Neuroscience – Nursing, 21(6), 375–381.
Abstract: Patients with myisthenia gravis (MG) face major pulmary problems as a part of the disease process. In this descriptive study, changes in selected pulmonary functions (respiratory rate, negative inspiratory force, tidal volume and forced total capacity) in 14 patients diagnosed with mild or moderate MG were measured every two hours from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Females comprised 64% of the sample while 36% were males. All subjects received anticholnesterase medication, and some subjects received additional treatment modalities. Most of the subjects were non-smokers or previous smokers, but two subjects continued to smoke. Ninety-three recent of the sample had forced vital capacities less than 60% of their predicted values. Myasthenic forced vital capacities were significantly lower (p=.0000) than those predicted for normal subjects. The inspiratory force for the sample was low sat 8:00 a.m. as well as in females over 55 years of age. There was a wide variation in total volume to normal values derived from random tables and predicted equations ws not significant. Th major implications from this study are the need to assess pulmonary function in the hospitalized myasthenic every two hours, and the need for a program of coughing, deep breathing and sighing after medication administration when the muscles are strongest
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