Abstract: The paper reviews, as a case history, the progress (to 1980) of the development of a Nursing Manpower Plan for Wellington Hospital Board.The main features of protocol are delineated.The prime requirement for the development of a manpower plan are perceived of as having available, reliable, quantifiable and comparable data.Discussion indicates the methods of collection, analysis and use (actual and potential) of quantifiable data.The use of quantifiable data indicated the potential, for the use of “nursing hours per patient per day”

Abstract: New Zealand's older population is gradually increasing. This will men the number of people with problems related to psychological and general well-being will also rise. When compared to women, men do not live as long, are more likely to die from intentional injury and use primary health services less. There is a paucity of research on older men, particularly within a New Zealand context. Because nurses work closely with people in primary, secondary and tertiary care settings they are well placed to undertake research and utilise research findings from studies relating to the older adult to promote health and well -being. The intention of the present study was to gain a greater understanding of those factors which impact on the well-being in older men. Based on Wan, Odell and Lewis's (1992) model of general well-being, mental, social and physical well-being indicators were investigated to examine their relationships to overall psychological well-being and physical health.The data for the present study was collected from a non-probability sample of 217 males (over 65 years) residing in the Wanganui area. Multiple regression analysis reveled that of the mental, social and physical indicators only satisfaction with social supports and number of visits to the doctor in the previous 12 months were significantly related to psychological well-being, and number of medications and illness/disabilities were significantly related to physical health as measured by self ratings of health.Findings are discussed in relation to the literature. It ids clear that nurses, and other health professionals, need to be aware of the relationship between objective health status and subjective well-being, and the distinction between the quality and quantity of support in order to provide effective care to older men. Finally the general limitations and future research implications are discussed

Abstract: This study was designed to explore the perceptions of Nurse Tutors, of their first two years following appointment to teaching positions, in a small regional Polytechnic . There was particular emphasis on factors they believed enhanced or impeded their performance, in the first two years of their employment.It was hoped the project would serve as a springboard for their development of support to assist Nursing Tutors during the first two years in their employment.The purpose of the study was not to examine the formal induction process, or the role of the staff development unit. Instead it aimed to focus on the experience of the Nursing Tutors within the Nursing school, and associated practicum teaching.An essentially qualitative approach was adopted. The aim being to discover patterns in the data from the research, and explore these themes with reference to relevant literature. Case study was chosen as the design framework for the study.Participants in the study were five Nurse Tutors who had joined the Polytechnic during the last two years and volunteered to participate in the study.Data was gathered by interview based on critical incidents, identified by participants. Themes identified from interview transcripts are discussed with reference to relevant literature. These themes indicated that tutors looked forward to their new role with anticipation, but that initial teaching experience was somewhat negative, and they did not feel well prepared. An important issue was congruency between the Nursing Curriculum (with focus on care), relationships with students and staff, and institutional constraints. The tutors coped with multiple demands, the three worlds of the Polytechnic , Health Care system and home (and for some degree study!). Participants were actively seeking strategies for successful teaching and able to reflect on aspects they wished to change. Although there were common elements , each participant demonstrated individual strengths and needs.The study concludes with suggestions for future action, including appropriate preparation prior to initial teaching, attention to initial workloads, exploration of buddying, discussion of what constitutes a safe, caring, learning and teaching environment and the relationship to the Nursing curriculum. It is suggested that collaborative sessions in order to share expertise in teaching and learning and/or action research may assist in support of new tutors (and ultimately benefit all staff)