Abstract: Research paper presented as part of the requirements for Nursing Studies component of a B.A. Degree Wellington Victoria University, Wellington

Abstract: A study to examine the effects of pre- information ( what a Nurse learns about a patient before they meet) on clinical inference and Nursing actions, in a simulated Nurse- Patient situation. It was hypothesized that the nature of the pre-information will influence the way the patient is perceived and the resulting Nursing actions. The research was conducted in an obstetrical setting. There were 55 subjects within three groups. Two groups comprised student midwives and the third group was of second year comprehensive Nursing students near completion of clinical experience in maternal and child health nursing. A 5 minute videotape sequence of a role played post natal patient was made for use in the research. All subjects were given the same initial pre-information, viewed the videotape and gave written description of what they saw on the videotape and their response ( as the Nurse in the situation). This data provided a base line for each subject. Subject were then given additional pre-information concerning the patient's physical condition, her baby's condition or formed part of the control group ( receiving no additional information) The procedure was repeated. These responses were then compared with the base line for each subject. Responses were coded by means of content analysis. Group data was analysed using multivariate one way analysis of variance graphical display. The results indicated support of the hypothesis that the nature of the pre-information does influence the way in which a Nurse perceives a patient and resulting Nursing actions. Implications of these findings for Nurses are discussed

Abstract: All Nurse/Doctor Television programs were observed and questionnaires completed over a period of two weeks, during August 1983, to study the image of Nurses as portrayed on Television, and to compare the findings with those of previous American studies in particular the studies done by Kalisch, B.J. and Kalisch, P.A. ( 1982). A total of 20 programs were viewed, divided into categories and analysed. The main categories were general and personal data, characteristics portrayed by nurses and activities performed as part of the professional role. Results indicated that overall the portrayed image of Nurses is a negative one which continues to enforce the traditional broad stereotypes held of Nurses. Namely the 'angel of mercy', sex object, Doctor's handmaiden or battle axe dragon. This study supports the previous American studies and indicates that the image has not changed a great deal since 1979

Abstract: Acute illness as lived experience gives the person involved an understanding and knowledge of how they perceive a crisis in their lives. It also provides meaning and orientation to their world. Any perception a person has to an acute illness is a lived experience for that person. It is very personal and will live with that person forever

Abstract: Chronic lung disease in neonates requires long term hospitalisation and more particularly “unitisation” of the baby. The particular issue of concern related to the effect of chronic lung disease on the neonate's family; psychologically, socially, and economically. This small study examines these concerns from the parent's perspective

Abstract: When professionals are employed in bureaucratic organisations they can expect to experience incongruence between their professional role conception and the bureaucratic demands of the organisation which lead to their experiencing role deprivation. Students of comprehensive Nursing programs during their preparation are socialised into a role consistent with their professional group when employed in Hospitals, are subjected to its bureaucratic administrative structure This study examines problems experienced by graduates of these programs, the way they cope with these problems and the extent of their role deprivation, 6 months after commencing employment in General hospitals. The result obtained by questionnaire and interview indicate the main problems are related to the provision of nursing Care, the organisation of Hospital and Communication. These problems prevent graduates from functioning as professional Nurses. Almost half considered they have been successful in resolving them. All graduates experienced a considerable magnitude of role deprivation. there are implications both for agencies and for those preparing Comprehensive Nurses