Abstract: Describes career interests of over 500 undergraduate nursing students in New Zealand over a ten-year period. Invites all Bachelor of Nursing cohorts commencing between 2006 and 2016 to complete a questionnaire which includes questions about their career interests. Identifies emergency care and child health as strongest career interests at entry, with child health and surgery the prevailing interests at exit.

Abstract: A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Master of Philosophy in Management Studies and Labour Relations, University of Auckland.
The study addresses the question of career transition from a professional role to a management role within the health service – what changes and adjustments in role content (or tasks), relationships and identity are experienced? What skills, perspectives and values are brought forward from the old role to the new role, and which must be abandoned to accommodate a new identity?
Answers to these questions hold relevance for those planning management development and management recruitment in the health service, and also for those planning career development for health professionals.

Abstract: A community based registered nurse from Waikato District Health Board's Older Persons Assessment Team (OPAT) presents her experiences of working with older people with dementia. She uses a case study approach to highlight the issue of wandering, behaviour which can be difficult to modify and can cause carer distress. She outlines a team approach to the condition which requires good communication and co-ordination. Key aspects of management included a risk assessment plan, support for caregivers, and encouraging activity.

Abstract: The authors review the contemporary notion of obesity and suggest that the nursing approach, with an emphasis on treatment, are shaped by a culture located within “western” views of ideal body shape. The biomedical framework regards obesity as disease and obese people as the cause of their own health problems. The authors note varying cultural interpretations of obesity, and suggest that by viewing obesity as a disease, the cultural, social or economic determinants of obesity are not acknowledged. Nursing needs to broaden the concept of the categories of difference to respond in a culturally safe way to obesity. Cultural safety asks that nurses care for people “regardful” of difference. This means nurses must reflect on the care given, so that the biomedical model is not just replicated. Nurse-led clinics offer an opportunity for practices based on nursing values of care and cultural safety. Such clinics are based on nursing's social model of health, rather than a biomedical, disease-focused model.

Abstract: The New Zealand emergency department (ED) nurse is faced daily with the challenge of caring for patients of all ages with a wide variety of presenting complaints. Courses are available for ED specialty work such as trauma and paediatric assessment. However, this thesis argues, it is difficult to access updated and ongoing education in relation to caring for people with mental health problems who present to the emergency department. In addition to this education deficit, are the challenges of providing care in an overcrowded ED environment. The author goes on to say that such factors contribute to a perceived lack of confidence and sometimes ambivalence or frustration on the part of nursing staff in caring for this group. This may result in an inconsistent standard of care for the person with a mental health problem unless such issues are addressed. The aim of this research paper was to explore the education needs of ED nurses when caring for people with mental health problems. A literature review was undertaken to investigate the broad education strategies available to overcome these challenges. Diverse approaches were identified such as workshops, clinical guidelines, and mental health consultation-liaison roles. Research was also identified that examined ED nursing attitudes and their learning needs in relation to mental health. This paper concludes with a discussion of recommendations for the New Zealand setting with the intention of developing a more confident and competent nursing workforce, who are better prepared to care for the person with a mental health problem.

Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to present a phenomenological exploration of the experiences of four woman who have had an adolescent child die of cancer. Using the method of hermeneutic phenomenology, as described by van Mann (1984,1990) the study drew on the stories of four woman. From their stories eight emerging themes became apparent.The analysis of the themes is described under the following headings:- wanting to protect; wanting to be with; maintaining normality; feeling positive and hopeful; facing finality; realizing that death was imminent; coping with the common reality; and interacting with health professionals.Further interpretation of the emerging themes revealed “hope expectations” as the phenomenon of concern that captures these mothers' experiences. The hope expectation phenomenon reveals how the mothers coped with adversity, differing hope expectations in the common reality, oscillating hope expectations throughout the journey and hope expectations inspired by the health professionals.The outcome of this work is to provide professional, especially nurses, with insight and knowledge of the maternal experience of caring for the dying adolescent. It is hoped this research will contribute to the body of nursing knowledge and influence the care of parents who experience the trauma of caring for their dying adolescent child

Abstract: A discussion of the increased use of 'casual' nursing staff (those nurses employed on a casual or 'per diem' basis) is presented. Reference is made to related literature, together with consideration of the implications associated with this trend. This issue has international significance, with the increased use of casual staff being widely recognised. A New Zealand perspective is included, with the provision of nursing care at Christchurch Hospital presented to illustrate certain aspects of the discussion. The impact of changing health-care systems and increased emphasis on efficiency and accountability are identified. This change to workplace practice will inevitably affect nursing; possible future developments are considered.