Abstract: The author reconsiders the meaning of expert, specialist and advanced practice. She proposes that they are distinctive and complementary aspects of every nursing role and suggests a set of attributes for each. Expertise is discussed in terms of the quality of performance, speciality in relation to particularity of performance, and advanced practice with regard to the level of performance.

Abstract: This thesis is about caring for males, especially those males who could be considered “difficult” to care for through their use of behaviours such as silence, anger or defensive humour. This thesis is positioned in the view that these behaviours are often expressions of distress, which typically distance males from those who attempt to care for them. The author suggests that the word “distress” more accurately reflects the theme of the thesis, and it is used throughout the work. This thesis explores the interface between gender issues, nursing practice and caring for males. It is informed by a review of relevant literature and data gathered from a focus group of nine registered nurses. The analysis is framed by questions that are developed from a series of reflections on my personal and professional life. Critical social theory, with its emphases on dominant dialogue, power and emancipation is used to inform and guide this analysis. What is most obvious is the contrast between themes arising from the literature and those arising from the focus group. It appears that the literature, in the main, is critical of males in regard to concepts of masculinity, issues related to gender, and men's health. Males are portrayed as arbitrators of their own misfortune, as deliberately choosing a lifestyle that reflects poorly on their health, their self-expression, and communication with others. Concepts such as power and control over others, both at a societal and individual level, often feature. Conversely, the literature is noticeably lacking in regard to information about the health related experiences of males and about caring for males. In contrast, the participants of the focus group frame their discussion in the positive. For example, they suggest that males are interested in their health but require an environment that supports this expression of interest. They support this by identifying a range of behaviours they believe are effective in caring for males. The participants also suggest that it is the registered nurse rather than the male who manages issues to do with power and control. The thesis concludes that creating and sustaining an environment supportive of, and sensitive to the needs of males, is an activity that requires considerable thought, skill and experience. These areas are not adequately addressed in academic dialogue, research activity, or in the education of registered nurses. The thesis suggests that this situation is inconsistent with an ethic of care and that nursing should make a priority of broadening its research and knowledge base to better understand and care for males.

Abstract: This book covers obstetrical care from a nursing perspective at the Dunedin Hospital's Maternity Units. The researcher found little information on the two lying-in (maternity) wards of the first two Dunedin Hospitals. The book presents historical records outlining obstetric nursing procedures and maternity culture at the Dunedin Hospitals, The Benevolent Institution, The Batchelor Maternity Hospital, and Queen Mary Hospital. It covers cultural, social and legislative changes over the period, and examines conditions and pay for nursing staff across this time. A chapter on the evolution of baby care looks at changes in acceptable practices around nursery care, breast and bottle feeding, and medical procedures. The book has an extensive list of appendices, including staff lists, training notes for staff, duty lists, and interviews with staff and patients.

Abstract: This paper will examine how one woman, Madeleine's narrative can be constructed as symptomatic of the diagnosis of schizophrenia and how it can also be read from other perspectives, particularly a post-structural feminist one. The readings are presented as possibilities for understanding the woman's experiences and the implications of this for mental health nursing practice. A post-structural feminist reading acknowledges the gendered experiences of subjectivity and how those experiences are constructed in language.The purpose of this paper is to identify for mental health nursing practice an approach which recognises the figurative and literal characteristics of language in order to provide nursing care which positions the individual's experience of mental distress as central. This requires an acknowledgment of Madeleine's path into mental distress rather than simply a categorisation of what is observed in a clinical setting. Intervention may need to include a range of strategies: medical and non-medical, psychotherapeutic and social, physical and environmental. It may also require the provision of sanctuary and security while these options are explored

Abstract: This literature review is an exploration of nurse case management and it will provide the background for the introduction of a nursing case management model in the acute surgical environment at Western Bay Health. Case management is a collaborative process which assesses, plans, implements, co-ordinates, monitors and evaluates options and services to meet an individual's health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality, cost-effective outcomes (Newell, 1996:.3). In undertaking this review it was the author's intention to include the findings as background to a business case seeking the introduction of a surgical nurse case management model within the surgical service.

Abstract: Margaret May Blackwell Travel Study Fellowship for Nurses of Young Children.
This report discusses the partnership between parents and nurses and its relationship to delivering optimal care to the child.
The author has a background in paediatric nursing in a hospital environment.

Abstract: This study considers the influence of legal status, interactive processes, and mediating factors upon patient perception of coercion, within the context of admission to mental health services in New Zealand. The admission experiences of 69 involuntary inpatient psychiatric admissions and 69 informal admissions are compared using the MacArthur Admission Experience Survey. The influence of demographic, clinical and situational variables on the experience are considered. The results indicate there is a strong significant difference in the perception of coercion between involuntary and informal patients, with legal status having predictive value in relation to patient perception of coercion. Patient perception of procedural justice is strongly negatively correlated with perception of coercion. Perception of negative interactive processes is strongly felt by involuntary patients. This experience is not fully explained by identifiable incidents throughout the admission process. In the New Zealand context, there remains a need to highlight the aspects of procedural justice which could be improved in order to reduce patient perception of coercion. Current methodology focuses on the experience of admission rather than the expectation of that experience. This point needs to be considered in relation to the experience of Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand)

Abstract: The author defines and describes PTSD, and looks at how it may apply to nurses. Primarily affected by delayed PTSD, nurses may experience it as burn-out, after exposure to trauma over time. The Critical Incident Stress Management programme instigated at Healthcare Hawkes Bay is outlined.