Abstract: This clinical case study takes an integrated approach to investigation and critical analysis of the complex physiological and pathophysiological treatment modalities instigated when a patient presents following acute traumatic head injury. A broad overview of the developmental physiology of the brain and an explanation of the mechanism of traumatic brain injury as it relates to alterations in cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure and cerebral metabolism is presented. The author describes in narrative form the clinical presentation of a patient, her symptoms and initial treatment rationale. It concludes with analysis of the patients initial treatment priorities and symptom management during the first 48 hours of her care.

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to articulate selected hermeneutic notions for the purpose of extending current understanding of cross-cultural nursing practice, and build on the author's work in this area. The project asserted that the notions of prejudice, paradox and possibility portray a nursing view of this phenomenon. The emphasis in this paper, rather than being methodological, is on showing how specific hermeneutic notions contribute to deeper understanding of the nature of cross-cultural practice. It is argued that contact with, and the capacity to explore, the play of conflicting prejudices and possibilities enhances understanding of the complex and paradoxical nature of cross-cultural nursing.

Abstract: A participatory approach, grounded in both critical social and feminist research, was used in this study of seven women who claim being lesbian as part of their identity. With the objective of providing information to enhance safe care provision for this marginalised group, the study explored factors which hindered or facilitated these women's sense of safety related to health care. The findings indicate that barriers to receiving health care exist for these women. As there is little local or international research on lesbians and healthcare, this work offers a starting place for future New Zealand nursing research involving lesbians. The authors encourage other nurses to explore previously ignored sections of our society in order to strive for safety for all those whom nursing serves.

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to give voice to school nursing as a primary health care specialty, and to promote the development of school nursing in New Zealand. School nursing is an invisible practice specialty that is largely funded from within the education sector, to address the health needs of student clients. School nursing is a significant primary health care initiative that can positively influence student health outcomes. The author presents her own school nursing practice experience and philosophy, prior to reflecting upon the history of school nursing, and the health concerns present within the student population. The work then moves to review and critique school nursing literature from New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This thesis highlights the need for collaborative policy and practice development initiatives including a legislative requirement for school nurses, school nursing competencies and standards, school nurse to student ratios, postgraduate training, professional liaison, practice funding, and research. A discourse on the reflective topical autobiographical method introduces autobiographical poetry from school nursing practice and reflective inquiry, as the central research endeavour of this thesis. Autobiographical poetry is offered as a window to this specialty practice, and accompanying reflections allow access to a further layer of practice knowledge.

Abstract: This thesis explores the shortage of general hospital nurses in post World War II New Zealand between 1945 and 1955. Historical inquiry is used to identify the causes of the shortage and the response to the shortage by the Health Department, hospital boards and nurse leaders. Christchurch Hospital, administered by the North Canterbury Hospital Board, is used to illustrate the situation at one large, public, general hospital. Primary sources provided the majority of material which informed this thesis. Two themes emerge regarding the causes of the shortage of nurses: those that were readily acknowledged by nurse leaders and other health professionals at the time, and those which were less widely discussed, but which contributed to the nature of nursing work appearing less attractive to potential recruits. In response to the shortage the Health Department, hospital boards and the New Zealand Registered Nurses Association mounted several recruitment campaigns throughout the decade. As the shortage showed no sign of abatement the focus turned from recruitment to retention of nurses. While salaries, conditions and training were improved, nurse leaders also gave attention to establishing what nurses' work was and what it was not. Nurse leaders and others promoted nursing as a profession that could provide young women with a satisfying lifelong career. Due to these efforts, by 1955, this episode in the cycle of demand and supply of nurses had begun to improve.

Abstract: This research study examined the role of the public health nurse. Utilising community needs analysis method, 17 key informants and two focus groups were asked questions to determine perceptions of the public health nurse. Findings indicated that participants lacked knowledge regarding the role. Additional findings intimated that participants had difficulty in accessing public health nurse services and that 'knowing the system' was beneficial to receiving needed care. One of the major conclusions of this study was that many facets of care managed by public health nurses were invisible to the communities in which they work. Conclusions suggest that public health nurses need to enhance their service by improving accessibility to services and promoting their service in a more visible manner.