Abstract: This literature review focused on research that primarily addresses the issues related to medications that arise in tertiary care facilities. It finds that investigations into medication errors have primarily focused on the role of nurses, and tended to identify the nurse as deliverer of unsafe practice. Over the past few years a shift in how medication errors are understood has led to the identification of systems-related issues that contribute to medication errors. The author suggests that nurses should contribute to initiatives such as the 'Quality and Safe Use of Medicines' and develop nursing led research, to address some of the safety related issues with a view to enhancing patient safety.

Abstract: Mobile computing is rapidly becoming a reality in New Zealand health care settings. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are the most frequently used of these mobile technologies, giving nurses access to clinical learning resources, including drug references, medical encyclopaedias and diagnostic information. The implementation of mobile computing at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) will ensure graduates of our Bachelor of Nursing Programme are able to meet health care service demands for knowledge in contemporary information technologies as well as the information technology requirements defined by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act 2003 for registration as a nurse in New Zealand. This paper presents strategies for the implementation of mobile computing as a core element of the curriculum for the Bachelor of Nursing Programme at Wintec in Hamilton.

Abstract: This paper summarises research which addresses the question What might constitute Maori nursing practice? The research design adopted was influenced by kaupapa Maori methodology and used a semi-structured, qualitative, in-depth interview process. It was found that by understanding the current experiences of Maori registered nurses, their reflections on their preparation for practice, and their current practice, it is possible to identify the present and future training and practice needs of Maori nurses. Maori nursing practice can be characterised as having five features: the promotion of cultural affirmation including cultural awareness and identity; the support of, and access to Maori networks; the adoption of Maori models of health; the enabling of visibility and pro-activity as Maori nurses; and, the validation of Maori nurses as effective health professionals. Three recommendations for promoting Maori nursing practice are made in relation to staff in the workplace and in nurse education programmes: all nursing staff need to be alert to: 1. the impact of western scientific models on Maori healthcare; 2. the (often passive) non-acceptance of Maori within mainstream institutions; and iii) the benefits of valuing indigenous nursing programmes.

Abstract: The aim of this article is to outline best practice management strategies for nurses during the clinical application of civil commitment of mentally ill persons. A literature search on 'coercion' and 'civil commitment' was undertaken. Published and unpublished research undertaken by the authors in New Zealand on this topic was drawn upon. This research considered the use of civil commitment during admission to acute mental health services, acute forensic mental health services and community mental health services. The experience of coercion by service users coincides with the degree of restriction associated with the service they are involved in. Socio-demographic factors, clinical factors and the experience of coercive events have little bearing on the amount of coercion experienced. Rather, it is the pattern of communication and the use of 'procedural justice' that has the potential to ameliorate the amount of perceived coercion. The authors conclude that 'Procedural justice' aligns with the emphasis placed on the therapeutic relationship in mental health nursing and is an important consideration for nurses during the clinical application of civil commitment

Abstract: This paper describes a collaboration between library staff and nurse educators, where information literacy skills are strengthened and embedded in the curriculum. A case-study approach was used with both quantitative and qualitative data. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all nurses enrolled in graduate courses in the second semester of 2002. Interviews were then undertaken with library staff. It was found that the university library services were not used by 43% of graduate nursing students . The library staff responded by developing a number of initiatives which aimed to improve awareness of services, access and provide education in a bid to improve literacy skills.

Abstract: The objectives of this research were to determine how many registered nurses are working as 'responsible clinicians', under what phases of the legislation they are functioning, and to describe the enabling processes and barriers to nurses undertaking this statutory role. An anonymous descriptive survey was distributed to the 11 nurses who were currently responsible clinicians as well as five senior nurses selected from each of the 21 district health boards and the Auckland Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services (n=121). The response rate was 88.4% (n=107). The survey questioned respondents on statutory roles currently undertaken. Respondents were asked whether the responsible clinician role was a legitimate one for nurses and whether they were motivated to attain it. They were also asked which competencies of the role they believed they met, their perceptions of credentialing processes and the educational requirements needed to achieve the role. Of the approximately 395 responsible clinicians nationally, 11 (2.8%) are nurses. Most nurses viewed the role as legitimate. However, many were unaware of competencies for the role and credentialing processes, and were somewhat ambivalent about achieving the role due to current workload, role conflict and lack of remuneration. Competency deficits were highlighted. The authors conclude that there are grounds to encourage nurses as responsible clinicians given the intent of the legislation. This will require the promulgation of appropriate mental health policy, and a concerted effort by major stakeholders in mental health service delivery.

Abstract: This paper explores the concept of innovation in nursing, the inherent set of characteristics that need to be present in order for innovations to succeed, and the barriers that impede innovation from occurring. Successful innovations developed and implemented by nurses are featured, and organisational factors necessary to support innovation are described. This paper is based on a presentation given by the author at the 23rd Quadrennial ICN Congress and 7th International Regulation Congress in Taipei in May 2005.

Abstract: This paper reports a study exploring people's perceptions of disclosure about lesbian, gay and bisexual identity to their primary healthcare providers. Disclosure of sexual identity to healthcare professionals is integral to attending to the health needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual populations, as non-disclosure has been shown to have a negative impact on the health of these people. From April to July 2004, a national survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual persons was carried out in New Zealand. Participants were recruited through mainstream and lesbian, gay and bisexual media and venues, and 2269 people completed the questionnaire, either electronically or via hard copy. The 133-item instrument included a range of closed-response questions in a variety of domains of interest. In this paper, we report results from the health and well-being domain. More women than men identified that the practitioner's attitude toward their non-heterosexual identity was important when choosing a primary healthcare provider. Statistically significantly more women than men reported that their healthcare provider usually or always presumed that they were heterosexual and in addition more women had disclosed their sexual identity to their healthcare provider. The authors advise that nurses reconsider their approach to all users of healthcare services by not assuming everyone is heterosexual, integrating questions about sexual identity into health interviews and ensuring that all other aspects of the assessment process are appropriate and safe for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.