Abstract: Because nurses work in a wide range of settings they are well-placed to provide support for smokefree environments. The aim of this research was: to assess the knowledge of cessation, attitudes towards smoking, the provision of smoking cessation advice and treatment, and attitudes to and management of smokefree workplaces in a sample of nurses with practising certificates in New Zealand; and to describe the prevalence of smoking in nurses using the 2006 New Zealand census. One thousand questionnaires were posted to a random sample of 1000 nurses (500 community-based nurses, and 500 hospital-based) from the New Zealand Nursing Council register of nurses with current practising certificates. Statistics New Zealand provided results from the New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings, 2006, for nurses by gender, practice area and cigarette smoking status. Responses were received from 371 (37%) of the nurses. They were enthusiastic about and committed to including smoking cessation in their practice, and to learning more about helping clients who smoke. Nine out of ten felt that it was part of their responsibility to advise clients to stop smoking. Nearly nine out of ten said they would be happy to spend an extra five minutes with each patient who smoked if they could effectively intervene. Over half had not received training for effective evidence-based smoking cessation interventions but three quarters were interested in learning more about how to help people stop smoking. The respondents' knowledge of the health effects of smoking was high, but there were gaps in knowledge of effective smoking treatments and a wide misunderstanding that nicotine causes cancer and heart disease. These gaps may limit nurses' ability to intervene effectively. Nurses supported their smokefree work policies although a fifth did not report support with enforcing these. Results from the 2006 census showed that smoking prevalence among nurses has declined from 18% in 1996 to 14% in 2006. Smoking rates in mental health nurses (29%) remain higher than the New Zealand general population (21%, census data).

Abstract: This dissertation had two main aims. The first was to explore the literature from which nurse leaders of alcohol and other drug services might develop their leadership skills so as to enhance nursing practice within an interdisciplinary alcohol and other drug team. The second was to further utilise these skills to develop a 'toolkit' which would assist in the successful management of the team but would also aid with workforce development. In addition, this dissertation was linked to the Nursing Council of New Zealand Competencies for the Registered Nurse Scope of Practice (2005) and Competencies for Advanced Nursing Practice (2001). This dissertation provides direction for the nurse leader wishing to develop their toolkit. Implications for the advancement of nursing are suggested.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the practice of flexible learning for postgraduate nurses. Flexible learning is a contemporary approach to learning that utilises the benefits of technology. Flexible learning can be understood as a continuum, from fully on-line or web-based courses, to those that are on-campus and supported by technology. Internationally, the rise of flexible learning has been influenced by increased demand for higher education and competition among providers within the context of reduced education funding. The study population, New Zealand postgraduate nurses, are accessing higher education in increasing numbers to advance their practice and to position themselves for new roles and opportunities. These are often experienced nurses yet inexperienced in higher university education, who combine study, work and other commitments. The study employed a qualitative case study design because it enabled multiple perspectives to be gained. Data included documentation, participant observation, survey, students' assessed work and interviews with key stakeholders: student, teacher and the organisation. Thematic analysis was conducted on reviewed documentation, participant observation and interviews. The study identifies the elements that contribute to flexible learning and the interconnectedness between the elements within the dynamic context of a university to illustrate that effective flexible learning can be provided by using a student centred approach to ensure the learning needs of postgraduate nurses are met. The author concludes that flexible learning improved access, choice, and provided an emphasis on the student as central to learning. In response to these findings the weighting of recommendations are toward the organisation as, the author suggests, it is at this level where greater change can be made to improve support for flexible learning provision.

Abstract: This paper is a report of a study to determine the construction of male nurses as gay, and to describe how this discourse impacts on a group of New Zealand male nurses. This social constructionist study drew on data collected from existing texts on men, nursing and masculinity and interviews with 18 New Zealand men conducted in 2003-2004. Discourse analysis, informed by masculinity theory and queer theory, was used to analyse the data. Despite the participants' beliefs that the majority of male nurses are heterosexual, the stereotype persists. A paradox emerged between the 'homosexual' general nurse and the 'heterosexual' pyschiatric nurse. The stigma associated with homosexuality exposes male nurses to homophobia in the workplace. The heterosexual men employed strategies to avoid the presumption of homosexuality; these included: avoiding contact with gay colleagues and overt expression of their heterosexuality. These stigmatising discourses create a barrier to caring and, aligned with the presence of homophobia in the workplace, deter men's entry into the profession and may be important issues with respect to their retention.

Abstract: This article draws on empirical evidence to illustrate the core role of nurse practitioners in Australia and New Zealand. A study jointly commissioned by both countries' Regulatory Boards developed information of the newly created nurse practitioner role, to develop shared competency and educational standards. This interpretive study used multiple data sources, including published and grey literature, policy documents, nurse practitioner programme curricula and interviews with 15 nurse practitioners from the two countries. The core role of the nurse practitioner was identified as having three components: dynamic practice, professional efficacy and clinical leadership. Nurse practitioner practice is dynamic and involves the application of high level clinical knowledge and skills in a wide range of contexts. The nurse practitioner demonstrates professional efficacy, enhanced by an extended range of autonomy that includes legislated privileges. The nurse practitioner is a clinical leader with a readiness and an obligation to advocate for their client base and their profession at the systems level of health care.

Abstract: In this review, the author illustrates the connection between diabetes, stress and barriers to care, and the impact these have on Maori who have type 2 diabetes. A literature review, which focused mainly on indigenous peoples, and more specifically on Maori was undertaken. The connections between all the factors involved are explored, and combined with reflections from the author's own clinical practice experience. She argues that stress, diet, exercise and barriers to care place a heavy burden on the lives of Maori who live in Aotearoa/New Zealand, suffering from the disease of diabetes. By empowering them to face their situation and see this from a wellness rather than an illness perspective, they can take control of their diabetes and so will live a healthy, longer life, ensuring quality time with their mokopuna/grandchildren.

Abstract: A graphic presentation in PDF format (April 2007) of the findings and policy implications of the developmental evaluation research programme for the Turangi Primary Health Care Nursing Innovation.