Salt, L. (2013). Evaluating critical care outreach and the early warning score tool ? The ward nurse?s viewpoint. Available through NZNO library, 4(1), 17–24.
Abstract: The aim of this research was to ascertain the opinions of ward nurses (registered and enrolled nurses) on a critical care outreach (CCO) service and the early warning score (EWS) tool and how CCO helps them care for ward patients whose condition is deteriorating. An 18-item Likert scale questionnaire was adapted to gain opinions on three aspects of the service: The usability of the EWS tool and the escalation protocol; the role and usefulness of the critical care outreach nurse (CCON); and education and sharing of critical care skills. The research was conducted in a 270-bed New Zealand hospital with a nurse-led outreach team. The survey was distributed to adult general wards. It found 45 percent of ward nurses found EWS useful in identifying patients whose condition was deteriorating, 58 percent found EWS easy to use and 82 percent found EWS helped them prioritise workloads. On the role and usefulness of the CCON, 41 percent of surveyed nurses found the post-ICU review helpful, 65 said CCONs were approachable, 71 percent found the CCON shift time of 3pm-11pm was useful, 69 percent said the CCON demonstrated sound clinical knowledge, and 54 percent rated CCONs teaching as sufficient for their needs. When CCO was present, nurses were able to formulate an effective management plan for potentially deteriorating patients and acquired critical care skills needed to manage such patients. The results are comparable with other research which sought nurse opinion of CCO. It indicates nurses believe CCO to be instrumental in increasing critical care skills to prevent deterioration in the clinical area.
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Ha, I., Huggard, P., & Huggard, J. (2013). Staff support and quality of care provided by palliative care nurses: A systematic literature review. Available through NZNO library, 4(1), 25–32.
Abstract: There is a considerable body of literature discussing the stressors experienced by nurses and other health professionals when caring for those who are terminally ill and dying. Also, a number of articles offer suggestions, including the views of staff, as to what type of professional and organisational support is required when working in this often demanding specialty. There are, however, very few reports of assessment of the effectiveness of such supportive interventions and in particular, the impact of such support on the quality of patient care. This literature review examines any reported relationships between the quality of nursing provided by palliative care nurses and the staff support received by those nurses.
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Booher, J. (2003). Care of the patient following coronary artery grafts. Available online from the Eastern Institute of Technology website, 10(16), 15–18.
Abstract: This case study outlines the care of Mr. M, a sixty-six year old ventilated patient admitted to an Intensive Care Unit for management following coronary artery grafts. Mr. M's health history and risk factors are explored, in particular how they contributed to his presentation. Mr. M's post operative problems are identified and the rationale for his management is discussed with emphasis on the nursing care provided.
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Haywood, B. (2003). Pre-employment health screening: Is it useful? Available online from the Eastern Institute of Technology, 11(17), 10–14.
Abstract: The author, an occupational health nurse, examines rationale for and effectiveness of the pre-employment assessment, which has become an accepted practice. Reasons for doing assessments include the reduction of risk to the employer from lower accident rates and absenteeism, compliance with legislative requirements and the provision of baseline health measures for general health surveillance. The costs of the screening process, along with the benefits are weighed up, in conjunction with international research in the area. The author found little research on the process in New Zealand. The opportunity for primary health care and health promotion practice as an aspect of this screening is highlighted as an important, though underestimated, benefit. Regular auditing is recommended to ensure that the outcomes of the process meet the criteria required.
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Ellis, T. (2003). A multidimensional approach to caring for a patient with breast cancer: A case study. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 11(17), 15–19.
Abstract: This story follows the nursing care of a woman in her mid forties, diagnosed with breast cancer. The case study follows her from the diagnosis and decision to undergo a mastectomy, and the requirements of nursing care through that process. It discusses the emotional and physical preparation necessary for surgery, perioperative care, multidisciplinary care, and issues around body image post-mastectomy.
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Mercer, C. (2003). Interpreting the phenomenology of out-of-town hospitalisation using a Heideggerian framework. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 11(17), 20–25.
Abstract: This article is presented in two parts. In the first, an outline of Heidegger's approach to phenomenology is offered. A basic premise of hermeneutic phenomenology is that people make sense of the world through the narratives they tell to themselves and to others. When the researcher uses this philosophical approach, persons communicate their experiences; the researcher interprets the experience and communicates that understanding in writing. In the second part of the paper, the experiences of four people whose partners were hospitalised out of town is described.
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Richardson, M., Vernon, R. A., & Jacobs, S. (2005). Implementing health assessment into the undergraduate nursing curriculum. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 13(1), 18–21.
Abstract: This article explores historical, philosophical and theoretical perspectives of health assessment, and discusses one institution's experiences developing and implementing undergraduate health assessment courses.
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Neville, S. J., & Alpass, F. (2006). Older men and worries: The impact on well-being. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 14(1), 4–7.
Abstract: The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between worries and psychological well-being, and self-rated health in older men. A cross-sectional survey method was used to investigate the research aim. A group of men aged 65 years and over (n = 217), who lived in a small New Zealand city, participated in this study. Results from this research revealed that worries about physical abilities and health were significantly related to a decrease in psychological well-being and self-rated health. Gerontological nurses are challenged to be cognisant of older men's concerns about their health and physical ability.
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Bavidge, D. (2006). Leadership: Further perspectives. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 14(1), 20–22.
Abstract: This paper uses two perspectives, a feminist analysis and emancipatory leadership model, to analyse the practice and philosophy of leadership. It finds the important components of leadership include communicating understanding, developing a sense of community, and reconstituting the power relationships. This challenges traditional leadership perspectives which privilege individuals hierarchically appointed, or with deemed alienable qualities or traits.
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Kennedy, W. (2007). Professional supervision to enhance nursing practice. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 14(2), 3–6.
Abstract: This article examines the concept of clinical supervision as “professional supervision”. Professional supervision contains many elements, is structured and not without effort. Fundamentally it is about being safe and professional. 'Reflective learning' and 'Live/tutorial' models are reviewed in different contexts for assisting nurses work through everyday issues, conflicts and problems of their role. The author concludes that regardless of which model is used there are benefits for safety and professionalism.
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Vernon, R. A., Jacobs, S., & Papps, E. (2007). An innovative initiative for advanced nursing practice roles. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 14(2), 16–17.
Abstract: This paper reports an initiative which is an example of partnership between education and health organisations resulting in the implementation of a jointly funded advanced nursing practice role. The model is for community based Nurse Practitioner-managed health care for primary health and disease management. The key partners in this project are the Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawke's Bay District Health Board, and a Primary Health Organisation (Tu Meke – First Choice). This article summarises the objectives, implementation, evaluation and benefits of the programme.
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Fourie, W., McDonald, S., Connor, J., & Bartlett, S. (2005). The role of the registered nurse in an acute mental health inpatient setting in New Zealand: Perceptions versus reality. Available online from Coda: An institutional repository for the ITP sector, 14(2), 134–141.
Abstract: This study compared the perceptions that registered psychiatric nurses have of their roles with their actual practice. Following the closure of large scale psychiatric institutions in New Zealand, there was was an increased demand for limited beds in acute inpatient facilities for acutely mentally ill patients. This change in location and downsizing of acute inpatient beds challenged traditional roles of mental health nursing, resulting in confusion over what roles mental health nurses should now perform in the new context of care. This qualitative descriptive exploratory study observed nursing practice on three selected wards and used focus group interviews to establish from registered nurses what they perceived their roles to be. A key finding of this study was that many of the nursing roles related to delivering care from a crisis management perspective, which covers aspects such as assessment, stabilisation of symptoms and discharge planning. Participants also believed that the therapeutic relationship was a fundamental role in inpatient care. Nurses used any opportunity to make it a reality such as kitchen organisation, medications, or dealing with a challenging patient. This study highlighted the complexity of the roles that nurses performed and went some way to give voice to what at times seems an invisible practice.
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White, T. (2004). Avoiding the pitfalls of long-term suprapubic catheterisation. Available online at Eastern Institute of Technology, 12(2), 4–7.
Abstract: Studies show that majority of complications experienced by patients with long term suprapubic catheters are associated with urinary tract infection and encrustation of catheters. This article will revise the pathophysiology of infection and encrustation and discuss management of suprapubic catheters based on current best practice. It is stressed that suprapubic catheters should only be considered once less invasive methods of maintaining bladder function have been exhausted as it is preferable for patients to manage incontinence with bladder training, pelvic floor exercises and continence products than to have a permanent indwelling catheter inserted.
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Scrymgeour, G. (2005). Using diagnostic reasoning in nursing practice: Ectopic pregnancy: A case study approach. Available online at Eastern Institute of Technology, 13(1), 13–17.
Abstract: This paper explores, through the use of a case study, an evidence-based diagnostic reasoning process utilising the framework followed by Dains, Baumann and Scheibel (1998). This framework, as described by these authors, involves an inductive process of reasoning, which leads to formulation of a hypothesis that is then analysed using an evidence-based approach. From this analysis, a likely diagnosis can be made and appropriate therapeutic intervention initiated. This research demonstrates that although an evidence-based approach is the ideal, sometimes clinical intuition is equally important to the clinical outcome.
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Levien, J. (2007). Maori health: One area of risk. Available online at coda, An Institutional Repository for the New Zealand ITP Sector, 11, 17–21.
Abstract: This essay explores the social and historical context of the continued incidence of rheumatic fever amongst Maori. This communicable disease is associated with poverty, inadequate housing and overcrowding. These risk factors are all higher for indigenous populations. The article traces the effects of colonisation on Maori health, and presents the Te Whare Tapa Wha health model, which is grounded in a Maori world view, and provides a framework to examine this issue. The implications for nursing practice are explored.
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