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Margetts, M., Cuthbertson, S., & Streat, S. J. (1995). Bereavement follow-up service after fatal critical illness. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: Fatal illness is often short. Communication between patient and family is impaired and how to best meet family needs is unclear. We began a follow-up service to determine current next-of-kins outcomes and remedy service deficiencies. A critical care nurse identified deaths from our data base and completed a structured telephone interview with the next-of-kin. There were 374 admissions from 1/1/95 – 17/5/95, 55 died. Next- of-kin of 52 patients (M29, age 19-88 median 52) were contactable 16-70 (median 33)days later. All (defacto/wives 18, husbands 9, mothers 9, daughters 8, others 8) consented to interview (5 -80, median 15 minutes). Forty-nine had resumed normal home activities and 23/25 workers had returned to work. Thirty-three still had disturbed sleep, three were taking hypnotics. Twenty-four had had contact with their general practitioner because of the death (six were prescribed sedatives or hypnotics). Nineteen had financial problems. Forty-seven described DCCM care positively, 35 specifically (nursing care and compassion 15, communication 8, flexible visitors policy8) but 13 had particular difficulties (communication 4 , waiting 2, facilities 4) and 4 serious non-DCCM issues. Forty-six considered themselves well informed and understood well the sequence of events. Forty-eight identified family and friends as primary support. Three requested information about another agency (counseling), 9 asked us to contact as further relative. A telephone bereavement service is well received by next-of-kin. Most families members resolve their early grief without external agencies but sleep and money are problems. We have improved our facilities and are addressing communication and cultural issues
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Margetts, M., Cuthbertson, S., & Streat, S. J. (1996). Bereavement follow-up – its impact on practice. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: Since 1995 we have provided a bereavement follow-up service but the benefits of this to clinical care have not previously been reported . We reviewed the 1995 results, documentation methods, system design, discussed with reviewers their data collection, interview process and its effect on them and their practice. Next-of-kin of only 99/151 patients ( M87 age 14-88) were contacted 16-149 median 34 days after the death. Sleep disturbance (55/99) were the most common problems. We now give next-of- kin literature including a pamphlet which introduces our service and discusses these problems. Most next-of-kin (77/99) commented favorably on DCCM care, but 16/99 identified inadequate facilities and communication problems as service deficiencies. We have improved facilities (paint, furniture, telephone, drinks machine). We now notify patients general practitioners of every death and bring families back for meetings with staff when necessary. We changed systems of case identification and recording of next-of-kin information. Nurse interviewers (8) identified their needs for improved telephone skills, education about grief and research, debriefing after calls and their need for acknowledgement of participation in this service. Study days now address these issues. Interviewers difficulties with interview content have lead to changes. They suggested peer review of data forms to improve completeness which now occurs. Some found the interview process personally disturbing, but all reported positive changes in their practice with bereaved families.Within two years a bereavement service has led to improvements in facilities, communication, and staff expertise, it is now part of our holistic care
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Clinical Training Agency,. (1998). National review of clinical training agency funded advanced mental health nursing programme. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: In 1997, Advanced Mental Health Nursing Programmes were funded nationally by the Clinical Training Agency using the funds made available subsequent to the 1996 Mason Report. The training leads to an award of either a post graduate certificate or diploma awarded by a tertiary education provider.A review was conducted with the aim to monitor the impact on service provision of advanced mental health nurse practitioner training. This was done by obtaining feedback through using an agreed standard questionnaire from course participants and mental health service providers.In seeking to learn more about the impact of these programmes, the CTA identified the following key issues:- what effect the courses may have had on mental health workforce make-up, skills and retention.- perceptions of programme delivery and content.- the impact on service delivery.Overall findings are shared which highlight that the course was seen as well organised and participants and service providers would recommend it to their colleagues. The greatest effect of the course appeared to be in developing more understanding of clinical supervision. Participating in the course had also led to positive changes in relationships with the clients and colleagues for more than three quarters of the group.The provision of an Advanced Mental Health Nursing Programme in 1997 has had many positive effects. The funding strategy and delivery models that have evolved may provide a useful template for other nursing specialty areas
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Gage, J., Everrett, K. D., & Bullock, L. (2007). A review of research literature addressing male partners and smoking during pregnancy. CPIT Repository, 36(6), 574–580.
Abstract: The aim of this research was to gain a more complete understanding of cigarette smoking and cessation during pregnancy by examining the men's role in supporting smoking cessation of their pregnant partners. A search of online databases was made for studies published in the last 10 years, in English, that included three phenomena; pregnancy, male partners, and cigarette smoking. Data were identified and organised according to theoretical, descriptive, and intervention methods of research. A growing body of literature indicates an interaction between pregnancy, male partners, and smoking behaviors. Explicating relationships between these phenomena is necessary for understanding and encouraging behaviours that promote maternal, child, and family health. The researchers conclude that current research highlights a need to further investigate the potential relationships, interactions, and health consequences of smoking behaviours of men and women during pregnancy.
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Taua, C. (2005). Revisiting the past: A focused ethnography of contemporary dual diagnosis nursing practice. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: As has been the case internationally, deinstitutionalisation of dual diagnosis (intellectual disability and mental illness) services has also occurred in New Zealand. Inpatient services have been redefined to respond to the more acute focus that has arisen out of this deinstitutionalisation process and nurses are having to redefine their roles in response. This study was undertaken to explore and describe the culture of nursing practice in a dual diagnosis inpatient unit in one psychiatric hospital. A focused ethnographic approach was used to triangulate data gathered from fieldwork observations, review of documents and semi-structured interviews. Schein's (1985) levels of culture model, was used to identify and explore the artifacts, values and assumptions evident in this nursing practice. Analysis presents three key themes categorised as 'communication', 'assessment' and 'safety'. While these key themes are shown to be evident in the everyday practice of the nurses, how these relate to the notion of 'dual diagnosis nursing' is not clear. Therefore, the author describes the major finding of this study as revealing a nursing culture holding tight to traditional psychiatric and psychopaedic nursing practices and struggling to develop a distinctive culture in the absence of a defined dual diagnosis knowledge base. The author concludes that these findings suggest an urgent need to provide nurses with support in gaining contemporary knowledge regarding dual diagnosis nursing. Support for nurses in advancing these areas then impacts on support for the patients. It is suggested that additional research is undertaken to assess the learning needs of the nurses in order to develop clinical practice guidelines for this area. Further recommendations are made to address system issues which are contributing to the gap in knowledge.
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McDonald, S., Willis, G., Fourie, W., & Hedgecock, B. (2007). Graduate nurses and their experience of postgraduate education within a Graduate Nurse programme (Vol. (Monograph Series 2/2007)). Manukau: Manukau Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The authors note that the literature identifies that the transition from tertiary based training to the realities of industry expectations can be a stressful period for graduates. Various District Health Boards offer postgraduate papers within their graduate nursing programmes, resulting in graduates being expected to perform the role of a beginning practitioner as well as embark on postgraduate education during this first year. As yet, the authors note, there is little evidence available to substantiate the efficacy and impact of such papers. The purpose of this study was to explore graduate nurse's experience of postgraduate education within the Graduate Nurse Programme. The report contains the results of a survey of nurses within the Programme. This report details the results of that survey and make recommendations for consideration.
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Harding, T. S. (2008). Men's clinical career pathways: Widening the understanding. Coda: An institutional repository for the New Zealand ITP sector, 22(3), 48–57.
Abstract: This article, drawn from a larger study, reports on the factors that have influenced the choice of a group of New Zealand male nurses' clinical career pathways. Using discourse analysis, interview data from 18 participants were analysed and related to existing literature on male nurses. The analysis revealed that the predominance of men in selected areas of nursing can be attributed to multiple factors including: socialisation pressures that are grounded on gender stereotyping, a desire for challenge, homosocial tendencies, and the belief that multiple work experience equips them to be better nurses. The results challenge essentialist readings of masculinity within the context of nursing and identifies challenges for nursing education and the profession to enable men to contribute more widely to nursing.
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Harding, T. S. (2007). The construction of men who are nurses as gay. Coda: An institutional repository for the New Zealand ITP sector, 60(6), 636–644.
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.
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Mackay, B. (2007). Leadership strategies for role development in primary health care nursing. coda, An Institutional Repository for the New Zealand ITP Sector, 11, 31–39.
Abstract: This paper has been developed from part of the writer's doctoral thesis on forces influencing the development of innovative roles in primary health care nursing. The focus of this paper is leadership strategies designed to reduce the issue of poor professional identity and support.
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Gasquoine, S. E. (2005). Mothering a hospitalized child: It's the 'little things' that matter. coda, An Institutional Repository for the New Zealand ITP Sector, 9(3), 186–195.
Abstract: This article reports one aspect of a phenomenological study that described the lived experience of mothering a child hospitalised with acute illness or injury. The significance for mothers that nurses do the 'little things' emerged in considering the implications of this study's findings for nurses in practice. Seven mothers whose child had been hospitalised in the 12 months prior to the first interview agreed to share their stories. The resulting data were analysed and interpreted using van Manen's interpretation of phenomenology. This description of mothering in a context of crisis is useful in the potential contribution it makes to nurses' understanding of mothers' experience of the hospitalisation of their children. It supports the philosophy of family-centred care and highlights the ability of individual nurses to make a positive difference to a very stressful experience by acknowledging and doing 'little things', because it is the little things that matter to the mothers of children in hospital.
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Trimmer, W. C. (2006). The way things are done around here: Perceptions of clinical leadership in mental health nursing. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This research project explored nurses' perceptions of clinical leadership in mental health nursing practice. Within New Zealand no research exists that evaluates the role and impact the clinical leadership has in mental health nursing practice. From personal experience and discussion with colleagues the author argues that clinical leadership in terms of support and guidance for nurses is often minimal and that there is a relationship between qualities of clinical leadership and poor retention rates of mental health nurses. The prime objective of this study was to increase knowledge about clinical leadership in mental health nursing practice. This research used a quantitative descriptive methodology, utilising survey design. A questionnaire was used to rank the attributes of the person the respondents identified as a clinical leader. The data was collected from 30 registered nurses working in mental health settings within the central region of New Zealand. Findings indicate that there is room for improvement with regard to clinical leadership in mental health nursing practice. Clinical leadership is perceived to be more effective by nurses in their second year of practice and in community settings. A statistically significant difference was indicated between nurses in their second year of practice and nurses in their third year of practice in terms of their ranking of clinical leadership abilities. Overall the respondents perceived poor communication and poor attitude as the biggest barriers to effective leadership. Support and good role models were said to influence nursing practice positively and the skills that were identified as being helpful in assisting and retaining nurses were mentorship and good communication. The results of the study are discussed in relation to the literature on transformational leadership skills. Finally, the general limitations of the study are outlined and implications for future research are discussed.
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Holloway, K. T., & Pearson, J. R. (2005). Trailblazers: Primary health care programme evaluation. (Vol. Paper presented June 2004 at Royal New Zealand Plu).
Abstract: This report is an evaluation of the academic journey undertaken by a group of newly graduated nurses who were sponsored by a New Zealand district health board to work in a variety of primary health care nursing settings. The impetus for this pilot employment option was the Ministry of Health's focus on primary health care nursing and workforce development for this sector and the Expert Advisory Committee for primary health care nursing's recommendations to district health boards regarding employment of graduate nurses and support for them to engage in post graduate study. Evaluation participants were primarily the graduate nurses who were interviewed at the end of their first year of practice which was following programme completion then again nine to ten months later. Findings include the nurses reflections on what supported them and what acted to impede as barriers to their learning success and practice development. The report concludes with five recommendations that can be used to ensure that the travels of future newly graduated nurses taking this pathway are supported, safe and successful.
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Clunie, S. (2006). The current trend and importance of postgraduate education for nurses. coda, An Institutional Repository for the New Zealand ITP Sector, 10, 18–23.
Abstract: The purpose of this essay is to examine why postgraduate education has become so important, to examine some of the issues around mandatory continuing education and the practical effect of this on a nursing career. Four strategies from the Ministry of Health, designed to facilitate changing nurse education, are discussed. The importance of Professional Development Recognition programmes is discussed along with the need for strong nursing leadership.
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Dobbs, L. (2006). Can evidence improve nursing practice? coda, An Institutional Repository for the New Zealand ITP Sector, 10, 27–32.
Abstract: Evidenced Based Practice is aimed at providing safe, effective and cost-appropriate health care. The utilisation of EBP in nursing has proved to be valuable not only for patients and nurses, but also for other health professionals and the wider community. However, despite the recognised benefits of EBP, a significant gap between theory and practice exists. This paper explores some of the issues behind not implementing EBP, such as comfort with traditional practices, lack of engagement with EBP, and time constraints.
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Mackay, B. (2007). Using SMS mobile technology to M-Support nursing students in clinical placements. In NorthTec Nursing & Health Conference Papers (Vol. Paper presented at eFest Conference 27th-29th Sept).
Abstract: M-Learning compliments and supports E-Learning and incorporates technologies such as the use of mobile phones, PDAs and pod casting. A sub function of M-Learning is M-Support which is the provision of support for the mobile student. This paper describes a pilot project using short message service – mobile technology -to M-support nursing students in primary health care clinical placements. Forty one students took part in a mixed methods study to assess the project against a pre determined set of criteria. The results indicated that students did feel supported by the messages, cost was not prohibitive, flexibility in communication was appreciated, and the acceptance was high.
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