Abstract: Utilises a descriptive design methodology to explore the experiences of 14 clinical lecturers who work alongside student nurses in the clinical practice component of the nursing education programme. Highlights issues facing students in the clinical environment. Identifies potential strategies to support struggling student nurses in clinical practice.

Abstract: Through improved technology and treatment and ongoing de-institutionalisation, nurses will encounter growing numbers of people with disabilities in the New Zealand community and hospitals. Quality of nursing care is influenced by attitude and this study was to evaluate the effect of a curriculum change on the attitudes of two different streams of student nurses towards people with disabilities. During the year 2002 a focused disability unit was introduced to the revised undergraduate nursing curriculum of a major educational institution in New Zealand. The opportunity arose to consider student nurses' attitudes toward disabled people, comparing two streams of students undertaking two different curricula. A convenience sample of students completed Yuker, Block and Younng's (1970) Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons scale (ATDP) form B prior to and on completion of their relevant disability unit. No statistically significant difference in scores was demonstrated. A number of possible reasons for this are suggested.

Abstract: This study has sought to quantify the attitudes of first-year medical, nursing and pharmacy students' towards interprofessional learning, at course commencement. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) (University of Liverpool, Department of Health Care Education), was administered to first-year medical, nursing and pharmacy students at the University of Auckland. Differences between the three groups were analysed. The majority of students reported positive attitudes towards shared learning. The benefits of shared learning, including the acquisition of teamworking skills, were seen to be beneficial to patient care and likely to enhance professional working relationships. However professional groups differed: nursing and pharmacy students indicated more strongly that an outcome of learning together would be more effective teamworking. Medical students were the least sure of their professional role, and considered that they required the acquisition of more knowledge and skills than nursing or pharmacy students.

Abstract: This report presents the findings and recommendations derived from a collaborative action research pilot project undertaken alongside the implementation of two nurse prescribing practicum courses. The students, teachers and supervisors participating in year long Masters' level prescribing practica at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) were interviewed about their perceptions, concerns and actions relating the first time implementation of their respective practicum papers. Research findings suggest that the practicum implementation has been successful overall, however there is a need to refine delivery, and to review current funding arrangements.

Abstract: This qualitative research project explored the experiences of nurse educators who sought to assess aspects, which could be related to facilitation of emotional competence, in nursing students. Focus groups were conducted in three different educational institutions, offering a Bachelor of nursing degree. Each of the participants had a teaching and assessment role within the school of nursing. The contributions of the nurse educators and their interactions were audio taped, transcribed and then later, analysed using thematic and focus group analysis practices. From the analysis of the experiences of the nurse educators, four predominant themes arose which capture the areas of importance to the participants. Student nurses can develop emotional competence by critically reflecting during classroom and clinical experiences. Continuous consideration must be made within each practicing area of nursing, of the environmental and relational challenges which inhibit or facilitate nurse's ability to practice with emotional competence. Educators and practicing nurses, who work alongside students, must uphold the expectation that emotional competence is a requisite ability and provide opportunities to foster emotional growth and skills to resolve conflict within the culture of nursing. A common view shared by the educators was that the profession of nursing needs to have a clear understanding of what constitutes emotional competence. Strategies to realistically incorporate emotional competence into the educational curriculum and competency based assessment opportunities within nursing education are required. Suggestions are presented from which undergraduate nursing education can facilitate development of emotional competence with those students working toward becoming a registered nurse. Emotional competence is suggested as an essential learning outcome in the movement toward transformative nursing education and a collaborative nursing profession.

Abstract: This interpretive inquiry explores the lived experience of 3 undergraduate nursing students and one midwifery student who have panic attacks. The aim of the research is to give voice to these students and to raise awareness among nurse educators about the impact that panic attacks may have for them. The research question asks, “what is the lived experience of panic attack in undergraduate nursing students?” A semi structured interview was conducted with each student in order to gain significant data. The research identified four key themes implicit to the lived experience of panic attack analysis: Listen to the beat of my heart (embodiedness), fearfulness, shamefulness, and holding one's own (coping). The findings suggest that the lived experience of panic attack is embedded in the lifeworld of lived body, lived time, lived relation, and lived space. Panic attack affects students physically and emotionally and interpersonally. The significant finding is that nurse educators need be aware of the coping or non-coping strategies used by students and, most importantly, recognise the impact that panic attacks have on their study.

Abstract: This critical case study was undertaken for the purposes of illuminating information relating to new graduate nurses' experiences in their first clinical placement, in order to consider ways an established entry to practice programme can better support and enhance the students' transition from student nurse to staff nurse within psychiatric mental health nursing practice. Seven current students of the programme participated in the research. This provided the researcher with a variety of challenges related to her dual role as researcher and programme coordinator. Data was collected through the use of discussion groups, with participants and researcher jointly identifying the themes that were explored. These themes related to preceptorship and support, socialisation of the new graduate and risk management. The research has provided rich data that has already, and will continue to be used to inform future developments within both the educational and clinical components of the programme. The research has also provided opportunities for personal and professional growth through the sharing of experiences, and working together to identify emancipatory action which has in turn lead to transformation.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to explore the concept of the 'health-promoting school' in a specific New Zealand context; to develop and use appropriate research methods to assess a single low decile school in relation to World Health Organization health-promoting school components and checkpoints; to work with the school community to identify health issues; and, to record external and internal changes that could impact on school health over a finite time period. Case study was selected as the most appropriate method to collect both quantitative and qualitative evidence with the aim of providing a clear understanding of the particular case. Results confirmed that the school was working appropriately within the scope of their educational practice to provide a health-promoting school environment for the school community. Gaps and issues identified included an element of talking past each other between the cultures of the education organisation and the nominated health service provider respectively that contributed to a lack of appropriate and accessible health service delivery for the school population. Teaching staff considered that they had insufficient access to health knowledge, and input from health service staff did not meet health education requirements for the school. Staff preference for increased school nurse involvement was not realised. The consequence was that two outside agencies (KiwiCan and Life Education Trust) delivered the bulk of the Health and Physical Education curriculum which resulted in a degree of fragmentation of health education for students. The issues that were identified demonstrated that health services in the area were not satisfactorily meeting the needs of the community and were not addressing the health inequities for the predominantly Pacific Island and Maori students and of their families that formed the school community. The researcher concluded that a full-service school approach should be considered by the school and the local district health board as one way to overcome the current lack of access to health services for the school community. Assertions included the potential integration of locally available services by a school-based nurse coordinator supported by health professionals (nurse practitioner and Pacific Island Community Health Worker) and social workers. The vision included professionals working within their professional scopes of practice as part of a Primary Health Organisation with the aim of appropriately addressing the health inequities experienced by the school population.