Abstract: A community based registered nurse from Waikato District Health Board's Older Persons Assessment Team (OPAT) presents her experiences of working with older people with dementia. She uses a case study approach to highlight the issue of wandering, behaviour which can be difficult to modify and can cause carer distress. She outlines a team approach to the condition which requires good communication and co-ordination. Key aspects of management included a risk assessment plan, support for caregivers, and encouraging activity.

Abstract: A nurse presents a personal account of a typical day at Middlemore Hospital's 50-bed acute inpatient mental health unit Tiaho Mai. The article covers aspects of shift handover, working with multidisciplinary teams, developing care plans, working with families, and responding to emergencies.

Abstract: A qualitative descriptive approach was undertaken to explore the experience of eight registered nurses and two hospital play specialists who care for children hospitalised with burn injuries. The research participants were recruited from a paediatric ward that offers centralised specialty care to children with burns. Emerging out of the data was the over-arching theme of 'passionate dedication' that shows the nurses and hospital play specialists genuine compassion and commitment to meet the needs of the children with burns. The findings of the study reveal that the participant's dedication is shaped and determined by a dynamic process that involves having professional integrity and in-depth knowledge of caring for children and burn management. The nurses and the hospital play specialists have a common understanding of what their role entails and the skills required to provide quality care and support to the children and the children's family. On a personal and professional level the participants encounter several challenges in this care context that are physically and emotionally overwhelming. Despite becoming overwhelmed the participants are revealed as being resourceful and resilient in their aptitude to find ways that enable them to cope and get through. The author suggests that this study supports international literature that suggests that caring for children with burns is equally rewarding, as much as it is physically and emotionally demanding. The author identifies that the implication in this study for the organisation is to seriously consider issues regarding productivity and efficiency of the workforce with acknowledgement that nurses and hospital play specialists cannot do this emotional work without effective systems of support in place.

Abstract: A retrospective descriptive design was used to examine the records of all presentations to the emergency department of patients with COPD over a 3-month period to determine whether there is a subset group of people who present with hypercarbia. There were 114 presentations, amongst those there were 71 individuals, a number presenting more than once within the three months. 80% of the 71 individuals had a smoking history of which 53% were female. Of the 114 presentations, 76 had arterial blood gases taken during their emergency department presentation. Of these 76 presentations 30 had hypercarbia and 46 were non-hypercarbia. These 76 presentations involved 58 individuals, with some individuals presenting five times over the three-month period. Three groups emerged, some who were only hypercarbia (n= 18), some in the non-hypercarbia group (n=35) and 5 individuals who had presentations in both the hypercarbia and non-hypercarbia groups. Data showed that there was no definable subset group of hypercarbia patients within acute exacerbations of COPD presenting to the emergency department according to the variables. However the sample of presentations (with a blood gas) found within the study suffering hypercarbia was much higher (31.1%) than anticipated. Further analysis showed that the hypercarbia group had a significant lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and a combination diagnosis of emphysema or asthma and congestive heart failure. An implication to the clinician is that identification of hypercarbia within COPD exacerbation is problematically difficult until the late signs are shown with the individual. By that time effective treatment patterns may have changed from the initial presenting problem. The author concludes that future areas of research within this field needs to lie within the community, and look at when these people start the exacerbation, what leads them to progression presentation to the emergency department, and whether these people are chronic sufferers of hypercarbia or presenting after a period of days exacerbation within their own home.

Abstract: Accurate nursing assessment is a critical element in the identification of health problems and treatment strategies for older adults who have delirium and/or dementia. This practice update provides information on the differentiation between these two debilitating and adverse health events, along with some useful assessment frameworks and other resources. Comments from people with delirium and dementia are interspersed throughout the article to draw attention to the impact of these conditions on people's lives and well-being. The article includes the 'A presenting concern framework', useful mnemonic devices to help nurses assess an older person who may have delirium or dementia, and a list of online resources.

Abstract: Aims to determine how a brief dietary assessment tool should be designed for use by practice nurses in New Zealand with the intention of providing individualised nutrition advice to reduce individuals' risk of cardiovascular disease (heart healthy eating counselling). Recruits 11 practice nurses from the Auckland region for interview and analyses data from the 2008/2009 NZ adult nutrition survey. Uses an action research approach as the underlying strategy of inquiry for the study.

Abstract: Aims to explore the experiences of younger women who have had a stroke to understand their experience and support needs, using a qualitative description approach and conducting a focus group discussion to collect data. Enrols five participants aged 18 to 64 years at the time of stroke, to collect data from which four themes and 11 sub-themes emerged. Notes the complexity of younger women's burdens after stroke.