Abstract: The authors report on a recent study investigating the statutory role of responsible clinician. Statutory roles under mental health legislation offer mental health nurses a means of having advanced practice skills recognised, as well as contributing to improved access to services. There is a proliferation of roles intended to develop nursing readership, but in most cases they are not primarily clinical roles. The concept of “advanced practice” has become a means of developing clinical leadership roles in nursing. Research on responsible clinician role is presented along with the results of a survey of the 11 Registered Nurses practicing as responsible clinicians, five senior nurses from each of the 21 district health boards, and the Auckland Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services (n = 121). Respondents were asked whether the responsible clinician role was a legitimate one for nurses and whether they were motivated to attain or maintain that role. They were also asked which competencies for the role they believed they met, their perceptions of credentialing processes and the educational requirements needed to achieve the role. A clear majority of the respondents felt the role of the responsible clinician was a legitimate advanced practice role for mental health nurses. Despite this, some respondents expressed ambivalence about taking on the role. The research highlighted deficits in knowledge and skills that could become a focus of education for advanced practitioners seeking appointment as responsible clinicians. Deficits included some assessment skills, knowledge of a range of interventions and knowledge of other legislation affecting mental health legislation.

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.

Abstract: The authors evaluated a nurse-led cardiovascular disease and diabetes (CVD) management project. The Ministry of Health funded the project to implement models of nurse service delivery, with care pathways for risk reduction of CVD and diabetes based on national guidelines, with quality assurance, audit and nurse leadership. The paper presents the components required to implement and sustain a nurse CVD risk assessment and management service, which were identified and clarified through the action research process.

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.

Abstract: The author's art project “Posthuman Pathology” is a postmodern examination of the resolutely modernist culture of critical care medicine. She uses conceptual art practices in conjunction with the techniques of anti-aesthetics in order to dismantle, open out and critique ideas which are foundational to the culture of critical care.

Abstract: The author traces the nursing definition of biculturalism as it has evolved from the colonial period to the present. An examination of nursing literature demonstrates that local understandings of culture have matured beyond anthropological interpretations to a sociopolitical definition of Maori culture. The author suggests that, in nursing, culture has come to mean cultural safety.

Abstract: The author tells a story to describe her advancing practice as a registered nurse practising in the rural context. Storytelling is a way to add to the growing knowledge of rural nursing practice in New Zealand. By sharing her rural nursing story through a storytelling framework, she suggests that other nurses may be in a position to utilise this framework and tell their own stories. She has adapted a formalised storytelling framework from McDrury and Alterio (2002). Concepts of the storytelling framework, including reflection, critical reflection and critiquing, can lead to new knowledge and understanding of nursing practice. Past experience is a component of this framework as are the concepts of surface and deep learning. In this way, nursing practice can be deconstructed then reconstructed for new knowledge to be obtained. The innermost thoughts and feelings of the nurse are an integral part of this whole process and need to be acknowledged. The author wanted to answer questions she asked of herself, namely, “how do I practise and how can I improve my practice for the benefit of my patients?” The rural context is expanded upon in her nursing story as this is where she practises as a registered nurse. Her various nursing roles, including advanced practice as a district nurse and rural nurse specialist, are described in depth as are the two areas where she has lived and worked as a rural nurse.