Abstract: Presents the findings of a study describing Clinical Nurse Educators' experiences, as they recall their transition from staff nurse to the Clinical Nurse Educator role, within a New Zealand District Health Board (DHB). Employs a qualitative descriptive methodology utilising transition theory as a conceptual framework. Interviews a sample of eight Clinical Nurse Educators about their transition from experienced staff nurse to inexperienced senior nurse. Analyses data using a general inductive approach.

Abstract: Presents the findings of an audit of 34 hospital-level aged-residential-care clients' hydration over a 24-hour period. Describes the audit, undertaken by health-care assistants, and the strategies implemented to meet daily fluid requirements.

Abstract: Presents the personal reflections of four nurses who have lived and worked in different parts of the world, revealing the influence of their grandmothers in their career choice. Identifies common values of respect, courage and the importance of listening to others, imparted to the nurses by their grandmothers. Relates these attributes to fundamental elements of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) code of ethics.

Abstract: Presents the results of a stop-smoking trial using a financial incentive to assist Maori nursing students and a whanau quit-mate to quit smoking. Conducts a marae-based 24-week programme of cessation support with financial incentives in the form of scholarship payments awarded to students incrementally based on proven smoking cessation of both quit mates. Uses focus groups at two points in the programme with students and their quit mates and administers a questionnaire to students at the end of the programme.

Abstract: Primary health care is a dynamic and ever-changing area of practice which has undergone many changes in the last ten years. Traditionally, primary health care was not a routine choice for new graduate nurses as they were encouraged to work in a hospital setting before seeking a position in the community. Bachelor of Nursing programmes emphasise primary health care practice and increasingly nurses and their employers are moving away from the traditional belief of 'doing your time in the hospital' before contemplating the move to primary health care. Currently in New Zealand increasing numbers of graduates from Bachelor of Nursing programmes want to begin their working life as registered nurses in this area. A constructivist approach was taken to explore the experience of five nurses who entered primary health care practice as new graduates. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured format. They constructed their experience as role transition and identified a number of significant factors which had impacted on their practice. These factors included both the personal and practice challenges they experienced and the strategies they used to address them. Further research findings were a transition time of one year, the importance of both formal and informal support, planned orientation and opportunities for reflection. A number of mediating factors including new graduate programmes, peer support and mentorship were also discussed. Key implications for practice, education, employers and future research regarding transition to primary health care for new graduates are discussed. This research emphasised the importance of appropriate resources and support for new graduates from Bachelor of Nursing programmes. These factors are suggested as integral to the development of new graduates' practice in primary health care and reduction of the challenges inherent in this transition.

Abstract: Problem based learning (PBL) has been used in a Bachelor of Nursing course since 1996 and several modifications to this delivery have been made. These changes were in response to concerns from students and tutors that students knowledge level was not appropriate and they were unable to apply this knowledge to their practice. The pure PBL process has been adapted to gradually move from tutor direction to self-direction. This has enabled students to develop critical thinking, problem solving, information retrieval and evaluation skills and group work skills over an 18-week period.However, no rigorous evaluation of these changes had been undertaken and so the purpose of this study was to evaluate how the current format of PBL was meeting students learning needs. An action research method was chosen as most relevant to the context and the questions posed, namely: How useful are the classroom activities in developing students understanding and integration of knowledge? How well do the students perceive they are learning compared to traditional teacher-centred methods?Two cycles of the action research method (Cardno and Piggot-Irvine, 1994) were used, involving four tutors and 17 students. Data was collected both quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings indicated the importance of: explaining the purpose and process of PBL; communicating in detail the role of both students and tutors; keeping communication open between students and tutors; addressing timetabling issues and valuing this method of learning for nursing practice. Implications for nursing education are addressed

Abstract: Professional development is an ongoing requirement of nurses as a result of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act. The Act?s principal purpose is to protect the health and safety of the public by ensuring health practitioners are fit and competent to practise. This survey was designed to explore the avenues nurses have taken, and would prefer to take, for their professional development. The questionnaire was sent to a random sample of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation's registered and enrolled nurse members. Nurses overwhelmingly favoured professional development in the workplace. More than half the respondents reported a conflict with other time commitments, while a number of respondents wrote of their desire for work-life balance. The cost of fees, ability to take time off work, and time and travelling distance were all hurdles to professional development. Nurses cited information technology, conflict resolution, managing challenging behaviour, and dealing with rostered & rotating shifts as aspects of their current work for which their nursing education (pre and post) had not adequately prepared them. Nurses also indicated that their pre-registration education in health systems and political processes was inadequate for their current work. As nurses aged, their interest in professional development increased, though many still preferred workplace options. The authors conclude that, in order for professional development opportunities to be accessible and relevant, resources and time must be made available. This is vital to achieve ongoing education of nurses and improved patient outcomes. Management support, combined with effective assessment of learning needs guiding professional development opportunities, are fundamental to ensuring nurse competence.

Abstract: Provides a commentary on the work of executive nurses within the Nursing Leadership Group of the New Zealand Aged Care Association as COVID-19 spread into some aged residential care (ARC) facilities in early 2020 and threatened the health and wellbeing of many residents and nurses. Examines how the Group influenced the agenda and implementation of policies for ARC and brought the voice of nursing and residents of aged care to the forefront at national and regional levels.