Abstract: In this research paper for a Master of Nursing (Clinical), the author suggests that graduate nurses can successfully adapt to emergency nursing when supported with intensive domain-specific transition programmes to complement the national nursing entry to practice (NETP) programme in New Zealand. This outcome conflicts with the present traditional emergency department recruitment strategy that nurses must have two years acute care experience. The graduate believes they are prepared for practice for any healthcare setting but do need time to resolve the rift between theory and practice. This research project confirms the perpetuation of experienced nurses' perceptions that graduates are not work-ready but are unrealistically expected to hit the floor running following ad hoc orientation ranging from three days to four weeks. By creating domain-specific programmes with a minimum twelve-week staged rotation orientation package, graduate nurses can be nurtured as emergency nurses. The influential role of the organisation and experienced nurses is vital to limit reality shock and complement NETP. Preceptorship and mentorship programmes promote the graduates' confidence in themselves to become competent team members. Limits to this research are the non-differentiation between nurses new to emergency nursing and the graduate nurse in the published studies. Assumptions have therefore been made regarding successful transition in regard to newly qualified registered nurses in the emergency department. Further study and evaluation applicable in the New Zealand context is also recommended by the author where anecdotally only a few emergency departments are involved in socialising graduate nurses into the workforce regardless of the urgent need for more first-year-of-practice clinical placements.

Abstract: Travels to the US, Europe, Canada and Australia to study services in the area of child abuse/child protection and family violence. Part of the Margaret May Blackwell Scholarship Reports series.

Abstract: This thesis describes an exploratory study of registered nurses within a local district health board which pursued 'if' and 'how' professional practice frameworks assisted nurses in their individual professional practice. Self assessment and performance appraisal are identified as critical elements of professional development by the Nursing Council of New Zealand, and this became the focus of the author's research. A qualitative descriptive framework was utilised to explore the research question, where experiences of registered nurses employed within inpatient adult medical and surgical settings were collected through questionnaire. Analysis of the data was through general inductive thematic approach. Eight themes arose, of which, two have sub-themes. The first four themes relate to self assessment and performance appraisal and the second four themes relate to professional practice. The findings from the participant's perspective provide an understanding of how participants' utilised self assessment and performance appraisal to inform their professional practice. There are significant implications for professional practice within the findings of this study, which are presented along with recommendations for future practice, and future avenues for research.

Abstract: Surveys nurses at two hospitals during April and May of 2012. Uses bivariate correlations, group comparisons, analysis of variance and multiple regression to analyse the results. Notes that nurses were still experiencing negative emotional effects of the earthquakes and aftershocks of the preceding 18 months. Finds empathy levels and burnout levels were lower than the normative mean, and that empathy and burnout were negatively correlated with age and experience.

Abstract: Suggests that health, social-service and education delivery are increasingly required to be inter-professional. Advises that such professionals use an integrative and inter-professional approach to navigate the complexities of their practice environments in order to improve outcomes for their service users.

Abstract: Examines the lived experiences of adults with myasthenia gravis(MG). Uses an interpretive phenomenological approach applying the research methodology of van Manen (1990). Interviews seven people living with MG and records their experiences of the disease. Poses broadly-worded questions about various topics related to MG, that include diagnosis, symptoms, treatments and coping strategies, guided by individual experiences. Reveals by means of thematic analysis that MG affects every aspect of a person?s ?lifeworld?: their sense of time, body, and space and their relationships with others. Highlights three main themes embedded in the data experienced by a person with MG: living with uncertainty, living with weakness and living with change.

Abstract: A survey of health professionals in a medium-sized regional hospital, examining attitudes and perceptions of clinical practice surrounding 'do not resuscitate' orders. Data collected using a questionnaire circulated to medical and nursing professionals currently practising in general medical and surgical areas. Reveals differences in what actually happens in clinical practice compared to what health professionals believe should happen. Using five brief case vignettes, agreement is shown in only two cases as to what resuscitation status should be. Shows that determining resuscitation status in dependent on the individual's values and belief systems