Abstract: In this article, the author will discuss the way in which the task of finding out whether staff levels were adequate in a long term ward was approached. Figures were collated using a patient dependency rating (described below) in use at the time of the article, estimated nursing hours per patient and staff numbers per day; the 3 sets of figures were kept over a 28 day period. The results gained were compared to results from articles and reports perused by the author and conclusions reached as to whether the staff levels were adequate or not. Following this, implications of lack of staff and possible solutions were discussed

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: The author describes the use of children's picture books as a flexible learning resource within the undergraduate nursing programme at Otago Polytechnic. This technique is demonstrated by the use of the book 'Mummy Laid An Egg', by Babette Cole, to explore the concept of sexuality with first year nursing students.

Abstract: The aim of this research was to explore what influences registered nurses (RNs) to have the annual influenza vaccine. In the past, influenza vaccination of health care workers has been identified as the primary method of preventing influenza transmission to at-risk groups that, by virtue of illness, congregate in and around hospitals.
Findings showed that some RNs have confidence in the influenza vaccine being effective in preventing influenza infection; however there remained a high proportion of RNs who thought that the vaccine could or might cause influenza. Participants had incorrect knowledge and beliefs about the influenza vaccine, infection and cross infection.

Abstract: Using nursing and associated literature, the relevance of nutrition in the care of children and families is highlighted in this article. The role of a nurse in providing nutrition advice and interventions is examined, in the context of social and economic pressures on the provision of a healthy diet. Relevant examples of the provision of such advice is provided, along with competencies required to achieve this in practice.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate whether clinicians consider women have different needs to men. To identify what specific treatment clinicians provided for women with alcohol and drug problems and ascertain whether various clinician variable, are elated to differences in beliefs and treatment provision.The questionnaire items for this study were included in the National Centre for Treatment Development (Alcohol, Drug & Addiction) New Zealand wide telephone survey of alcohol and drug clinicians. Independent interviewers surveyed 217 clinicians. Clinicians were first asked whether they believed women with alcohol and drug problems have differing treatment needs to men. Clinicians responses were compared with various clinician Socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, professional group, years working in the alcohol and drug treatment field, work setting, qualifications/courses attended, location, and personal alcohol use).Key findings are that almost a quarter (24%) of the clinicians surveyed did not believe that women have different treatment needs to men. However the majority (76%) of clinicians do believe that women have different treatment needs to men. Furthermore findings from this study suggest that significant differences exist in relation to clinicians' practice in new Zealand in relation to clinician, gender, work setting (Crown Health Enterprise, outpatient and residential), and gender mix of caseload

Abstract: Accountability has been described by nurses as an elusive concept or myth. The author suggests that this elusive concept or myth can partly be attributed to accountability becoming visible usually following a critical incident. The overall goal of this project is to provide nurses working within mental health with the incentive to raise their awareness and explore what their roles and responsibilities are within the accountability process in a more positive scenario. This research paper reports on an exploration of the key components of accountability within the New Zealand mental health environment. It describes significant influences that affect accountability. This is achieved by the means of a literature review, sharing of the author's experience of being involved in a national inquiry, and the adaptation of a who what and how framework, in conjunction with a diagram displaying accountability levels and lines for mental health nurses. The author points out that the domains of accountability for nurses will continue to evolve and expand but what remains important is that consumers have access to good quality mental health care.