Abstract: The aim was to report on implementation of a nursing initiative of cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening risk assessment at the Mornington Health Centre, Dunedin, with initial outcomes after six months. The practice aim was 80% of their eligible population assessed within three to four years, particularly targeting high-risk groups. The audit indicates that in their first six months, Mornington Health Centre had screened 42% of their eligible patients. This is described as very successful progress towards their goal of 80%. A number of key organisational factors are identified that are likely to have contributed to the development and success of the nurse CVD risk assessment programme at Mornington Health Centre. The authors suggest that this case study demonstrates how organisational change, where the practice nurse role in the multidisciplinary team is clear, can facilitate a practice to meet a population-based goal.

Abstract: The author notes that it is widely accepted that there is a global shortage of nurses, and there are many studies in the health workforce literature about the negative aspects of nurse work environments, nursing workloads, decreased job satisfaction of nurses and the impact these have on patient health outcomes. In the past five years there has also been international and New Zealand-specific research into the effects of health restructuring on nursing leadership, retention of nurses, and on patient care. Much of this research has shown that countries with very different health care systems have similar problems, not only with retention of qualified nursing staff due to high levels of job dissatisfaction, but also with work design and the provision of good quality patient care in hospitals. This dissertation explores the many detrimental effects on nurses and nursing leadership, of extensive, and continuing, public health restructuring in New Zealand. The context of this dissertation is New Zealand public hospitals, with references pertaining to medical and surgical areas of nursing practice. Health reforms have negatively impacted on patient care delivery systems, patient health outcomes, and retention of educated nurses in the workforce. In order to resolve these issues, coordinated efforts are required in New Zealand district health boards to develop and sustain effective nursing leaders, who will promote and assist in the development of strong, healthy organisational cultures to retain and support professional nurses and the ways in which they wish to practise.

Abstract: Explores the NZ context underpinning adequate specialist nurse workforce supply, contending that effective workforce planning would be supported by the
development of a single unified framework for specialist nursing practice in NZ, with the potential to support accurate data collection and to enable service providers to identify and plan transparent and transferable pathways for specialist nursing service provision and development. Argues that advanced practice nursing frameworks assist in increasing productivity through building an evidence base about advanced practice, enhancing consistency and equity of expertise, supporting a reduction in role duplication, and enabling succession planning and sustainability.

Abstract: Explores the experiences of overseas-trained nurses (OTNs)who have migrated to NZ within the last two years. Focuses on OTNs' lived experiences and the difficulties they may have experienced when making the transition to practice in the NZ health system. Employs an exploratory, qualitative descriptive methodology to elucidate themes.

Abstract: Investigates nurses' catheter management practices, by means of an audit, as documented in a newly-introduced self-administered indwelling catheter-management checklist incorporating four components of catheter care in a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention bundle. Identifies these components of the bundle of care as: minimisation of inappropriate catheter use, aseptic insertion of catheters, adherence to catheter maintenance guidelines, and ongoing review and evaluation of catheter necessity. Shows that implementation of care components decreases bacteriuria rates and CAUTI when used together in standardised clinical checklists and performed collectively by nurses. Employs a quantitative research design as part of a mixed-methods study conducted at two surgical wards in a public hospital in Auckland where 50 nurses completed 175 checklists.

Abstract: The aim of this small qualitative descriptive pilot study was to describe the experiences of practice nurses delivering the Care Plus programme within the general practice setting. Care Plus was introduced into Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) in 2004. This programme encourages more involvement from practice nurses in chronic care management. For many New Zealand practice nurses this is a new role. This study, carried out prior to the larger Care Plus implementation review (2006), provides an insight into the nursing experience of implementing Care Plus and provides a basis for future studies with regard to the nurse's role within the Care Plus programme.

Abstract: Investigates the logistics and acceptability of an electronic medication dispenser (EMD) within a home-based medication management service as a substitute for face-to-face home visiting, as a means of reminding elderly clients to take their medication on time. Uses a qualitative usability study methodology to conduct the study, centred on a small group of clients receiving the service from a small group of clients receiving the service from a community nursing organisation in Christchurch. Involves patients, pharmacists, nurses and managers of the community nursing service. Identifies critical processes and protocols required to safely support a wider roll-out of the product within the service.