Abstract: The purpose of this article is twofold. The first is to clarify some of the challenges experienced while conducting collaborative research and describe the steps taken to ensure consistency between the purpose of the research and the phenomenological research design used to explore the learning that nursing students acquire in their final clinical practicum. Second, it was thought that by illuminating this learning, registered nurses working as preceptors and those supporting new graduates could gain insight into the complexities of learning the skills of safe and competent practice from the student's perspective. This insight is essential in creating a strategy between education and practice to minimise the duplication of learning opportunities and lessen the cost of supporting newly registered nurses, which may be at the expense of investment in the professional development of experienced registered nurses.

Abstract: This dissertation reports on a scholarly journey to better understand the processes of clinical decision-making by nurses. It begins by identifying the various terms used to describe a clinical decision, its components and the contexts within which clinical decisions are made. Two philosophies of decision-making are summarised. Some insight into the history of the phenomenological and the rationalist theories of decision-making is offered. The author notes that it became evident that both of these theories are applicable to all nurses and their clinical decision making competencies. Four studies that were undertaken to analyse the decision-making methods of nurse practitioners are critiqued. Of the studies two are British, one is American and one is Australian. The author has summarised the combined findings that identified that the nurses were using a blend of decision-making processes that involved rational decision making as well as the use of intuition. The studies identified that sound clinical decision-making is determined by appropriate educational and clinical preparation and supported by a formal mentoring process and the use of critical reflective practice. In conclusion, the author reflects on her knowledge of decision making prior to embarking on the dissertation and states her intent to facilitate and support advanced decision-making by her colleagues. She goes on to say that uppermost is the need for an institutional and managerial environment that encourages advanced and independent decision-making by nurses.

Abstract: This study examines the practice world of twenty two registered nurses working in medical and surgical wards of an acute general hospital in New Zealand. It is argued that nursing practice is a complex, context-specific, activity and needs to be studied using methods that do not assume an objective, context-free reality.The work of Patricia Benner (1984) guided this study which utilized a qualitative research approach to enter the lived world of nursing practice. Through descriptions of work days and a sharing of clinical exemplars, an understanding of the broader context of nursing practice was gained, areas of skilled performance in nursing emerged, and the meaning of making a difference for the nurses in the study examined. The central role of mutual advice and support in facilitating significant incidents in practice was apparent.An examination of the types of experiences which challenge current practice and change it in some way provided insight into the importance of experience in developing clinical expertise and the vital role of local knowledge in facilitating practice. Nursing practice emerged as crucial to patient welfare and safety in the acute care setting

Abstract: Assesses the impact of environmental changes on patient reportable events (falls and aggression) in older persons' wards, using the Kings Fund Healing the Healthy Environment tool to make small changes to a ward environment in order to create a more 'dementia-friendly' setting. Conducts a comparative analysis of incidents in the wards. Obtains staff perspectives on the changes, which included large-face clocks, identifiction of bed spaces, lavender oil diffusion, and viewing gardens.

Abstract: Aims to explore the influences on health and health care engagement from the experiences of urban Maori women using Kokiri Marae Health and Social Services (KMHSS), Lower Hutt, NZ. Conducts unstructured interviews which are analysed thematically. Employs the nursing theory of cultural safety, Kawa Whakaruruhau, to inform a qualitative approach to the examination of the historical, social, cultural, economic, political, racial and gendered factors contributing to Maori women's health and health-care engagement. Makes recommendations for nursing practice, research site and research.

Abstract: This action research study explores the experiences of 'patient education' from the perspective of a group comprising two nurses, two people with asthma, and the researcher who is a nurse who has asthma. The method used is emancipatory action research (Grundy, 1990) with critical social theory and feminism as theoretical underpinnings.The focus moves from patient education to a broader view of living and working with asthma. The story of the group is presented in the format of a play. A play within the play tells of living and working with asthma.An action research spiral is formed which reflects the way the group moves through the three modes of action research described by Grundy (1990). The acts of the play represent each of the stages of the action research process. The emphasis moves from power and control through to practice wisdom.The main issues explored are: the nature of patient education by nurses; the implications this has for relationships with patients and nursing education; power and control in the secondary setting; the lived experience of chronic illness and the practice wisdom of nurses and people with asthma. The work concludes with recommendations for change in each of these areas based on the work of the group