Abstract: The author presents the approach of a nursing team at Christchurch's Princess Margaret Hospital, in the regional specialist service for people with anorexia nervosa. This unit provides the only specialist inpatient unit in the country, consisting of a six or seven-bed facility that shares a unit with a mother and baby unit. A multidisciplinary team of psychiatric nurses, dietitians, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers all make significant contributions. The Christchurch unit uses a cognitive-behavioural therapy model (CBT) across the disciplines, a multidimensional approach incorporating psychotherapeutic, psychoeducational, biomedical and behaviourist paradigms. This occurs within a “lenient flexible approach”. Within the Unit, the eight nurses constitute what could be seen as an “intra”-disciplinary team within the wider “inter”-disciplinary or MDT team. They apply an evidence-based nursing approach with a commitment to partnership and advocacy with their patients. They use collaborative techniques for defining shared goals, and the careful management of the introduction of food. As one of the team members, the author envisages that the job of specialised nurses is to form a therapeutic alliance with patients, which takes account of the dynamic ways that patients may negotiate their own complex understandings of health, care, and recovery.

Abstract: The author presents the results of a study carried out as part of a research project with two nurse researchers from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to examine awareness among female students aged 18 to 25 about cervical cancer and to identify factors associated with their decision or intention to enter the cervical screening programme. Students aged 18-25 were recruited from four tertiary institutions in the Wellington region. A questionnaire was available online and distributed by student health centres and the researchers. Questions covered the following areas: intentions, attitude, knowledge, awareness, modelling, and support systems and efficacy. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and independent t-tests. The findings are presented, and factors associated with intention and participation in cervical screening are discussed. The results indicate that the information concerning the national screening programme needs to be adjusted for the different age groups.

Abstract: The authors report on a recent study investigating the statutory role of responsible clinician. Statutory roles under mental health legislation offer mental health nurses a means of having advanced practice skills recognised, as well as contributing to improved access to services. There is a proliferation of roles intended to develop nursing readership, but in most cases they are not primarily clinical roles. The concept of “advanced practice” has become a means of developing clinical leadership roles in nursing. Research on responsible clinician role is presented along with the results of a survey of the 11 Registered Nurses practicing as responsible clinicians, five senior nurses from each of the 21 district health boards, and the Auckland Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services (n = 121). Respondents were asked whether the responsible clinician role was a legitimate one for nurses and whether they were motivated to attain or maintain that role. They were also asked which competencies for the role they believed they met, their perceptions of credentialing processes and the educational requirements needed to achieve the role. A clear majority of the respondents felt the role of the responsible clinician was a legitimate advanced practice role for mental health nurses. Despite this, some respondents expressed ambivalence about taking on the role. The research highlighted deficits in knowledge and skills that could become a focus of education for advanced practitioners seeking appointment as responsible clinicians. Deficits included some assessment skills, knowledge of a range of interventions and knowledge of other legislation affecting mental health legislation.

Abstract: The author presents a review of evidence on the prophylactic use of paracetamol prior to infant and child immunisation. The research was prompted when the Otago District Health Board was planning its Meningococcal B strategy. The evidence suggests that it was appropriate when the whole cell pertussis vaccine was used, but it was not recommended since the introduction of better vaccines such as acellular pertussis with fewer antigens and fewer side effects. Paracetamol may still be given orally to treat pain and fever that occasionally follows vaccination. Paracetamol pharmacology is presented, along with alternatives to paracetamol.

Abstract: The author considers the issue of mixed-sex rooming (MSR) in New Zealand hospitals. A review of the literature is presented, with a focus on the attitudes and experiences of patients in the UK, where the issue has been most practised and studied. Findings of a survey of a group of New Zealand female patients are presented. The patients feelings of embarrassment and loss of dignity and privacy are discussed. The legal issues are explored, with the practice evaluated against the patient's rights detailed in the Code of Health and Disability Services and the Privacy Act 1993.

Abstract: This article critiques the 'Strategic Review of Undergraduate Education' commissioned by the Nursing Council. The premise of the review is examined, along with the foundations of nursing practice and the role of nursing education.

Abstract: The researchers present a survey of a sample population of 32 advanced practice nurses (APN) in the US about their experiences of acquiring and implementing prescriptive authority. The issues relevant to nurse practitioners in New Zealand are discussed, around acquiring knowledge and education, relationships with other professionals, establishing the role, and retaining the nursing role. The intent and scope of APN prescribing in the US is also discussed.