Abstract: The aim of this research project was to explore issues around preferred injection site, intramuscular injections injection technique, particularly Z-tracking, and the wearing of gloves while administering intramuscular injections. The researchers conducted a literature search which revealed little published information on the use of intramuscular injections, despite them being part of everyday nursing practice. The guidelines for evidence-based practice in relation to intramuscular injections are reviewed and discussed. A survey of registered nurses on intramuscular injections sites and technique was conducted. An anonymous questionnaire, accompanied by an explanatory letter, was sent to 173 registered nurses working in general practice, prisons, and to community and inpatient mental health nurses. Response questionnaires were collated and a thematic analysis was undertaken. This research findings show that, despite the known iatrogenic complications which could occur when administering intramuscular injections, some registered nurses' practice does not appear to take this in to consideration. Furthermore, the majority of registered nurses did not use gloves and Z-tracking was not widely used among the sample group. The researchers conclude that although intramuscular injections are a fundamental skill, there appears to be limited research and evidence to support best practice. Education and support to change practice to reflect current research is paramount, if registered nurses are to remain competent.

Abstract: This paper outlines the historical development of the Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Specialty Nursing programme. The paper discusses the multiple contextual considerations for the programme in terms of New Zealand health policy direction, academic level, and appropriate level of competency development for nurses new to primary health care and newly graduated nurses.

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to report a study to compare the diabetes-related work roles, training and attitudes of practice nurses in New Zealand surveyed in 1990 and 1999, to consider whether barriers to practice nurse diabetes care changed through that decade, and whether ongoing barriers will be addressed by current changes in primary care. Questionnaires were mailed to all 146 practice nurses in South Auckland in 1990 and to all 180 in 1999, asking about personal and practice descriptions, practice organisation, time spent with patients with diabetes, screening practices, components of care undertaken by practice nurses, difficulties and barriers to good practice, training in diabetes and need for further education. The 1999 questionnaire also asked about nurse prescribing and influence on patient quality of life. More nurses surveyed in 1999 had post-registration diabetes training than those in 1990, although most of those surveyed in both years wanted further training. In 1999, nurses looked after more patients with diabetes, without spending more time on diabetes care than nurses in 1990. Nevertheless, they reported increased involvement in the more complex areas of diabetes care. Respondents in 1999 were no more likely than those in 1990 to adjust treatment, and gave a full range of opinion for and against proposals to allow nurse prescribing. The relatively low response rate to the 1990 survey may lead to an underestimate of changes between 1990 and 1999. Developments in New Zealand primary care are likely to increase the role of primary health care nurses in diabetes. Research and evaluation is required to ascertain whether this increasing role translates into improved outcomes for patients.

Abstract: This report presents a longitudinal research study which evaluated the effectiveness of the twelve months New Graduate Orientation Programme introduced at Capital Coast District Health Board's Wellington Hospital in March 1998. The programme was implemented to assist new nursing graduate's transition into the role of registered nurse. The evaluation project took place over a three-year period. Three annual intakes of new graduates enrolled in the New Graduate Orientation Programme were surveyed by questionnaire on their completion of the programme.

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: This report is an evaluation of the academic journey undertaken by a group of newly graduated nurses who were sponsored by a New Zealand district health board to work in a variety of primary health care nursing settings. The impetus for this pilot employment option was the Ministry of Health's focus on primary health care nursing and workforce development for this sector and the Expert Advisory Committee for primary health care nursing's recommendations to district health boards regarding employment of graduate nurses and support for them to engage in post graduate study. Evaluation participants were primarily the graduate nurses who were interviewed at the end of their first year of practice which was following programme completion then again nine to ten months later. Findings include the nurses reflections on what supported them and what acted to impede as barriers to their learning success and practice development. The report concludes with five recommendations that can be used to ensure that the travels of future newly graduated nurses taking this pathway are supported, safe and successful.

Abstract: The Plunket orientation programme, first implemented in 1994, aims to prepare new Plunket Nurses for autonomous practice within the complexity of community based nursing. This study seeks to identify what new Plunket Nurses feel are their orientation needs. An evaluation research approach was used. An examination of the literature explored how orientation is conducted and the needs of nurses in orientation. Key aspects in relation to orientation were identified as including socialisation, job change, new graduates, preceptorship, orientation frameworks and retention. A focus group followed by a postal survey were utilised to collect data from new Plunket Nurses nationwide to ascertain what they thought their orientation needs were. Data analysis was completed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results of the study identified key orientation needs for new Plunket Nurses. These were an orientation programme, preceptorship, clinical skills teaching, time in own area and beginning autonomous practice, administration needs and support needs. The participants recommended quality preceptorship and early clinical teaching from the Clinical Educator. There was a general dissatisfaction with orientation as it stands in preparing them for their role as a Plunket Nurse. Recommendations to the Plunket Management Team were made based on the results of this study.