Abstract: In this study a qualitative descriptive methodology with focus group interviews was used to explore with users of mental health services, the attitudes, knowledge and skills that they need in mental health nurses. Users of mental health services valued the therapeutic work of mental health nurses, and identified positive attitudes towards users of mental health services as essential in mental health nurses. However, they did not consistently experience a therapeutic approach in their interactions with mental health nurses. In a sociopolitical climate where the views of users of mental health services are increasingly incorporated into education and the planning and delivery of services, there is a need for more research that reflects the perspective of users.

Abstract: This paper looks at the links between nursing roles and health policy in New Zealand. Strategic alliances between key professional leaders in different nursing roles can help the profession by directly influencing policy development and implementation. This form of policy entrepreneurship is an important component of professional leadership.

Abstract: This research aimed to understand the level and scope of practice of the nurse practitioner in Australia and New Zealand further using a capability framework. The original study, from which the present paper was developed, sought to identify competency standards for the extended role of the nurse practitioner in Australia and New Zealand. In doing so the researchers became aware that while competencies described many of the characteristics of the nurse practitioner they did not manage to tell the whole story. In a search of the literature, the concept of capability appeared to provide a potentially useful construct to describe the attributes of the nurse practitioner that went beyond competence. A secondary analysis of data obtained from the interviews with 15 nurse practitioners working in Australia and New Zealand was undertaken. The analysis showed that capability and its dimensions is a useful model for describing the advanced level attributes of nurse practitioners. Thus, nurse practitioners described elements of their practice that involved: using their competences in novel and complex situations as well as the familiar; being creative and innovative; knowing how to learn; having a high level of self-efficacy; and working well in teams. This study suggests dimensions of capability need to be considered in the education and evaluation of nurse practitioners.

Abstract: This paper describes a three-year long research project in which nine large-bodied women have engaged in a prolonged dialogue with the researcher about the experience of being 'obese'. The study involved an extensive review of the multidisciplinary literature that informs our understandings of body size. The literature review was shared with participants in order to support their critical understanding of their experience. The experience of participants raised questions as to how nursing could best provide health-care for large women. An examination of a wide range of literature pertinent to the area of study reveals widespread acceptance of the notion that to be thin is to be healthy and virtuous, and to be fat is to be unhealthy and morally deficient. According to the literature review, nurses have perpetuated an unhelpful and reductionist approach to their care of large women, in direct contradiction to nursing's supposed allegiance to a holistic approach to health-care. This paper suggests strategies for an improved response to women who are concerned about their large body size.

Abstract: During 1992, two hundred Registered Nurses ( RN's) participated in the Pilot Implementation of the Clinical Career Pathway for Nurses. This was conducted according to terms for the Proposal (Shepherd et al 1991) prepared by Nurses throughout the Canterbury Area Health Board.Ten services had a participating ward/ unit. All were volunteers. The framework for a Clinical Career Pathway (CAHB) has six steps. During 1992 attention was focused on the two levels beyond basic functional competency. Nurse Practitioner II, Nurse Specialist. An open system was piloted. There was no change to remuneration. Advancement was- self initiated; by peer review ( the RN was required to meet the performance criteria set by the Unit Nurse Managers.) There was no constraint to numbers advancing. Forty seven RN's advanced to Nurse practitioner II level,nine advanced to Nurse Specialist level.Evaluation covered four areas-1. Qualitative benefits and initiatives to improves patient care. 2. Nurses perception of the project. 3. Benefits of peer review. 4. Secondary gains

Abstract: Nurses at a New Zealand Metropolitan Hospital were surveyed to determine whether the following factors affected their desire to participate in continuing education. Age, Family responsibilities, reading of Journals/Health literature related to Nursing, attendance of in service/staff development programs, careers aims and intended number of years to remain in Nursing. 30 Nurses were requested to participate in the research project. They were either registered General and Obstetric Nurses or Registered Comprehensive Nurses and 15 worked full time while 15 worked part time. Null hypotheses were formulated and tested because it is recognised that Nurses have a professional responsibility to maintain their knowledge and expertise and to do this in a Health Care system and society that is continually changing there must be a commitment to life long continuing education. Therefore , I thought it would be of interest to determine whether certain factors influenced Nurses' desire to participate in continuing education. With the factors of Age, Family responsibilities, hours of work, number of years registered reading of Journals/Health literature related to Nursing, and intended number of years to remain in Nursing there was no significant difference (p> 0.10) in the desire to participate in continuing education, as was Nurses basic qualification (p< 0.05) With the factor of attendance of in service/ Staff development programs there doesn't appear to be any significant difference and with career plans the sample expected frequencies were too small for statistical analysis