Abstract: The author defines and describes PTSD, and looks at how it may apply to nurses. Primarily affected by delayed PTSD, nurses may experience it as burn-out, after exposure to trauma over time. The Critical Incident Stress Management programme instigated at Healthcare Hawkes Bay is outlined.

Abstract: This paper uses two perspectives, a feminist analysis and emancipatory leadership model, to analyse the practice and philosophy of leadership. It finds the important components of leadership include communicating understanding, developing a sense of community, and reconstituting the power relationships. This challenges traditional leadership perspectives which privilege individuals hierarchically appointed, or with deemed alienable qualities or traits.

Abstract: Explores 16 public health nurses'(PHN) knowledge and use of the five components of the 15-minute interview: manners, therapeutic questions, therapeutic conversations, commendations, and the genogram and ecomap. Employs a qualitative, collaborative, educative study to conduct focus groups for gathering data in pre-and post-intervention phases with PHNs who used either a genogram or eco-map in practice over a three-month period during the intervention phase.

Abstract: Examines the mobility experiences and needs of morbidly-obese patients before and during hospital admission. Undertakes semi-structured interviews with seven morbidly obese patients. Identifies two categories of mobility problems: 'compromised pre-existing mobility', with a subcategory of 'accessing services prior to admission' and 'mobilisation difficulties during hospitalisation', with a subcategory of 'dissonance between dependency and need for assistance'. Recommends bariatric-care pathways for the morbidly-obese patient.

Abstract: Notes the lack of evidence-based guidance for use of humour by nurses. Uses a qualitative descriptive methodology to explore how surgical nurses determine when and how to employ humour with patients. Enrols 9 RNs working in a surgical ward within a tertiary hospital in semi-strutured interviews to discuss how they assess patient receptiveness, build connections with patients and protect their vulnerability.

Abstract: In 1991 a new labor relations regime was introduced which overturned a 100 year old pattern of 'historic compromise' between capital and labor. In a labor market structured by gender and race, this major change in bargaining arrangements has already widened the pay gap between men's and women's average earnings and reduced union coverage, particularly among women workers in low paid clerical, sales and service work. This study, documenting recent feminist struggle in the area of labor relations, provides a first look at the collective organisation of women under two different labor relations regimes.In the 1980s a particular conjunction of occupational unionism and feminism in New Zealand facilitated some significant improvements in the situation of women in paid employment. The thesis examines feminist strategies which led to a Working Women's Charter adopted by unions, an increase in women holding office in unions, complaints procedures for sexual harassment, standing committees to represent women and Maori in the union movement, and legislation to implement equal employment opportunity programmes and equal pay for work of equal value. It looks at how the institution-alisation of bargaining by occupation supported industrially weak workers and underpinned the unionisation of women, which occupational unions and women's own strategies of organisation provided the autonomous 'political space' to organise around issues specifically relevant to women.At the core of the thesis are three case studies of unions representing three of the occupations in which women are concentrated: clerical work, nursing and cleaning. It examines commonalities and contrasts in the industrial situations covered by these unions, and differences and similarities in the strategies they adopted. The focus of research, conducted between late 1990 and early1993, was the views of officials of these unions in the context of radical change in the regulation of wage bargaining. Particular attention was given to the way issues relating to women workers were prioritised in unions led by women or by men.These case studies are contextualised in chapters examining the position of women in the labor market, feminist organisation within the union movement, and corporatist change in labor relations legislation. In tracing the development of feminist unionism in the 1980s, the thesis considers the strategies of the NZ Council of Trade Unions and looks at what the radical change in bargaining structure will mean for collective organisation by women in paid employment

Abstract: This paper continues presentation of the findings of a North Island based research project that explored the impact of clinically focused postgraduate education on advancing nursing practice. Like their international counterparts, increasing numbers of New Zealand nurses are enrolling in advanced practice programmes. Yet, despite international evidence supporting the usefulness of Masters level preparation for advancing clinical practice, questions about the need for such development persist. This paper argues that postgraduate education contributes to the development of courage and that this, in turn, is essential to overcoming the barriers that currently constrain the advancement of nursing practice.