Abstract: The objectives of this study were to explore the concept of the 'health-promoting school' in a specific New Zealand context; to develop and use appropriate research methods to assess a single low decile school in relation to World Health Organization health-promoting school components and checkpoints; to work with the school community to identify health issues; and, to record external and internal changes that could impact on school health over a finite time period. Case study was selected as the most appropriate method to collect both quantitative and qualitative evidence with the aim of providing a clear understanding of the particular case. Results confirmed that the school was working appropriately within the scope of their educational practice to provide a health-promoting school environment for the school community. Gaps and issues identified included an element of talking past each other between the cultures of the education organisation and the nominated health service provider respectively that contributed to a lack of appropriate and accessible health service delivery for the school population. Teaching staff considered that they had insufficient access to health knowledge, and input from health service staff did not meet health education requirements for the school. Staff preference for increased school nurse involvement was not realised. The consequence was that two outside agencies (KiwiCan and Life Education Trust) delivered the bulk of the Health and Physical Education curriculum which resulted in a degree of fragmentation of health education for students. The issues that were identified demonstrated that health services in the area were not satisfactorily meeting the needs of the community and were not addressing the health inequities for the predominantly Pacific Island and Maori students and of their families that formed the school community. The researcher concluded that a full-service school approach should be considered by the school and the local district health board as one way to overcome the current lack of access to health services for the school community. Assertions included the potential integration of locally available services by a school-based nurse coordinator supported by health professionals (nurse practitioner and Pacific Island Community Health Worker) and social workers. The vision included professionals working within their professional scopes of practice as part of a Primary Health Organisation with the aim of appropriately addressing the health inequities experienced by the school population.

Abstract: Mobile computing is rapidly becoming a reality in New Zealand health care settings. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are the most frequently used of these mobile technologies, giving nurses access to clinical learning resources, including drug references, medical encyclopaedias and diagnostic information. The implementation of mobile computing at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) will ensure graduates of our Bachelor of Nursing Programme are able to meet health care service demands for knowledge in contemporary information technologies as well as the information technology requirements defined by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act 2003 for registration as a nurse in New Zealand. This paper presents strategies for the implementation of mobile computing as a core element of the curriculum for the Bachelor of Nursing Programme at Wintec in Hamilton.

Abstract: M-Learning compliments and supports E-Learning and incorporates technologies such as the use of mobile phones, PDAs and pod casting. A sub function of M-Learning is M-Support which is the provision of support for the mobile student. This paper describes a pilot project using short message service – mobile technology -to M-support nursing students in primary health care clinical placements. Forty one students took part in a mixed methods study to assess the project against a pre determined set of criteria. The results indicated that students did feel supported by the messages, cost was not prohibitive, flexibility in communication was appreciated, and the acceptance was high.

Abstract: ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Emergency nursing is a specialty concerned with the care of people of all ages, with either perceived or actual unwellness presenting to the emergency department(ED) for assessment, resuscitation, investigation, treatment and review of their illness or injury. Emergency nurses apply specialty knowledge and expertise in the provision, delivery and evaluation of emergency nursing care. Over recent decades social, political and professional changes have affected nursing care delivery and nursing education. In particular the 21st century has witnessed the development of state funded postgraduate nursing education programmes, developing nurses specialty or advanced nursing knowledge, quality patient/client care and nursing practice within the tertiary education system.
AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate emergency nurses? perceptions of the impact of postgraduate education on their practice in New Zealand (NZ).
METHODS: This study utilises critical social theory as the overarching framework, informed by the writing of Jürgen Habermas (b.1929- ). It is the three phases of
Habermas?s practical intent of critical social theory; namely enlightenment, empowerment and emancipation, that this study is concerned with. This descriptive research study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods and is therefore known as mixed-methods research. Data collection took place over 12 weeks, from August to November 2006, using a survey questionnaire obtained with permission from Ms Dianne Pelletier, Sydney, Australia. The sample included 105 emergency nurses from District Health Board (DHB) emergency departments in NZ, 10 respondents from this sample self-selected to be interviewed by telephone. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the University of Otago Ethics Committee for research involving human participants. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
RESULTS: Two main themes arose from the thematic analysis; these being positive and negative, these themes were further divided into 10 sub-themes. The results indicate that postgraduate study (PGS) has increased nurses? perception of their knowledge; leadership and understanding on the quality of patient care delivered, increased their academic and research skills and increased their confidence/self-esteem and recognition by their colleagues and team. Therefore the majority of respondents perceive postgraduate education has been an instrument of liberation and a process of empowerment and emancipation. A smaller percentage of respondents perceived that PGS had no effect on various aspects of patient care and another significantly smaller percentage of respondents reported negative results from PGS. This research identified similarities between this study and that of Pelletier and colleagues? (2003; , 2005; , 1998a; , 1998b) Australian study.
CONCLUSION: This study adds to the existing literature on postgraduate studies undertaken by nurses. No known study has previously investigated solely emergency nurses?perceptions of the effects of PGS, either nationally or internationally. The results of this study offer enlightening information regarding emergency nurses? perceptions of their PGS within NZ and offers a platform from which other studies may be undertaken. It also has the potential to inform nurses contemplating PGS and educators facilitating these programmes,as well as provide implications for policy development by the Nursing Council of NZ, NZ Universities, DHBs and the Ministry of Health.

Abstract: Reflects on the past 50 years of nursing education in light of the author's own experience of making the transition from hospital training to polytechnic education and then undertaking an RN to BN programme. Considers the challenges to nurse educators for the future education of nurses.