Abstract: This paper looks broadly at issues to do with quality monitoring in higher education and considers the role and focus of the Nursing Council of New Zealand in the approval of and ongoing monitoring of undergraduate nursing degree programmes. It is suggested that the approach taken by the Nursing Council is accountability led where minimal attention is given to teaching and learning and actual graduate outcomes. This may lead to a mistaken belief that Nursing Council's monitoring focuses on quality or that the outcomes of their monitoring might contribute to programme enhancement. A shift to emphasise learning processes, students and continual improvement in order to enhance programme quality is proposed.

Abstract: This study aimed to identify how graduates perceived their clinical performance during their first year of practice. A convenience sample of 30 graduates was surveyed after 3 months and 7 months in practice, using an adapted form of a questionnaire devised by Ryan and Hodson (1992). The results showed that over time, graduates generally required less direction in all areas of clinical competence. After 7 months in practice, the majority of the graduates rated their performance in nursing skills, communication skills, and professionalism at the expected level or above. However, some still required direction with using theory and research in practice, with meeting client's psychosocial needs and with teaching clients. In the leadership competency, after 7 months, most graduates saw themselves functioning at the expected level related to client care and needed less direction in unit management skills. However, many of the unit management skills were rated as 'not applicable' indicating that new graduates are not initially placed in a management role. Implications for nursing education and limitations of the research are discussed.

Abstract: The author reviews the report 'Fitness for Practice' by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC) noting many areas of relevance for New Zealand educators in outlining possible strategies for nursing education. Discussion of some of the recommendations is put in the context of a strategic review of undergraduate nursing education recently commissioned by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Issues such as recruitment and access to education; retention; clinical assessment and placements; clinical skill acquisition and partnership are valid concerns for educators here also. Internationally, the author suggests, the commonalties in issues of concern lend validity to the concept of the global village and the necessity for a global perspective in health care workforce planning, including educational preparation.

Abstract: The report of an exploratory study of current approaches to case management by nurses as requested by the College of Nurses Aotearoa New Zealand. It revealed different interpretations of nurse case management around New Zealand and in the US, UK and Australia. They differed according to the conceptualisation of health service design and delivery in the respective country. Case management in New Zealand in general presented nurse care management roles as an interface between the mangement of health service delivery and the peculiarities of the healthcare people received, holding the potential for achieving tailored, patient-centred care outcomes.

Abstract: Examines the experience of nurses who had been out of nursing for more than five years, and explores factors that influenced their leaving and return to practice. Invites nurses who had undertaken a Competency Assessment Programme at a given tertiary institution during 2005 to participate. Analyses and codes quantitative data for 32 nurses who completed the questionnaire, and identifies the three key issues that emerge.

Abstract: Presents the findings of a study describing Clinical Nurse Educators' experiences, as they recall their transition from staff nurse to the Clinical Nurse Educator role, within a New Zealand District Health Board (DHB). Employs a qualitative descriptive methodology utilising transition theory as a conceptual framework. Interviews a sample of eight Clinical Nurse Educators about their transition from experienced staff nurse to inexperienced senior nurse. Analyses data using a general inductive approach.

Abstract: Describes nurses' perceptions of their use of evidence-based practice, attitudes toward evidence-based practice and perceptions of their knowledge/skills associated with evidence-based practice. Determines the effect of educational preparation on practice, attitudes, and knowledge/skills toward evidence-based practice. Utilises a descriptive survey design to poll 55 West Auckland practice nurses working the general practice setting.

Abstract: Explores the impact of dialysis on Maori and their whanau/families. Examines the experiences of 7 rural Maori dialysis outpatients, who are interviewed along with their whanau. Identifies and discusses four themes emerging from the findings.