Abstract: This research explored the relationship between entry criteria and academic performance in the first and second year bioscience papers at Otago Polytechnic School of Nursing. The School's inclusion of a bioscience requirement varies from the Nursing Council criteria for acceptance into undergraduate nursing programmes. Six hundred and nineteen academic records of 1994-2002 graduates were sampled. Chi-square and correlational analyses found a relationship between entry qualifications and students' academic performance in the two papers. The entry criteria had a stronger relationship with the students' performance in the first year bioscience paper than the second year paper. Performance in the first year was predicative of second year performance. Age was also found to be a useful predictor of grades. These findings support the School's Bioscience entry criteria and provide important information for admission committees.

Abstract: The author presents an overview of the impact and management of novovirus infections in New Zealand. The impact of this highly contagious virus on hospital settings is serious. With staff shortages already a problem, any outbreak of contagious disease has the potential to result in unsafe staffing, either through low numbers or poor skill mix. A report from New Zealand Environmental Science and Research (ESR) showed 35 reported norovirus outbreaks in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2004, resulting in 890 cases of the disease. Norovirus outbreaks are characterised by a rapid spread of infection, high uptake rate, and a high proportion of cases presenting with projectile vomiting. The author provides a definition of the novovirus, and looks at transmission, the management of hospital outbreaks, and the impact on emergency departments and hospital wards. Procedures include in-patient isolation. She notes there are no simple answers or “quick fixes” to the problem of norovirus outbreaks. While ongoing surveillance, recognition and isolation are key elements, there are wider structural and political implications that need to be acknowledged. These issues include overcrowding and staff shortages.

Abstract: This article explores the implications of clinical decision making by primary health care nurses in relation to identifying family abuse, particularly partner abuse. The historical and sociological background to family violence in New Zealand, and government-led strategies are considered, along with issues for Maori and Pacific peoples. The concept of health literacy in relation to family violence is also briefly discussed.

Abstract: An exploratory qualitative study was investigated to further identify nurses'' attitudes to the care of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodefiency syndrome (AIDS). This follows as a sequel to a study using questionnaire. Data collected from nine focus groups attended by a total of 29 nurses at a hospital within a new Zealand regional health authority. The principal findings suggest that nurses' attitudes to this patient group are varied and depend on social influences, personal experiences and the extent of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. Other concerns raised included nurses' rights to choose to care for HIV-positive patients and the issue of universal precautions. Theses findings may have implications for further educational initiatives and information of hospital policy

Abstract: This paper is a report of a study to determine the construction of male nurses as gay, and to describe how this discourse impacts on a group of New Zealand male nurses. This social constructionist study drew on data collected from existing texts on men, nursing and masculinity and interviews with 18 New Zealand men conducted in 2003-2004. Discourse analysis, informed by masculinity theory and queer theory, was used to analyse the data. Despite the participants' beliefs that the majority of male nurses are heterosexual, the stereotype persists. A paradox emerged between the 'homosexual' general nurse and the 'heterosexual' pyschiatric nurse. The stigma associated with homosexuality exposes male nurses to homophobia in the workplace. The heterosexual men employed strategies to avoid the presumption of homosexuality; these included: avoiding contact with gay colleagues and overt expression of their heterosexuality. These stigmatising discourses create a barrier to caring and, aligned with the presence of homophobia in the workplace, deter men's entry into the profession and may be important issues with respect to their retention.

Abstract: This article explores the importance of evaluation of nurse-managed clinics using the Mana Health Clinic in Auckland, as an example. Fourth generation evaluation is offered as an appropriate methodology for undertaking evaluation of nurse-managed clinics. Fourth generation evaluation actively seeks involvement of clients in the process and outcome of the evaluation, resulting in participation and empowerment of stakeholders in the service – a precept often forgotten in traditional evaluation strategies and of vital importance in understanding why people use nurse-managed clinics. The method proposed here also incorporates the need for quantitative data. The main argument is that a combination of qualitative and quantitative data sources is likely to give the greatest understanding of nurse-managed clinics' utilisation.

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.