Abstract: It is evident from the prevalence of items in the popular press and incased research by health professional that, over the last two decades, menopause as been discussed more openly. However, medical information is still largely oriented toward menopause as a disease with emphasis on the pharmacological interventions needed to correct the disease. Literature in medical and nursing journals is also predominantly oriented towards menopause as a state of oestrogen, nurse researchers and feminists writers are challenging this viewsThe aim of the research was to discover how women gain knowledge about menopause, and how they make decisions about “managing” their menopause. In the study knowledge was defined as being more than information. It is seen as being more than information. It is seen as understanding derived from synthesis of data about menopause collected from various sources. Eleven women aged 46-55 recruited through a letter in the researcher's local newspaper, were interviewed. The resulting data was analysed by the constant comparison method as used in grounded theory.A descriptive model was developed including the basic social process of “integrating menopause into midlife”. A tertiary level of education and good social support were found to be associated with the women being seekers of knowledge about their menopause. These women, the majority of the participants, revealed themselves as being self-controlling with respect to their menopause. Among the few who had allowed their menopause to be managed by others, if they experienced adverse effects of the treatment, then there was a move toward greater self management.,Generally, nurses were not seen by the participants as possible sources of information. That finding highlights menopause as an area of health education in which nurses have the potential to play a more active role

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore with a small number of Maori families their experiences of accessing health care when their children were unwell with a respiratory condition. A qualitative research methodology was used in the study. Participating families were among those experiencing an admission to a children's ward between July and December 2003. Four families were interviewed. They discussed in depth their experience of accessing health care for their unwell children. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and three common themes were evident: family resources, choice of health service provider and parents' feelings of vulnerability. The findings highlight that while socio-economic status plays a large part in determining the ease with which families can access the needed health care, there are other barriers within the health system which also pose difficulties for Maori.

Abstract: This article reports data from 15 schools of nursing, surveyed to identify difficulties experienced by nurse educators with respect to entry, progression and programme completion of undergraduate nursing students. Risk assessment, along with a lack of clear policy and procedures were found to be the main problem areas. Difficulties were exacerbated for educators when there were challenges to their professional judgement, either from the Nursing Council of New Zealand or from within their own institution. The authors argue for more recognition of the dual role of nurse educators, and greater clarification of the Nursing Council of New Zealand role in regulating the student's programme entry and progression, and ultimate admission to the Register. It is suggested that the recently passed Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003) provides nursing with an opportunity to address some of these issues.

Abstract: The author investigates the types of questions asked of students by lecturers working within the preceptorship model in the clinical setting. A sample of five volunteer nursing lecturers had their interactions with undergraduate students recorded. The data is analysed using two auditing approaches and qualitative content analysis.

Abstract: The author reconsiders the meaning of expert, specialist and advanced practice. She proposes that they are distinctive and complementary aspects of every nursing role and suggests a set of attributes for each. Expertise is discussed in terms of the quality of performance, speciality in relation to particularity of performance, and advanced practice with regard to the level of performance.

Abstract: For this study, an anonymous survey was sent to registered nurses in their first year of practice. From the 1169 survey instruments that were distributed, 551 were returned completed (a response rate of 47%). The most common inappropriate behaviour by patients involved verbal threats, verbal sexual harassment, and physical intimidation. There were 22 incidents of assault requiring medical intervention and 21 incidents of participants being stalked by patients. Male graduates and younger nurses were especially vulnerable. Mental health was the service area most at risk. A most distressing incident was described by 123 (22%) of respondents. The level of distress caused by the incident was rated by 68 of the 123 respondents (55%) as moderate or severe. Only half of those who described a most distressing event indicated they had some undergraduate training in protecting against assault or in managing potentially violent incidents. After registration, 45 (37%) indicated they had received such training. The findings of this study indicate priorities for effective prevention programmes.