Abstract: The author examines influences on contemporary dementia specific nursing practice. She addresses the current situation and future developments in this area.

Abstract: Student nurses rely on their teachers, both academic and clinical, to assist them to develop their capacity to practice safely. Yet, in relation to cultural safety, relatively little has been written to assist the integration of theoretical knowledge to the world of practice. This article presents the findings of a small project undertaken by lecturers whose experiences supporting students' learning during clinical placements in Auckland stimulated interest in the students' attempts to use their classroom learning to begin their journey towards culturally safe nursing practice. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to explore the experience of nursing clients from cultures other than one's own and to describe culturally safe practice from the perspective of third year students.

Abstract: This essay explores some of the historical influences in New Zealand that have lead to the current infant feeding practices. It critically examines recent cultural influences on breastfeeding practices and seeks to explain why there is no breastfeeding culture.

Abstract: This article defines dementia, and explores recent trends in relation to why it is such a misunderstood condition in the health care setting. Within a theoretical framework of literature development, nurse client relationships, and quality of care and attitudes are analysed. Gaps, inconsistencies and consistencies are outlined, with the implications for nursing practice and education explored.

Abstract: This paper documents a successful nurse-led admissions process for same day orthopaedic surgery, on relatively fit patients under 70 years of age. During the 6-month study, 31 patients with a median age of 38 years were categorised into 3 streams. 252 patients (76%) underwent a nursing-admission process without the need for further consultation with a junior medical officer or an anaesthetist. The remaining patients not included in the study were admitted and clerked by a house officer. No safety issues arose and the surgeons and anaesthetists were satisfied with the process. The junior medical officers described improved job satisfaction by being able to attend theatre, other educational opportunities, and working more closely with the consultant. The process has now been incorporated into elective orthopaedic admissions at Burwood Hospital.

Abstract: This study aims to examine the concept of 'inappropriate' emergency department attendances in relation to the emergency department at Christchurch Hospital. It specifically seeks to determine whether there is a consensus opinion among healthcare providers regarding a definition of 'inappropriate'. An exploratory survey of health professionals involved with the referral, assessment, transport, and treatment of emergency department patients in Christchurch was carried out. A range of health professionals, including ambulance personnel, general practitioners, emergency department physicians, emergency nurses, and hospital managers were approached. A series of questions relating to definition and response to 'inappropriate' patients was asked, with an additional open-ended question relating to the definition of 'appropriateness'. The researchers found significant differences in the attitudes and perceptions of key health professionals involved in the referral, treatment, and admission of patients to the emergency department. This has implications for any interventions aimed at addressing emergency department 'overcrowding' that assume the presence of a consensus understanding of this concept.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe the nature and size of long-term residential care homes in New Zealand; funding of facilities; and the ethnic and gender composition of residents and residential care workers nationwide. A postal, fax, and email survey of all long-term residential care homes in New Zealand was undertaken, with completed surveys received from an eligible 845 facilities (response rate: 55%). The majority of these (54%) facilities housed less than 30 residents. Of the 438 (94%) facilities completing the questions about residents' ethnicity, 432 (99%) housed residents from New Zealand European (Pakeha) descent, 156 (33%) housed at least 1 Maori resident, 71 (15%) at least 1 Pacific (Islands) resident, and 61 (13%) housed at least 1 Asian resident. Facilities employed a range of ethnically diverse staff, with 66% reporting Maori staff. Less than half of all facilities employed Pacific staff (43%) and Asian staff (33%). Registered nursing staff were mainly between 46 and 60 years (47%), and healthcare assistant staff were mostly between 25 and 45 years old (52%). Wide regional variation in the ethnic make up of staff was reported. About half of all staff were reported to have moved within the previous 2 years. The authors conclude that the age and turnover of the residential care workforce suggests the industry continues to be under threat from staffing shortages. While few ethnic minority residents live in long-term care facilities, staff come from diverse backgrounds, especially in certain regions.

Abstract: This clinical case study takes an integrated approach to investigation and critical analysis of the complex physiological and pathophysiological treatment modalities instigated when a patient presents following acute traumatic head injury. A broad overview of the developmental physiology of the brain and an explanation of the mechanism of traumatic brain injury as it relates to alterations in cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure and cerebral metabolism is presented. The author describes in narrative form the clinical presentation of a patient, her symptoms and initial treatment rationale. It concludes with analysis of the patients initial treatment priorities and symptom management during the first 48 hours of her care.