Abstract: This reports on an initiative at Whakatane Hospital, where a Nurse-Led pre-assessment (NLPA) was delivered at an outpatients clinic. NLPA involves taking a comprehensive medical history, a nursing assessment, physical examination, airway assessment, ordering appropriate investigations and carefully documenting the process and results. More valuably, it provides an opportunity for the patient to participate in planning their care. The aim of this initative was to short circuit delays and congestion in existing pre-assessment clinics, streamline the pre-assessment process and reduce the number of patient visits to hospital. Reducing cancellations of surgery (often on the day of surgery) and “did not appear” (DNA) numbers were also objectives. After a small pilot, a six-month trial was funded by the Ministry of Health. Over the six-month trial, 373 patients attended NLPA; 178 patients required anaesthetist review before surgery, and 198 could proceed directly to surgery following NLPA. An anonymous postal survey was made of patients, who indicated satisfaction with the service. Other outcomes are discussed, and the trial was deemed successful. Follow up plans have been disrupted by restructuring at the hospital and the clinic has yet to be implemented.

Abstract: The researchers present a survey of a sample population of 32 advanced practice nurses (APN) in the US about their experiences of acquiring and implementing prescriptive authority. The issues relevant to nurse practitioners in New Zealand are discussed, around acquiring knowledge and education, relationships with other professionals, establishing the role, and retaining the nursing role. The intent and scope of APN prescribing in the US is also discussed.

Abstract: This article reports the results of a research study undertaken to examine how nurses manage their professional and personal selves while working in small rural communities. The participants were a small group of rural nurses on the West Coast. The rationale for the study was the long-term sustainability and viability of the service to this remote area. The research showed that the rural nurse specialists' role is a complex and challenging one, performed within the communities in which nurses live.

Abstract: This research presents a discourse analysis of articles published in the New Zealand Herald between October 1999 and September 2005. The terms “nurse prescribing” and “prescribing fights” identified seven articles published which referred specifically to this issue. They were predominantly editorial comments and statements attributed to senior doctors. Examples of comments from these articles are presented and discussed in this article, and three inter-related themes are identified – competence, responsibility and competition. Discussion on competence centred on education, skill and experience level of nurses, as described by editorial comment and senior doctors. Positive international research and experience of nurse prescribing did not feature. A number of comments in the articles analysed could be seen to represent concerns about competition between medicine and nursing. One interpretation of the comments contained in these articles is to see medical practitioner groups defending their status and desire to define and control nursing practice. The media has the power to select the information conveyed and, in these instances, appears to have demonstrated a bias towards the medical community's perspective.

Abstract: This article reports a research project that investigated the experience and expectations of Maori who were newly-diagnosed with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Four people diagnosed with NIDDM were interviewed over 12 months. Participant recommendations are incorporated into suggested improvements for managing the condition.