Abstract: This study explores the the experience of nursing a person, or people, form cultures other than one's own. Informed by the tradition of philosophical hermeneutics, and drawing specifically on some of the notions articulated by Hans-Georg Gadamer and Charles Taylor, it seeks to understand everyday nursing practices within their cultural and historical context.Against a background of Maori resurgence, nurses in New Zealand have been challenged in Aotearoa-New Zealand to recognise and address racism in their practice. Meeting the health needs of all people has long been important in nursing yet the curricular changes implemented in the early 1990s to enhance nursing's contribution to a more equitable health service created uncertainty and tension both within nursing, and between nursing and the wider community.In this study, I have interpreted the experiences of seventeen nurses practising in an increasingly ethnically diverse region. Personal understandings and those from relevant literature have been used to illuminate further the nature of cross-cultural experience from a nurse's perspective. The thesis asserts that the notions of prejudice, paradox and possibility can be used to describe the experience of nursing a person from another culture. Prejudice refers to the prior understandings that influence nursing action in both a positive and a negative sense. Paradox relates to the coexistence and necessary interplay of contradictory meanings and positions, while possibility points to the potential for new understandings to surface from the fusion of past with present, and between different interpretations. As New Zealand nurses negotiate the conflicts essential for ongoing development of their practice, the play of prejudice, paradox and possibility is evident at intra-personal and interpersonal levels as well as in relation to professional and other social discourses. This thesis challenges nurses to persist in working with the tensions inherent in cross-cultural practice. It encourages continuation of their efforts to understand and move beyond the prejudices that otherwise preclude the exploration of new possibilities.

Abstract: This research takes an autoethnographical approach to exploring the connections between being a nurse, doing nursing work, and experiencing a mental illness. Data is comprised of autoethnographical stories from 18 nurses. Drawing on Lyotard's (1988) postmodern philosophy of 'regimes of phrases' and 'genres of discourse,' the nurses' stories yielded three motifs: Nursing, Tangata Whaiora (people seeking wellness) and Bullying. Interpretation of the motifs was undertaken by identifying and exploring connected or dissenting aspects within and between the motifs.

Abstract: Table of Contents: 1. Background and overview; 2. Research design and method; 3. Literature review; 4. Preparation of the individual for an appointment at the general practice; 5. Care provided by the practice nurse at the general practice; 6. The giving of information; 7. A discussion of the dualities of the contribution of practice nurses to the care of individuals with chronic conditions; 8. Study summary and conclusions.

Abstract: This thesis is about caring for males, especially those males who could be considered “difficult” to care for through their use of behaviours such as silence, anger or defensive humour. This thesis is positioned in the view that these behaviours are often expressions of distress, which typically distance males from those who attempt to care for them. The author suggests that the word “distress” more accurately reflects the theme of the thesis, and it is used throughout the work. This thesis explores the interface between gender issues, nursing practice and caring for males. It is informed by a review of relevant literature and data gathered from a focus group of nine registered nurses. The analysis is framed by questions that are developed from a series of reflections on my personal and professional life. Critical social theory, with its emphases on dominant dialogue, power and emancipation is used to inform and guide this analysis. What is most obvious is the contrast between themes arising from the literature and those arising from the focus group. It appears that the literature, in the main, is critical of males in regard to concepts of masculinity, issues related to gender, and men's health. Males are portrayed as arbitrators of their own misfortune, as deliberately choosing a lifestyle that reflects poorly on their health, their self-expression, and communication with others. Concepts such as power and control over others, both at a societal and individual level, often feature. Conversely, the literature is noticeably lacking in regard to information about the health related experiences of males and about caring for males. In contrast, the participants of the focus group frame their discussion in the positive. For example, they suggest that males are interested in their health but require an environment that supports this expression of interest. They support this by identifying a range of behaviours they believe are effective in caring for males. The participants also suggest that it is the registered nurse rather than the male who manages issues to do with power and control. The thesis concludes that creating and sustaining an environment supportive of, and sensitive to the needs of males, is an activity that requires considerable thought, skill and experience. These areas are not adequately addressed in academic dialogue, research activity, or in the education of registered nurses. The thesis suggests that this situation is inconsistent with an ethic of care and that nursing should make a priority of broadening its research and knowledge base to better understand and care for males.

Abstract: This modified action research inquiry focused on the everyday, palliative care practice experiences of a group of district nurses. The intent was to develop an understanding of common issues of concern for this group of district nurses when providing palliative home care in a specific community context and to implement practical, achievable strategies in response to these local issues. Five district nurses identified four broad areas for action through four praxis group meetings and comprising one full cycle. These four areas have been named as methods of enhancing support for people and families, possibilities for creatively managing workloads, mechanisms to enrich working partnership with other palliative care providers and possible vehicles for supporting nurses' self care. Implementation of action from this action research project focused on enhancing care and outcomes for people and family served by this group of district nurses in their local community. This study illuminates everyday essences of the district nurse role and the elements articulated by this group in supporting their practice in one New Zealand community. This study also reveals some of the tensions and messiness when employing an action research methodology with nurses in the workplace. The author notes that this research focused on a little known area (palliative care delivered by district nurses in New Zealand) in a local community (a culturally vibrant and ethnically diverse yet with poor health and socioeconomic statistics). She goes on to say that it has resonance with other nurses, particularly those working in community settings who may experience similar issues and concerns. This research also offers important insights for nurses working in any practice setting.