Abstract: One of the challenges for research journals is to present material that is directly related to practice and that has the capacity to provoke reflection in practitioners that may in turn lead to change.

Abstract: Identifies the experiences of NZ cancer nurses whose primary role is to care for patients aged 20 or older, and their whanau/family, and describes the factors that may influence care. Examines whether nurses received training in the management of stressors associated with caring for cancer patients, either during their training or while in the cancer workplace setting. Considers whether nurses working in peripheral (satellite) cancer centres were at more risk than their colleagues in larger regional centres. Conducts a quantitative, descriptive and anonymous survey of members of the Cancer Nurses' Section of the NZNO, using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) questionnaire, which scores compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and burnout.

Abstract: Aims to identify whether female smokers referred to the colposcopy department at a city hospital required more follow-up visits, treatments and re-referrals than did non-smokers. Performs a retrospective descriptive study observing 494 new patients over 6 years. Identifies the percentage of Maori women attending the clinic who were smokers and their likelihood of non-attendance. Emphasises the need for smoke-free education for women that highlights the link between smoking and cervical cancer.

Abstract: Comprises three essays on the economics of health-care delivery in hospitals: considers the relationship between gender and/or ethnic concordance between a doctor and patient, and the number of diagnostic tests ordered during a hospital stay; estimates the impact of doctor-patient demographic concordance (where doctor and patient share the same ethnic group and/or gender) on a doctor's decision-making for diagnostic resources and medical treatments; calculates the relationship between ward-level nursing hours and a patient's health outcome, e.g. mortality and length of ward stay. Uses a detailed nursing-staff dataset, a novel instrumental variable for nursing hours (the amount of sick and bereavement leave taken by nurses on a ward) and the separate effect of nursing and patient hours in a ward, on a patient's health outcome.

Abstract: The aim of this research was to ascertain the opinions of ward nurses (registered and enrolled nurses) on a critical care outreach (CCO) service and the early warning score (EWS) tool and how CCO helps them care for ward patients whose condition is deteriorating. An 18-item Likert scale questionnaire was adapted to gain opinions on three aspects of the service: The usability of the EWS tool and the escalation protocol; the role and usefulness of the critical care outreach nurse (CCON); and education and sharing of critical care skills. The research was conducted in a 270-bed New Zealand hospital with a nurse-led outreach team. The survey was distributed to adult general wards. It found 45 percent of ward nurses found EWS useful in identifying patients whose condition was deteriorating, 58 percent found EWS easy to use and 82 percent found EWS helped them prioritise workloads. On the role and usefulness of the CCON, 41 percent of surveyed nurses found the post-ICU review helpful, 65 said CCONs were approachable, 71 percent found the CCON shift time of 3pm-11pm was useful, 69 percent said the CCON demonstrated sound clinical knowledge, and 54 percent rated CCONs teaching as sufficient for their needs. When CCO was present, nurses were able to formulate an effective management plan for potentially deteriorating patients and acquired critical care skills needed to manage such patients. The results are comparable with other research which sought nurse opinion of CCO. It indicates nurses believe CCO to be instrumental in increasing critical care skills to prevent deterioration in the clinical area.

Abstract: Surveys nurses at two hospitals during April and May of 2012. Uses bivariate correlations, group comparisons, analysis of variance and multiple regression to analyse the results. Notes that nurses were still experiencing negative emotional effects of the earthquakes and aftershocks of the preceding 18 months. Finds empathy levels and burnout levels were lower than the normative mean, and that empathy and burnout were negatively correlated with age and experience.

Abstract: Examines whether the Family Partnership model could be considered a model for cultural responsiveness while simultaneously providing a platform for more accurate assessment of the cultural competence of Plunket nurse practice. Determines the relationship between Family Partnership training for Plunket nurses and Maori child health outcomes. Distributes an online survey to Plunket nurses who had completed the training and to a group who had not. Conducts 10 observations and interviews with Plunket nurses and Maori clients. Presents the findings in three areas: Plunket nurse practice, client experience, and the impact of Family Partnership training on Plunket as an organisation.

Abstract: Uses a retrospective audit of inpatient treatment and progress notes to examine nursing adherence to a hypoglycaemic protocol. Includes adult medical and surgical inpatients with type 1 or 2 diabetes who had experienced hypoglycaemia during a three-month period. Describes the treatment of hypoglycaemic episodes and variation from the established protocol. Identifies a high degree of recurrent and prolonged hypoglycaemia.