Abstract: This paper looks broadly at issues to do with quality monitoring in higher education and considers the role and focus of the Nursing Council of New Zealand in the approval of and ongoing monitoring of undergraduate nursing degree programmes. It is suggested that the approach taken by the Nursing Council is accountability led where minimal attention is given to teaching and learning and actual graduate outcomes. This may lead to a mistaken belief that Nursing Council's monitoring focuses on quality or that the outcomes of their monitoring might contribute to programme enhancement. A shift to emphasise learning processes, students and continual improvement in order to enhance programme quality is proposed.

Abstract: Explores the complexity of values and beliefs along with contextual factors that enable and constrain stakeholder collaboration between student nurses, registered nurses in clinical practice, and academic clinical educators. Gathers data through focus groups and individual interviews to identify how and when collaboration among the stakeholders occurs.

Abstract: Employs Arksey and O'Malley's framework to undertake a scoping literature review to find out how critical thinking is promoted among nursing learners such as students and junior nurses in acute care.

Abstract: Argues that the Fundamentals of Care (FOC) conceptual framework is essential for nursing schools to teach and on which to assess nursing students for clinical competency. Provides a national overview of undergraduate pre-registration nursing curricula in NZ, exploring what and how schools of nursing teach and assess FoC. Distributes a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire to course coordinators between 2019 and 2020, revealing variations in how FOC is taught and the lack of standardisation in course design. Highlights the opportunity for the Nursing Council to develop a national, evidenced-based FOC educational strategy.

Abstract: Argues that undergraduate nurse education contributes to the problem of too few nurses choosing to work in aged care, by constructing working in aged care as a lower-status or less valuable area of work than other health-care areas. Examines the issue using Foucauldian discourse analysis to explore the dominant discourses being deployed in relation to clinical experience in aged care. Collects data through semi-structured interviews with 10 senior academic staff members from NZ tertiary institutions. Analyses interview data to reveal how a 'nurse education discourse' and a 'work-ready discourse' were shaping perceptions of aged care as a clinical experience in a variety of ways. Suggests that how and why aged care is utilised as a space to learn a range of nursing skills has the unintended effect of devaluing and discouraging employment in aged care settings.

Abstract: Evaluates and synthesises the existing evidence for the use of high-fidelity simulation in undergraduate nursing education programmes. Uses an integrative literature review methodology to retrieve 16 studies relating to student learning from simulation. Identifies a shift in focus from technical to soft skill acquisition.

Abstract: Conducts thematic analysis to identify two predominant gender scripts: of nursing as women's work, and that men who nurse are homosexual. Notes the associated themes of the effect of negative stereotyping on male nurses' career choice, and their resistance to the stereotype of normative masculinity. Considers that the same barriers to men becoming nurses have remained unchanged since first identified and discussed in the 1960s.

Abstract: The aims of this study were to illuminate the joint constructions of exemplary nurses and their lived experiences of being and becoming one. Inherent in being 'exemplary' was the notion of 'becoming', which involved the integration of knowledge and experiences through reflecting on the day-to-day of 'being a nurse'. Being exemplary was not about perfection but learning from every experience and integrating these into becoming. The author developed a creative qualitative and participatory method. Ten exemplary nurses were recruited and interviewed three times. They also provided supplementary data such as photos, poetry and writings. Analysis occurred through first and second level categorising and the use of writing as method. Writing became a way of knowing – assisting discovery and allowing reflection on the data in order to connect the categories and themes together in a coherent and workable whole. The author reports that the above method led to the following emergent findings. The pivotal construct was Authentic Being, through living a reflective life, surrounded by the major constructs of Love of Nursing, Making a Difference, Critical Friends, Walking the Talk and Backpack patients. These constructs directed a specific and comprehensive review of both the philosophical and nursing literature. This review was not used to expand or enlarge the findings but to enlighten, illuminate and clarify. Significant philosophical ideas were extended, developed and synthesised with the findings. The author suggests that the new knowledge that emerged from this research has profound implications for everyday nursing practice, undergraduate and post graduate nursing education, and for Charge Nurses and Senior Nurses, who are of vital importance as role models, mentors and critical friends. The results are significant and are important for nurses and the nursing profession and contribute to, and advance, nursing knowledge.