Abstract: The purpose of this article is to review evidence about nurse workload, staffing, skill mix, turnover, and organisational characteristics' effect on outcomes; discuss methodological considerations in this research; discuss research initiatives currently under way; review policy initiatives in different countries; and make recommendations where more research is needed. Overall, an understanding of the relationships among nurse staffing and organisational climate to patient safety and health outcomes is beginning to emerge in the literature. Little is known about nursing turnover and more evidence is needed with consistent definitions and control of underlying patient characteristics. Research and policy initiatives in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States are summarised.

Abstract: This dissertation came out of the author's wondering why there are still so few men going into nursing especially when the history of nursing reveals that men have been a part of nursing for a long time. In New Zealand it is only since the mid seventies that men have been able to gain the exact same nursing qualifications as their women colleagues. The author notes that men in nursing are still seen as unusual in that they work in a predominantly female occupation and have had their masculinity questioned by the myth that all men in nursing must be gay. There is also the notion that caring is a difficult task for men and is seen by society as a uniquely feminine ability. Both issues are related to dominant notions of masculinity. In addition to this there is currently a crisis in terms of a nursing shortage and it has been suggested that one way to resolve this crisis is to encourage more men into nursing. Thus this exploration as to why there are so few men in nursing is timely. Men who choose nursing as a career risk challenging the traditional roles of their gender stereotype. A comprehensive search of the literature from different disciplines reveals deeper issues than just the commonly held assumption that nursing is not masculine. Exploring the issues of gender with a particular focus on masculinity has uncovered the concept of hegemonic masculinity. This describes how gender is practiced in a way that legitimises patriarchy, reinforcing the dominant position of men over women as well as over other groups of men. It is these patriarchal attitudes that have seen men marginalised within nursing. On the one hand men in nursing could be seen as challenging the current dominant masculine ideal. However, on the other hand men in nursing may not challenge this hegemonic masculinity; instead often supporting the status quo in an effort to maintain their own masculinity. The author suggests that the implication for nursing, if it is to increase the numbers of men in the profession, is to challenge this notion of hegemonic masculinity. This needs to be done appropriately by critically examining this concept rather than by merely replacing one hegemony with another. He goes on to say that it is now time for nursing education to include a critical exploration of gender issues and how it relates to men as part of undergraduate nursing education for both men and women students.

Abstract: Aims to inform future curriculum design to support, retain, and attract more men to nursing. Uses a descriptive qualitative design to explore the experiences of male nurses prior, during and after the Bacelor of Nursing degree. Conducts semi-structured interviews with 9 male nurses resulting in two main themes: isolation during training; inaccurate public perception of the of the scope of the modern nurse.

Abstract: Uses an instrumental case study to explore the role of Advanced Choice of Employment (ACE) on the decision to enter the Nurse Entry to Specialised Practice (NESP). Examines the NESP programme in one DHB in which 14 participants who had accepted positions on NESP without specifying the specialty were given semi-structured interviews, as was the NESP coordinator about the employer experience of NESP. Suggests how education providers and DHBs can prepare ACE applicants for the recruitment process.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore how young people make career choices and why young people choose or reject nursing as a career choice. This study has highlighted the complexity of this decision-making process, and the importance of making positive connections and offering appropriate support during this process. It seems that many young people are well equipped to make career decisions when given support.
The need to recruit people from minority cultures into nursing is a global issue. This study also highlights the need for an inter-sectoral approach to raise the profile of nursing and make a career that is attractive to young people.