Abstract: Identifies critical factors related to the occupational health and safety of workplaces and working conditions in residential aged-care facilities (RACF), from the perspective of nursing staff. Correlates quality indicators for occupational health and safety for workplaces and in working conditions with nursing care quality based on the InterRAI Clinical Assessment Protocols (CAP). Uses a mixed-method approach to conduct an audit of workplace health and safety and environmental conditions in 17 RACFs. Surveys 398 registered nurses (RN), enrolled nurses (EN), and Healthcare Assistants (HCA) about the mental and physical stressors in their work.

Abstract: Registered nurses in residential aged care work with older people who have complex care needs. Besides providing direct care, these nurses have a wide range of responsibilities which include supervising staff and attending to the smooth running of the care facility. This grounded theory study using dimensional analysis was aimed at answering the question: How do registered nurses organise their work? Indepth interviews were conducted with 10 registered nurses who worked in a range of positions in aged care facilities. Theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis was used to guide both ongoing data collectiona and data analysis. Categories were examined for their relationships and dimensions to arrive at a substantive grounded theory which the author has named 'shifting focus'. Individual and institutional philosophies of care were core elements in the registered nurses' focus of work. There was a relationship between staffing adequacy, individual and institutional philosophies of care, and the focus of registered nurse work. These relationships created conditions where the registered nurse would focus on ensuring the delivery of individualised resident care or focus on getting through the routine of care. The relationship between staffing adequacy, philosophies of care and the registered nurses' focus of work remained consistent when staffing adequacy changed. In instances of decreased staffing adequacy, the participants' focus shifted to either maintaining individualised care or focusing on safety. When the registered nurse aimed to change the philosophy of care, an increase in staffing adequacy enabled some aspects of cultural change to commence. The relationships between residents, family and staff were significant contrasting elements within an individualised philosophy of care, and an institutional philosophy of care. In the former, relationships were valued and developed. In the latter, they were benevolent, functional or conflicted. The significance of this study is that it reveals how registered nurses and management personnel in aged care facilities, can create conditions where the relationships between residents, their families and staff, are valued and developed to result in positive care outcomes. It is recommended that future research be conducted to examine the resources required to maintain an individualised approach to the nursing care of residents in aged care facilities.

Abstract: In November 2005, the Oxford Community Health Centre (OCHC) introduced an innovative way of delivering primary health care to the residents of Oxford. This was in response to the difficulty with recruitment and retention of medical staff for the solo General Practitioner (GP) at OCHC. Primary health care services are now the shared responsibility of the Rural Nurse Specialists (RNS) and the GPs. This initiative is underpinned by a collaborative approach in sharing patient care between the GPs and RNSs to improve access to primary health care and foster staff retention. The team at OCHC is keen to consolidate and enhance the success of collaboration. Therefore, this dissertation has reviewed a range of literature in order to identify lessons that can be learned for the future. Two key factors that have implications for OCHC are the structural effects of the organisation and the interpersonal relationships between the GPs and RNSs. The structural effects include: the structure and philosophy at OCHC, and the social, cultural, and educational influences within the organisation. It is the nature of the interpersonal relationships that can affect the development and success of collaboration through a willingness to collaborate and the existence of mutual respect, trust, and effective communication between the RNSs and GPs. Strategies to foster collaboration at OCHC in the future include: staff participation in making collaboration visible within the philosophy at OCHC, a workshop for staff to further define roles and differentiate activities according to skill-mix; and the involvement of a nurse in decision-making at the organisational level. The author suggests that these strategies could also be beneficial to other rural practices that are striving to maintain a sustainable primary health care service.

Abstract: Charts a detailed description and analysis of how aspects of the strategies of the Nurse Safe Staffing Project work in everyday hospital settings. Argues that nurses' situated knowledge and work are being organised and overridden by competing institutional knowledge and priorities in a competitive institutional environment. Demonstrates the consequences for nurses, patients and staffing strategies. Conducts 30 interviews with 26 participants, including frontline nurses and participants in safe staffing projects.

Abstract: Explores the experiences of self-employed registered nurses (RN) in NZ working in the practice area of professional advice and policy. Enrols 13 home-based participants and conducts interviews about their practice scopes and limitations from the perspectives of liminality and gender theories, with a feminist post-structuralist lens.

Abstract: Evaluates whether simulation helps to prepare student nurses for clinical practice. Conducts a research project to establish if the use of simulation in nursing education provides added value to the clinical experience of students. Uses a qualitative, descriptive approach as the methodology to interview a voluntary purposeful sample of nursing students enrolled across the BN programme. Aministers focus group interviews with 10 nursing students from semester two through to final semester, year three.

Abstract: Presents the results of a stop-smoking trial using a financial incentive to assist Maori nursing students and a whanau quit-mate to quit smoking. Conducts a marae-based 24-week programme of cessation support with financial incentives in the form of scholarship payments awarded to students incrementally based on proven smoking cessation of both quit mates. Uses focus groups at two points in the programme with students and their quit mates and administers a questionnaire to students at the end of the programme.

Abstract: Reports nurses' perspectives on their role in the extended Well Child/Tamariki Ora service to teenage mothers which has been delivered by the Royal NZ Plunket Society since 2011 to adolescent mothers in Hawke's Bay. Focuses on what nurses consider necessary for this client population and the challenges nurses face. Evaluates the service at two intervals : first when the babies were six months old, and second when they were three years. Conducts interviews to identify the factors essential to successful service delivery : trusting nurse/client relationships, strong inter-agency relationships, team-work and support.