Abstract: This research presents a discourse analysis of articles published in the New Zealand Herald between October 1999 and September 2005. The terms “nurse prescribing” and “prescribing fights” identified seven articles published which referred specifically to this issue. They were predominantly editorial comments and statements attributed to senior doctors. Examples of comments from these articles are presented and discussed in this article, and three inter-related themes are identified – competence, responsibility and competition. Discussion on competence centred on education, skill and experience level of nurses, as described by editorial comment and senior doctors. Positive international research and experience of nurse prescribing did not feature. A number of comments in the articles analysed could be seen to represent concerns about competition between medicine and nursing. One interpretation of the comments contained in these articles is to see medical practitioner groups defending their status and desire to define and control nursing practice. The media has the power to select the information conveyed and, in these instances, appears to have demonstrated a bias towards the medical community's perspective.

Abstract: This study describes the impact of a sudden, traumatic natural disaster on a bachelor of nursing programme, and the capacity and processes required to minimise disruption to programme delivery and student learning. This descriptive case study, undertaken across 2011-2012, collected data through interviews, a survey and artefact collection. Six key themes emerged from the inductive and descriptive statistical analyses: context; communication; leadership and followership; decision making; the need to balance shifting priorities around professional responsibilities and personal imperatives; and taking action and action plans. The conclusions reached emphasise safety as the first priority, encourage personal risk mitigation, and emphasise the importance of ongoing support and flexibility for all staff and students as well as the need for clear communication and decision-making. What is perhaps most important to take from this experience is that a plan does not, by itself, equal preparedness; every institution must look to its own context, consider its own priorities, and formulate its own approach to preparedness.

Abstract: Little is known about the preparation of New Zealand nurse educators teaching clinically focused postgraduate programmes. This research gives an insight into their world and the preparation they had in order to fulfil their roles. A review of the literature on nurse educator preparation revealed a dichotomy of preparation nationally and internationally. This study was carried out to inform the New Zealand nursing profession on the preparedness of its educators teaching clinical nursing postgraduate programmes. It was the author's assumption that nurse educator preparation lacked strategic direction and was not nationally uniform. The research expected to answer how and to what extent New Zealand nurse educators teaching clinical nursing postgraduate courses at NQF Level 8 are prepared and supported for their teaching role. This research used an exploratory descriptive survey methodology and was underpinned by a conceptual framework. The conceptual framework, referred to as the critical elements of nurse educator preparation (CENEP), contained four key concepts, support, educational preparation, personal attitudes and experience. These concepts informed the design and construct of a questionnaire to determine the level of preparation of New Zealand nurse educators teaching clinical postgraduate programmes. A total of 89 postal questionnaires were administered resulting in a response rate of 46% (N=41), however, four questionnaires were excluded leaving a sample size of 37. Results of this research reveal a culture where nurse educator preparation lacks uniformity and consistency. Individually, New Zealand nurse educators were found to be highly qualified for their positions and motivated and enthusiastic about their roles. However, 40% of respondents did not hold a teaching qualification. Results from this research revealed a pattern of clinical training for postgraduate nurses that was immersed in the world of the academic institution. This research study is limited and cannot be generalised to the entire population of nurse educators teaching clinical postgraduate programmes. However, some valuable insights have been gained into a previously unexplored area, and recommendations have been made for the future direction of preparation for nurse educators teaching clinical postgraduate programmes in New Zealand.

Abstract: Literature and discussion on the role of caring theory in nursing has been in evidence for at least the past 30 years. Many nursing theorists have identified caring as the heart of nursing. Nursing is a profession involved and concerned with relationships. These relationships begin in the schools of nursing, and are continued into the clinical practice setting. Curriculum development is focused on ensuring nurses are prepared for the real world of practice. It is the author's belief, that nurses who receive their education in an environment where caring is modelled and evidenced throughout the curriculum, become nurses who continue to practice in a caring way. This dissertation will demonstrate that Swanson's (1991) five caring processes provide a framework to evidence caring practice within a nursing curriculum. The author believes this topic needs to be discussed as schools of nursing continue to review their curricula to prepare nurses for an ever changing and challenging health environment. This dissertation explores the question, 'If caring is at the heart of the profession of nursing, is it also at the heart of nursing education?' The author's objective is to inform the reader, and perhaps encourage educators to be courageous in the demonstration of caring practice, and in the development of caring curricula.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the practice of flexible learning for postgraduate nurses. Flexible learning is a contemporary approach to learning that utilises the benefits of technology. Flexible learning can be understood as a continuum, from fully on-line or web-based courses, to those that are on-campus and supported by technology. Internationally, the rise of flexible learning has been influenced by increased demand for higher education and competition among providers within the context of reduced education funding. The study population, New Zealand postgraduate nurses, are accessing higher education in increasing numbers to advance their practice and to position themselves for new roles and opportunities. These are often experienced nurses yet inexperienced in higher university education, who combine study, work and other commitments. The study employed a qualitative case study design because it enabled multiple perspectives to be gained. Data included documentation, participant observation, survey, students' assessed work and interviews with key stakeholders: student, teacher and the organisation. Thematic analysis was conducted on reviewed documentation, participant observation and interviews. The study identifies the elements that contribute to flexible learning and the interconnectedness between the elements within the dynamic context of a university to illustrate that effective flexible learning can be provided by using a student centred approach to ensure the learning needs of postgraduate nurses are met. The author concludes that flexible learning improved access, choice, and provided an emphasis on the student as central to learning. In response to these findings the weighting of recommendations are toward the organisation as, the author suggests, it is at this level where greater change can be made to improve support for flexible learning provision.

Abstract: This thesis explores the nature of the emergency department environment as it continues to challenge emergency nurses to meet the health needs of an increasingly complex emergency department population. The emergency nurse is also facing conflict and challenge with regard to workplace safety and patient rights. The author suggests that, until recently, very little debate or consideration has been given to the moral dilemmas raised in the ability of emergency department staff to deliver timely and appropriate care in an overcrowded environment. She goes on to say that, in New Zealand, there is no national consistency with regard to the waiting crisis, no national guidelines and no national consensus putting the emergency nurse at risk. This thesis argues the need to acknowledge waiting times as a significant safety issue at a national level as increasing waiting times continue to impact on patient outcomes and nursing practice. It challenges current practice, in particular the role of the emergency nurse and the potential to legitimise expansion of the role to improve the patient experience of waiting in the emergency department.

Abstract: This paper presents research findings from a New Zealand study that explored emergency nurses' differentiation of non-cardiac chest pain from panic disorder and raised significant issues in the nursing assessment and management of such clients. The data were gathered from focus group interviews and were analysed thematically. Three themes, prioritising time, managing uncertainty and ambiguity, and the life-threatening lens, were identified. The findings confirm that a panic disorder is not always diagnosed when biomedical assessment is used in isolation from a psychosocial assessment. Emergency nurses are pivotal in reversing the cycle of repeat presenters with non-cardiac chest pain. Recommendations for assessing and managing this complex condition are presented.