Abstract: In 2003 the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act was introduced and established separate regulatory authorities for nursing and midwifery. This study is designed to explore the experiences of dually registered practitioners affected by this divide, as now there are two separate and possible paths, and two corresponding sets of competencies to fulfil. The design for this qualitative descriptive study utilised the written and oral narratives of three practitioners affected by this professional regulation and demonstrated its impact on their career development. Individual storytelling, as narrative, provided a theoretical lens aiding insight into their experience and pattern of decision making. In addition, symbolic consideration of the study data was provided by collective storytelling via the perennial myth of the hero journey. Shifting professional ground following the Health Practitioners Competence Act 2003 generated a focus for the inquiry into practitioners' modes of adjustment. For the practitioners in the study, transition between the occupational roles of nursing and midwifery comprised the possible career trajectories. A status passage, as the process of change from one social status to another, is described and includes the transitional experience of anticipation, expectation, contrast, and change. The author suggests that the findings from this research provide illumination of the nuances of professional decision making as a lived experience, and highlight how these practitioners dealt with shifting meaning, values, awareness, choices, and relationships. Aspects of group agency and identity, change management, and professional role transition were revealed. Life pattern, revealed through narrative, was an important research construct for exposing the ways in which the participants negotiated change, and displayed the function of their thinking and reasoning through dilemmas. Perception of individual and group identity revealed attitudes of esteem to the dominant discourse, and exposed dynamic tension between work patterns and life stage. Renegotiating arrangements of personal and professional commitment resulted from this dynamic interplay, and the relationship to stress and burnout was explored.

Abstract: Examines the mobility experiences and needs of morbidly-obese patients before and during hospital admission. Undertakes semi-structured interviews with seven morbidly obese patients. Identifies two categories of mobility problems: 'compromised pre-existing mobility', with a subcategory of 'accessing services prior to admission' and 'mobilisation difficulties during hospitalisation', with a subcategory of 'dissonance between dependency and need for assistance'. Recommends bariatric-care pathways for the morbidly-obese patient.

Abstract: The aim was to report on implementation of a nursing initiative of cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening risk assessment at the Mornington Health Centre, Dunedin, with initial outcomes after six months. The practice aim was 80% of their eligible population assessed within three to four years, particularly targeting high-risk groups. The audit indicates that in their first six months, Mornington Health Centre had screened 42% of their eligible patients. This is described as very successful progress towards their goal of 80%. A number of key organisational factors are identified that are likely to have contributed to the development and success of the nurse CVD risk assessment programme at Mornington Health Centre. The authors suggest that this case study demonstrates how organisational change, where the practice nurse role in the multidisciplinary team is clear, can facilitate a practice to meet a population-based goal.

Abstract: Examines the lived experiences of adults with myasthenia gravis(MG). Uses an interpretive phenomenological approach applying the research methodology of van Manen (1990). Interviews seven people living with MG and records their experiences of the disease. Poses broadly-worded questions about various topics related to MG, that include diagnosis, symptoms, treatments and coping strategies, guided by individual experiences. Reveals by means of thematic analysis that MG affects every aspect of a person?s ?lifeworld?: their sense of time, body, and space and their relationships with others. Highlights three main themes embedded in the data experienced by a person with MG: living with uncertainty, living with weakness and living with change.

Abstract: This research project was undertaken to inform nurse educators in the Department of Nursing and Health Studies of Manukau Institute of Technology of the employment opportunities for new graduate nurses emerging from the three year degree and registration programme. Graduates from the programme for the previous three years were surveyed for their experiences in gaining employment. 89.8% of graduates were successful in gaining employment in the first three months post registration. The number of graduates employed within a district health board declined across the three years but there were no significant differences between cohorts. Overall, 73% of graduates were employed into new graduate positions. The majority of graduates felt that their nursing education prepared them well for their role as a registered nurse. The findings of the qualitative data identified a strong need for science throughout the degree; longer clinical blocks; increased hands on experience; more practice with skills and less theory in relation to practical experience.

Abstract: This pilot descriptive study examines and measures the characteristics of preceptors of new graduate registered nurses undertaking the Nurse Entry to Practice Programme in an acute hospital in New Zealand. Thirty-three new graduate registered nurses at the five month stage of the programme completed a questionnaire pertaining to the characteristics of their preceptors. The questionnaires were adapted from the Ferrans and Powers (1998) Quality of Life Questionnaire. The adapted questionnaires were designed to measure the importance, satisfaction and overall quality of the preceptor's characteristics as perceived by the new graduate registered nurse, using a Likert Scale. Literature both international and national was examined to gain an understanding of the importance of the characteristics in question, in relation to the new graduate registered nurse preceptee experience. Descriptive data revealed the importance of characteristics as perceived by the new graduate nurse preceptee, and how satisfied the new graduate nurse was with their particular preceptor's characteristics. The results identified that the majority of new graduates were satisfied with the characteristics of their preceptor but there was evidence of negative discrepancies between the mean importance and satisfaction scores. The range of data between the scores of the overall quality of the preceptor uncovered areas where the quality of preceptorship was unsatisfactory as perceived by the new graduate nurse. The discrepancies in the data were examined and recommendations made for additional research, regarding selection and evaluation of preceptors of the new graduate registered nurse within the hospital environment.

Abstract: For this study, an anonymous survey was sent to registered nurses in their first year of practice. From the 1169 survey instruments that were distributed, 551 were returned completed (a response rate of 47%). The most common inappropriate behaviour by patients involved verbal threats, verbal sexual harassment, and physical intimidation. There were 22 incidents of assault requiring medical intervention and 21 incidents of participants being stalked by patients. Male graduates and younger nurses were especially vulnerable. Mental health was the service area most at risk. A most distressing incident was described by 123 (22%) of respondents. The level of distress caused by the incident was rated by 68 of the 123 respondents (55%) as moderate or severe. Only half of those who described a most distressing event indicated they had some undergraduate training in protecting against assault or in managing potentially violent incidents. After registration, 45 (37%) indicated they had received such training. The findings of this study indicate priorities for effective prevention programmes.