Abstract: The author takes a multidisciplinary approach to examine how the location and concept rural is defined and provides a critique of the disparate definitions available. Definitions encompass different disciplines such as sociology and anthropology, and there are national distinctions based on historical factors. The chapter also investigates the way researchers speak about rural people, particularly as the human aspect of health is a primary concern to nursing. The focus is on the socio-cultural, occupational, ecological, and health aspects of rurality. The Rural Framework Wheel is introduced, which is a method to categorise rural contextual definitions. Rurality is presented as a variable and evolving concept that provides particular challenges to nursing practice.

Abstract: The author traces the development of rural nursing, which began as an assistant role for general practitioners, to the present role which incorporates advanced nursing practice. She reports the results of two surveys of nurses' roles and skills, from 1996 and 1999-2000. Specific rural competencies are identified, in managing isolation, professionalism in a small community, nurse/patient relationships in a small community, and independence.

Abstract: Although it is accepted in rural nursing literature that the context shapes nursing practice there is limited opportunity to gain an understanding of how this occurs. This dissertation addresses this issue. Firstly, by employing a social geographical lens to define and examine the dynamic, evolving rural context and secondly, by considering the nursing concepts that arise from those contextual factors that relate directly to rural societal health needs. Defining 'rural' is essential when describing or debating rural nursing practice in context. However, there remains no universally accepted definition of 'rural'. Despite this and even though each location is individually specific, there are socio-cultural, occupational, ecological and health aspects that are common and bespeak rural society. These aspects have been developed into a Rural Framework Wheel as a visual reference to demonstrate the substantial influences which impact on nursing practice within the rural context. The framework encapsulates the distinctive dimensions that are hallmarks of rural nursing practice. Nurses can therefore use the framework to express concisely their individualised practice and competence by employing the two broad themes that have emerged from the literature; that of 'nursing per se' and 'partnership'. The Rural Framework Wheel is recommended as a paradigm to critique the practice of rural nurses from an educational, employment, research and political perspective. It is advocated that this framework be used by rural nurses to describe their practice and therefore to express the distinctiveness of the rural nursing identity.

Abstract: Rural nursing in the remote context of South Westland is shaped by factors common to rural nursing practice world-wide including geographical and professional isolation, living and working in a small community, providing health care to rural people and the broad, generalist and advanced scope of nursing practice. Tourism is a major industry in the townships in the proximity of the two accessible glaciers in South Westland. The practice of the nurses in these areas is significantly affected by tourists seeking health care and by providing a health service for the large number of migrant seasonal workers who service the tourist industry. Tourists seek health care from the nurses across the full spectrum of health problems and their expectations of the health care required may exceed the service that can be provided. The nurses are challenged to advance their practice to find the personal and professional resources to provide a safe service. This includes the challenge of cultural safety and personal safety. The tourist industry brings significant numbers of young people as seasonal/temporary workers to the glacier areas. This imposes a youth culture onto the existing rural culture. Nursing practice has expanded to include the specialist practice of youth health care that includes the problems of alcohol and drug misuse, sexual and reproductive health, and youth mental health. This work is drawn from the experience of the nurses working in the glacier communities. The impact of the tourism industry on their rural nursing practice includes the increasing volume of work that challenges the viability of the service, the advanced scope of practice required to meet the health needs of tourists and the seasonal tourist industry workers, and challenges to personal and professional safety.

Abstract: This article reports data from 15 schools of nursing, surveyed to identify difficulties experienced by nurse educators with respect to entry, progression and programme completion of undergraduate nursing students. Risk assessment, along with a lack of clear policy and procedures were found to be the main problem areas. Difficulties were exacerbated for educators when there were challenges to their professional judgement, either from the Nursing Council of New Zealand or from within their own institution. The authors argue for more recognition of the dual role of nurse educators, and greater clarification of the Nursing Council of New Zealand role in regulating the student's programme entry and progression, and ultimate admission to the Register. It is suggested that the recently passed Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003) provides nursing with an opportunity to address some of these issues.

Abstract: This paper documents a practice development initiative with the aim of formulating a rationale for the professional practice development of a relatively recently conceived nursing initiative; that of a Palliative Care Liaison Nurse (PCLN) role. The project involved conducting an inquiry through a search of the literature with the aim of discovering ways to articulate, then develop, the role to meet the needs of elderly people living in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs), their family and the whanau. The paper initially explores the concept of liaison roles globally, to consider how this role might be located as an interagency position between palliative care and aged care within the context of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The paper then reveals the perceived skills and personal attributes required by a person in the PCLN role that the author, drawing from personal and professional experience of having been appointed to this position, considers are necessary to effectively manage the diverse dimensions of this role. Bridging the gap is a key role discussed which centres on the capacity to organise and present an effective education programme while supporting, encouraging and role modeling for staff providing the day to day nursing care. This role involves practice wisdom and advocating for change and tolerance within everyday practice. An example of this dimension is discussed in depth, because the researcher considers that through staff working together, they can effectively bridge the knowledge-practice gap which exists between specialist palliative and gerontological nursing care.

Abstract: Explores whether there is a relationship between staffing and quality indicators in residential care of older people, in both rest homes and continuing-care hospitals. Conducts a longitudinal survey of 18 residential-care rest homes and 16 continuing-care hospitals in the greater Auckland region to explore the relationship between direct-care staffing levels, skill mix and quality indicators. Collects data over a 6-month period on type of staffing, including registered nurses, enrolled nurses, and support workers; quality indicators, including falls, new fractures, pressure ulcers, weight loss, urinary tract infections (UTI), poly-pharmacy or multiple medications, presence of indwelling catheters and use of daily restraints. Uses logistic analysis to analyse the inverse relationship between staffing levels and adverse events, and whether there is an association between staff type and the incidence of the five quality indicators.

Abstract: Case study research, as a qualitative methodology, attracts some criticism, especially related to rigour, reliability and validity. A New Zealand-based study that explored complex phenomena – flexible learning for postgraduate nurses – provides a practical example of how the case study design can address these criticisms. Through describing the mixed methods used, different sources and methods of data collection, and data analysis, the process of achieving data quality and trustworthiness are highlighted.