Abstract: Explores in depth the clinical research nurse role in the informed consent process using a qualitative descriptive approach. Interviews three clinical research nurses, identifying three themes using a thematic analysis approach. Describes the themes: preparatory partnerships, partnering the participant, and partnership with the project. Suggests that the informed consent process in trials can be a nurse-led one.

Abstract: Illustrates the use of participatory action research (PAR) to assist in the improvement of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in one Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in a NZ hospital, by means of audit, observation and interview. Describes the unfolding processes of PAR, as well as the inclusion of a secondary discourse analysis and parental perspectives from local and global literature.

Abstract: This study draws upon Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics to explore the understandings that four men have had of their past suicidal experiences. The interpretations developed in this study, as far as possible, make explicit use of the author's own particular horizon of meaning as researcher and mental health nurse. In addition, by consciously bringing an anti-essentialist perspective of masculinity to this process, he explores the way in which gender impacts on men's suicidality. The primary source of information for this study is in-depth, open-ended conversations with four men of European descent in their middle adult years who were asked to talk about their past experiences of suicidality. The interpretations developed here show that for these men, the hermeneutic fusion of history, language, and sociocultural context, provided limited possibilities with which they were able to construe themselves as 'fitting in' with normative standards. These constraints, that are otherwise taken-for-granted and invisible, became explicit through their experience of ongoing victimisation. Furthermore, early understandings of these experiences became a potent horizon of meaning from which they then came to understand later difficult experiences. Victimisation became constitutive of an understanding of self as fundamentally different and (hierarchically)'less-than' other men. Ultimately, suicidality emerged out of a background of ever-present psychological pain accompanying a construction of self as being unable to see themselves as ever 'fitting in'. These men did not regard themselves as having recovered from suicidality, but remain in a process of recovering. This process did not mean figuring out how to 'fit in', or become 'normal' men, but rather, to live meaningfully as men in spite of not 'fitting in' with the sociocultural ideal. Recovering was a continual and idiosyncratic process, rather than an outcome of a specific technique or knowledge. The position taken in this study is that mental health nursing seeks to engage with people and work with them in collaborative, respectful, human relationships. It is argued that mental health nurses work with an individual's situated understandings rather than delivering prescribed treatment determined by diagnosis. Hence, viewing suicidality as socioculturally situated and historically emergent suggests mental health nurses must closely attend to the way in which we bring ourselves into relationships with our clients so that we are then able to create opportunities for change.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore with a small number of Maori families their experiences of accessing health care when their children were unwell with a respiratory condition. A qualitative research methodology was used in the study. Participating families were among those experiencing an admission to a children's ward between July and December 2003. Four families were interviewed. They discussed in depth their experience of accessing health care for their unwell children. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and three common themes were evident: family resources, choice of health service provider and parents' feelings of vulnerability. The findings highlight that while socio-economic status plays a large part in determining the ease with which families can access the needed health care, there are other barriers within the health system which also pose difficulties for Maori.

Abstract: This research aims to design and test the feasibility of an intervention promoting smoking cessation, and reducing smoking relapse, among Māori nurses who smoke. It is being conducted in two phases. Phase one, a national web-based survey, conducted in December 2012, explored the views of Māori nurses (smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers) regarding smoking. This paper reports on the analysis of qualitative responses from 410 nurses and nursing students identifying as Māori who completed an online survey. Five themes were identified: beliefs about smoking; ?for our tamariki?; personal stories of quitting; dissatisfaction with current approaches; and plans for future strategies. The findings confirm that nurses who smoke may experience feelings of conflict, and regard their behaviour as inconsistent with their role as nurses and health promoters. Nurses who smoke must be supported to become, and to stay, smokefree. Tailored Māori-specific cessation initiatives are needed.

Abstract: Highlights the perspectives of Maori families using health services provided by Well Child/Tamariki Ora (WCTO), citing institutional racism and unconscious bias. Interviews 18 families with children under five years, about their experiences of WCTO services. Employs a Kaupapa Maori research methodology to develop Mahi Ngatahi, a theory for culturally-responsive WCTO services.

Abstract: 'No suicide contracts' are a tool commonly used by nurses in community crisis situations. At times this tool is utilised because the clinician believes that it is beneficial. However, there are other occasions when 'No suicide contracts' are introduced in a manner that runs counter to the clinical judgement of the crisis nurse. This paper discusses the results of a qualitative study that addressed the question of why nurses use 'No suicide contracts' in such situations, rather than relying on their own expertise. This analysis suggests that underlying concerns of clinicians can determentally affect decision-making in such circumstances, and recommends that rather than subjugating nursing expertise, underlying issues be addressed directly.

Abstract: Introduces institutional ethnography as an approach to sociological inquiry for health and nursing research in NZ. Provides an overview, introducing key concepts, and describing how institutional ethnography is used in research on the establishment of nurse practitioners and their services in rural primary health care.