Abstract: Examines whether a postgraduate programme for Well Child/Tamariki Ora (WCTO) nurses prepares nurses new to child health to understand primary health care, health promotion, community nursing and nursing theory. Uses on online survey devised by Plunket National Educators to evaluate the (WCTO) strand of the Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Specialty Nursing curriculum against the delivery of the programme. Assesses student experience and student perceptions of the impact of their learning on their nursing practice. Considers whether it enables nurses to consider the specific populations in their care, or to encourage individuals, families and communities to increase their skills in health-focused daily living. Seeks to ascertain whether the structure of the programme, based on the clinical integration approach, supports nursing practice and academic study.

Abstract: This study evaluates methods of securing urethral urinary catheters, which are a major part of urologic nursing. Basic procedures such as these are poorly researched or reported in the literature. The question of how to secure a urinary catheter and with what device often relies on knowledge, availability of equipment, and on information supplied by manufacturers of commercial devices. This study finds that sometimes the cheaper option of adhesive tape and pin device can still be the best for patients.

Abstract: Part of an international project, the aim of this study was to evaluate a nurse managed primary health care clinic (Mana Health Clinic) from the perspectives of users, funders, and providers of clinical services in order to identify factors which contribute to success. The method used was Fourth Generation Evaluation (FGE) whereby, consistent with the methodological precepts of the constructivist enquiry paradigm, there was active involvement of clients in the process and outcome of the evaluation. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 13 individuals and one focus group. The data yielded four main categories: factors that contribute to success; contrasting past experience of health care with that of nurse-managed care; the effectiveness of nurse-managed care; and suggestions for change in current practice. The authors note that the results to date support a tentative conclusion of success for the clinic. As the study is on-going, summaries of the four categories were fed back to the participants for further discussion and interpretation and eventual integration with data from the similar study being undertaken in the United States. The authors conclude that this paper demonstrates how the use of an appropriate method of evaluation can itself contribute to the success of the nurse managed clinic.

Abstract: This research seeks to determine an evidence basis for selecting content for the clinical skills curriculum in an undergraduate programme. Thirty-three senior nurse clinicians from medical-surgical areas in 2 large hospitals offering student placements were asked to rate the frequency of performance of 77 skills for the beginning registered nurse. Those skills frequently used and rated over 65% were considers for inclusion in the undergraduate programme. Clinicians were asked to list the 10 most important skills and related level of competence expected from the newly-registered nurse.

Abstract: A paper presented as one of the four “Winter Lecture Series” hosted by the Nursing Studies unit of the Department of Education, Victoria University of Wellington. It is a critique of “ The Nursing Process” referred to commonly in nursing education programmes. It challenges the usefulness for nursing of the linear sequence of steps of assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation.

Abstract: Reveals that recent longitudinal evaluation of 21 Nursing Entry to Practice (NETP) programmes in NZ identified that preceptorship selection, education and support are not properly resourced. Identifies the factors preventing preceptors from receiving appropriate training and recommends development of a clearly-defined preceptor selection and education process.

Abstract: This study is an evaluation of student perceptions of a standards based portfolio, which is a is a series of student work that seeks to address pre-determined learning outcomes. Of interest to the study was the relationship between theory and practice, the availability of resources to complete the assignment and the contribution the portfolio made to the process of learning. For a particular unit of learning, 'Nursing Business', second year undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Nursing programme were required to complete a portfolio. The assessment directed the students to meet specific criteria which in turn reflected the learning outcomes.

Abstract: This research explored the relationship between entry criteria and academic performance in the first and second year bioscience papers at Otago Polytechnic School of Nursing. The School's inclusion of a bioscience requirement varies from the Nursing Council criteria for acceptance into undergraduate nursing programmes. Six hundred and nineteen academic records of 1994-2002 graduates were sampled. Chi-square and correlational analyses found a relationship between entry qualifications and students' academic performance in the two papers. The entry criteria had a stronger relationship with the students' performance in the first year bioscience paper than the second year paper. Performance in the first year was predicative of second year performance. Age was also found to be a useful predictor of grades. These findings support the School's Bioscience entry criteria and provide important information for admission committees.