Abstract: Surveys the knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses (RNs) regarding pain management in the care of the post-operative patient, across five District Health Boards (DHBs). Collects data using a modified version of the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP) tool (Ferrell & McCaffery, 2014), in a cross-sectional descriptive non-experimental design.

Abstract: Uses a mixed-methods approach to identify the behaviours and cues that nurses recognise as indicators of unsafe practice. Details those factors that influence unsafe practice. Reports the actions and responses taken by nurses who encounter unsafe practice by their peers. Conducts surveys of nurses about their perceptions of unsafe practice and the organisational practices and policies for its prevention.

Abstract: Maintains that duty to care is a fundamental basis of nursing practice. Explores the historical origins and development of the concept, alongside nurses' legal, ethical and professional parameters associated with duty of care. Identifies major concepts including legal and common-law definitions of duty of care, duty of care as an evolving principle, the moral commitment to care, and the relevance of duty of care to nursing practice in NZ.

Abstract: Asserts that bullying is common in nursing, and particularly in mental health nursing. Conducts a literature review before administering a mixed-method online survey to registered nurse (RN) inpatient mental health nurses, of whom 38 responded.

Abstract: Surveys 11 RN prescribers working in cardiology, respiratory health, diabetes and primary care working in one DHB, about the medicines they prescribe for their areas of practice. Reveals the importance of regular updates to the list of medications available for RN prescribers.

Abstract: Conducts 12 interviews with Registered Nurses (RN) 18 months after the International Resident Assessment Instrument for Long-Term Care Facilities (interRAI-LTCF) became mandatory in NZ. Bases the interviews on a United Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Analyses the benefits and drawbacks of InterRAI-LTCF according to RN experience, and what they feel would improve the system.

Abstract: This paper reports a study that examined the factors that assisted or hindered the transition of a group of enrolled nurses to registration/degree programmes, via a flexible course developed by a North Island tertiary institution. The study follows ten enrolled nurses, primarily Maori and working in rural settings, as they continued to work while studying at a small satellite campus. The study was exploratory and descriptive, and utilised focus group interviews. Two major categories emerged from comparative analysis of the data. One category entitled 'relearning how to learn', demonstrated the cognitive and behavioural adaptations made and is the focus of this paper. The other category 'barriers and catapults', demonstrated the physical and environmental factors that influenced the students' transition but is outside the scope of this paper. Recent changes in New Zealand nursing education have witnessed the clarification of scopes of nursing practice and the controversial development of a new Certificate in Health Science (Nurse Assistant). Currently enrolled nurses are again facing threats to employment and it is envisaged that many will be seeking to undertake transition to registered nurse in the near future.

Abstract: Registered nurses in residential aged care work with older people who have complex care needs. Besides providing direct care, these nurses have a wide range of responsibilities which include supervising staff and attending to the smooth running of the care facility. This grounded theory study using dimensional analysis was aimed at answering the question: How do registered nurses organise their work? Indepth interviews were conducted with 10 registered nurses who worked in a range of positions in aged care facilities. Theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis was used to guide both ongoing data collectiona and data analysis. Categories were examined for their relationships and dimensions to arrive at a substantive grounded theory which the author has named 'shifting focus'. Individual and institutional philosophies of care were core elements in the registered nurses' focus of work. There was a relationship between staffing adequacy, individual and institutional philosophies of care, and the focus of registered nurse work. These relationships created conditions where the registered nurse would focus on ensuring the delivery of individualised resident care or focus on getting through the routine of care. The relationship between staffing adequacy, philosophies of care and the registered nurses' focus of work remained consistent when staffing adequacy changed. In instances of decreased staffing adequacy, the participants' focus shifted to either maintaining individualised care or focusing on safety. When the registered nurse aimed to change the philosophy of care, an increase in staffing adequacy enabled some aspects of cultural change to commence. The relationships between residents, family and staff were significant contrasting elements within an individualised philosophy of care, and an institutional philosophy of care. In the former, relationships were valued and developed. In the latter, they were benevolent, functional or conflicted. The significance of this study is that it reveals how registered nurses and management personnel in aged care facilities, can create conditions where the relationships between residents, their families and staff, are valued and developed to result in positive care outcomes. It is recommended that future research be conducted to examine the resources required to maintain an individualised approach to the nursing care of residents in aged care facilities.