Abstract: Clinical practice is an essential and integral component of nursing education. The decision-making process involved in student selection of clinical placements is influenced by a range of factors which are internal or external to students. As there was little research that explored these factors and the influence they have on student decisions, the author sought to investigate this further. A mixed-method approach was used, using a questionnaire and focus group interview, to give breadth and depth to the research. This study found that students are particularly influenced by previous positive experiences, or an interest in a particular area of practice. Their personality will also influence their placement decisions. Nurse preceptors and clinical lecturers also provide a key support role to students in the clinical environment.

Abstract: This study explores how registered nurses working within the acute surgical ward environment of a New Zealand hospital communicate changes in a patient's condition. The purpose of this research study was to examine the processes, communication techniques and behaviours that nurses use, in order to determine the critical requirements for registered nurses to effectively communicate changes in patients' conditions to doctors. The critical incident technique developed by Flanagan (1954) was adapted and used to explore incidents that occurred when six registered nurses working in acute surgical wards communicated a change in a patient's condition to a doctor. Communication is an integral part of everyday activity. This study has shown an assessment process occurs before communication can take place. A nurse's concern for a patient's condition initiates the assessment process. A judgement is formed from the nurse's concern that a patient's condition has changed. Judgements take into account multiple ways of knowing including pattern recognition, empirical knowing and intuition. Institutional protocols also affect judgements and the ability of a nurse to ensure support is received for the patient's well being. The communication process is initiated for two reasons, to support the patient, and to support the nurse in providing care for the patient. Significant in determining the need for support is the action required that might be outside the nurse's scope of practice. The response should address the nurse's concern and take into account the importance of the relationship, trust between all parties, respect of each other's positions and knowing team members and their capabilities. Understanding these aspects of the communication process should enhance nurses and doctors abilities to effectively communicate regarding a change in a patient's condition.

Abstract: In 2004, Plunket nurses from eight areas around New Zealand participated in collecting data for a research project on health needs assessment practices. This project aimed to examine risk factors identified by Plunket nurses, what areas of health need considered to be priorities; grading of health needs; and how closely the results of health need assessment aligned with the individual clients' deprivation score. The researchers examine the assessment of health needs against the use of the Deprivation Index, which indicates a specific population in a specific area, as a funding model. This study appeared to show there are two distinct groups of clients assessed as high needs: those with risk factors such as family violence and severe parental mental illness, and who may live in an area of 1-7 deprivation; and those with multiple risk factors which include poverty, low education, and/or reluctance to access services and support, and who usually live in dep 8-10 areas. This research supports the anecdotal evidence that significant health needs exist outside the lower deprivation areas.

Abstract: Identifies critical factors related to the occupational health and safety of workplaces and working conditions in residential aged-care facilities (RACF), from the perspective of nursing staff. Correlates quality indicators for occupational health and safety for workplaces and in working conditions with nursing care quality based on the InterRAI Clinical Assessment Protocols (CAP). Uses a mixed-method approach to conduct an audit of workplace health and safety and environmental conditions in 17 RACFs. Surveys 398 registered nurses (RN), enrolled nurses (EN), and Healthcare Assistants (HCA) about the mental and physical stressors in their work.

Abstract: A retrospective descriptive design was used to examine the records of all presentations to the emergency department of patients with COPD over a 3-month period to determine whether there is a subset group of people who present with hypercarbia. There were 114 presentations, amongst those there were 71 individuals, a number presenting more than once within the three months. 80% of the 71 individuals had a smoking history of which 53% were female. Of the 114 presentations, 76 had arterial blood gases taken during their emergency department presentation. Of these 76 presentations 30 had hypercarbia and 46 were non-hypercarbia. These 76 presentations involved 58 individuals, with some individuals presenting five times over the three-month period. Three groups emerged, some who were only hypercarbia (n= 18), some in the non-hypercarbia group (n=35) and 5 individuals who had presentations in both the hypercarbia and non-hypercarbia groups. Data showed that there was no definable subset group of hypercarbia patients within acute exacerbations of COPD presenting to the emergency department according to the variables. However the sample of presentations (with a blood gas) found within the study suffering hypercarbia was much higher (31.1%) than anticipated. Further analysis showed that the hypercarbia group had a significant lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and a combination diagnosis of emphysema or asthma and congestive heart failure. An implication to the clinician is that identification of hypercarbia within COPD exacerbation is problematically difficult until the late signs are shown with the individual. By that time effective treatment patterns may have changed from the initial presenting problem. The author concludes that future areas of research within this field needs to lie within the community, and look at when these people start the exacerbation, what leads them to progression presentation to the emergency department, and whether these people are chronic sufferers of hypercarbia or presenting after a period of days exacerbation within their own home.