Abstract: A report on the analysis of data from an in-depth survey designed by Sue Dawson, previously Rural Health Researcher in the Centre for Rural Health, and follow-up interviews. The study purpose was to construct a definition of ?successful design and delivery of rural health services? as a step towards a measurement tool. Participants were grouped as general practitioners (GPs), nurses and community representatives. A format for a participatory approach to evaluation of rural health services is derived from the criteria of success identified, with its relevance for the implementation of the new Government primary health care strategy explicit. This format provided the basis for a subsequent evaluation case study undertaken in a small rural forestry township by the Centre for Rural Health.

Abstract: Explores emergency nurses? perspectives and practices about the quality, importance and value of emergency nursing documentation in relation to their personal beliefs, past experiences and preferred systems of documentation; the practical and contextual factors that influence documentation practices within an emergency department (ED); their interests in documentation tools or systems; and their interests in relation to further development of documentation practices and systems. Conducts a qualitative descriptive study in which ten emergency nurses from one ED in New Zealand were interviewed using interactive interview methods, and asked to complete a Likert scale to identify the relevance of internationally- recognised general influences on documentation to their own practices in the context of an ED. Includes recommended routes to development through partnership, participation and process engagement, and strategies including document development, knowledge advancement and support.

Abstract: Travels to Australia and Canada to examine public health efforts in those countries to inform pregnant women about the risks of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), particularly among indigenous populations. Studies regional initiatives around NZ to inform the establishment of a preventive and assessment programme in the Bay of Plenty DHB.

Abstract: In this research paper for a Master of Nursing (Clinical), the author suggests that graduate nurses can successfully adapt to emergency nursing when supported with intensive domain-specific transition programmes to complement the national nursing entry to practice (NETP) programme in New Zealand. This outcome conflicts with the present traditional emergency department recruitment strategy that nurses must have two years acute care experience. The graduate believes they are prepared for practice for any healthcare setting but do need time to resolve the rift between theory and practice. This research project confirms the perpetuation of experienced nurses' perceptions that graduates are not work-ready but are unrealistically expected to hit the floor running following ad hoc orientation ranging from three days to four weeks. By creating domain-specific programmes with a minimum twelve-week staged rotation orientation package, graduate nurses can be nurtured as emergency nurses. The influential role of the organisation and experienced nurses is vital to limit reality shock and complement NETP. Preceptorship and mentorship programmes promote the graduates' confidence in themselves to become competent team members. Limits to this research are the non-differentiation between nurses new to emergency nursing and the graduate nurse in the published studies. Assumptions have therefore been made regarding successful transition in regard to newly qualified registered nurses in the emergency department. Further study and evaluation applicable in the New Zealand context is also recommended by the author where anecdotally only a few emergency departments are involved in socialising graduate nurses into the workforce regardless of the urgent need for more first-year-of-practice clinical placements.

Abstract: Health reforms, reviews and restructuring are not new to New Zealand nursing. The author notes that changes in the environment have created many pressures on nursing as a profession. The profession is trying to deal with this turmoil in a responsible fashion. It is also trying to grow and develop at the same time. This research is focused on finding the relationship between job and professional development. It also highlights the factors that affect job satisfaction and professional development.

Abstract: The New Zealand emergency department (ED) nurse is faced daily with the challenge of caring for patients of all ages with a wide variety of presenting complaints. Courses are available for ED specialty work such as trauma and paediatric assessment. However, this thesis argues, it is difficult to access updated and ongoing education in relation to caring for people with mental health problems who present to the emergency department. In addition to this education deficit, are the challenges of providing care in an overcrowded ED environment. The author goes on to say that such factors contribute to a perceived lack of confidence and sometimes ambivalence or frustration on the part of nursing staff in caring for this group. This may result in an inconsistent standard of care for the person with a mental health problem unless such issues are addressed. The aim of this research paper was to explore the education needs of ED nurses when caring for people with mental health problems. A literature review was undertaken to investigate the broad education strategies available to overcome these challenges. Diverse approaches were identified such as workshops, clinical guidelines, and mental health consultation-liaison roles. Research was also identified that examined ED nursing attitudes and their learning needs in relation to mental health. This paper concludes with a discussion of recommendations for the New Zealand setting with the intention of developing a more confident and competent nursing workforce, who are better prepared to care for the person with a mental health problem.

Abstract: Home Based Treatment in acute mental health care is a relatively new phenomenon in New Zealand, although it has been utilised successfully overseas for many years. This paper considers factors that are integral elements of its successful implementation, specifically considering the relationship of nursing care to crisis intervention methodology. It describes how Home Based Treatment fits with contemporary crisis services and how the adherence to crisis intervention models can enable nurses to create a clearly defined recovery perspective in their practice. The author notes that service users in New Zealand and overseas have openly voiced their concerns around the discrepancies between how services have traditionally been delivered and how they wish services to be. He suggests that, as an alternative to inpatient care, Home Based Treatment is an option that promotes recovery and self determination. It is also an arena in which nurses can deconstruct the traditional power relationships between themselves and clients to create a new and invigorating way of practicing.