Abstract: Work-related back pain among nurses is a problem of significant proportion. Nurses have a high rate of back pain compared to the general population and other occupational groups. There has been little reduction in the rates of nurses back pain and solutions to this complex problem continue to be elusive. Many quantitative studies have been undertaken examining and identifying the risk factors contributing to a high risk of back pain among nurses. Few of these studies focus on the complexities and context of the nurses physical and social environment. An exploration of these factors may assist to explain why interventions have not been successful and why the risk of back pain among nurses remains high.This study, using a qualitative methodology, explores nurses views and perceptions of the factors that they believe contribute to nurses having a high risk for work-related back pain. In-depth interviews were conducted with nurses working in previously identified high risk areas asking them about their perceptions of the risk factors and the activities that lead to risk situations for back pain. The strongest theme to emerge from the participant interviews was that it is the work demands from nursing that create and expose nurses to high levels of risk. Other risk factors identified were environmental hazards, equipment management and the physical work environment. The interview responses were analysed using two theoretical models of risk. The Health Belief Model examines risk behaviour using a cognitive psychological approach and the Social Model of Risk views all behaviour as influenced by the social environment. Both models offer explanations as to why nurses take actions that place them at risk for back pain. This study highlights the main ideas and concerns raised by the participants. It makes recommendations for managing the problem of work-related back pain in the nursing profession, and suggests areas where more research is needed

Abstract: Includes superficial analysis of role of nurses & switch from private to hospital employment

Abstract: Aim: To determine the feasibility of establishing a nurse practitioner-led, family focused, primary health care clinic within a primary school environment as an alternate or complementary way of addressing the health needs of 'at risk' children and families to the services already provided by the public health nurse.Method: Utilising needs analysis method, data was collected from three sources – known demographic data, 17 key informant interviews and two focus group interviews. Questions were asked regarding the health needs of the community, the perceptions of participants regarding the role of the public health nurse in order to determine if a public health nurse would be the most appropriate person to lead a primary health care clinic, and the practicalities of establishing a clinic including services participants would expect a clinic to provide. Analysis was descriptive and exploratory.Results: A wide range of health needs were identified from both the demographic data and from participant interviews. Findings also showed that participant's understanding of the role of the public health nurse was not great and that community expectations were such that for a public health nurse to lead a primary health care clinic further skills would be required. Outcomes from investigating the practicalities of establishing a nurse practitioner-led clinic resulted in the preparation of a community-developed model that would serve to address the health needs of children and families in the area the study was undertaken.Conclusion: Overall findings indicated that the establishment of a nurse practitioner-led, family focused, primary health care clinic in a primary school environment is feasible. While a public health nurse may fulfil the role of the nurse practitioner, it was established that preparation to an advanced level of practice would be required. It is likely that a similar model would also be successful in other communities in New Zealand, however the health needs identified in this study are specific to the community studied. Further community needs assessments would need to be completed to ensure health services target health needs specific to the communities involved.