Abstract: Examines the issues facing the older nurse in NZ. Recruits two groups of Clinical/Charge Nurse Managers (CNM) in two District Health Boards (DHB) to interview about the issues confronting older nurses and the strategies they use to retain them.

Abstract: This study, which is methodologically grounded in qualitative research and philosophically informed by critical social science, explores aspects of the socio-political context in which practice nurses and general practitioners (core primary health care team) work within a team environment. It is indicated in the literature that there are benefits for improved health care through the development of collaborative teamwork. However, there have been many barriers identified which prevent collaborative teamwork. Amongst the many barriers, is the lack of role clarity and attitudinal differences. This thesis explored and highlighted whether the lack of role clarity and attitudinal differences do indeed impede the team's success, and are barriers to teamwork. The views and opinions of practice nurses and general practitioners and the understanding of their own and each other's current roles within the general practice setting were explored. The participants had the opportunity to discuss together, in focus group meetings, their thoughts on the topic. This raised their awareness of their taken for granted ideas on role and teamwork. Focus groups offered the participants the added opportunity to question each other which allowed for a deeper and more fulfilling understanding of role. New understandings that emerged could lead to alternative models of health care and influence the future delivery and planning of general practice. The thesis concludes by offering a potentially suitable model/framework which has been developed to further the understanding of teamwork in the future.

Abstract: Explores how workplace cyberbullying is understood and experienced in NZ, with a focus on nursing. Undertakes three-part qualitative, interview-based research to investigate how workplace cyberbullying manifests in nursing. Interviews eight nurses who had experienced bullying. Uncovers the risk of nurses experiencing cyberbullying from external sources such as students, patients, and patient relatives. Posits a multi-factor socio-ecological model as a framework to guide future research.

Abstract: Describes a rigorous and structured approach to development of an evidence-based e-mentoring intervention for NZ aged care support workers. Establishes the conceptual and theoretical bases to define the peer-mentoring intervention protocol, and investigates its feasibility and acceptability. Considers the evidence for improving psychosocial outcomes and turnover rates for support workers in the development of the WeCare Mentoring Programme.

Abstract: Expresses concern that inconsistent specialist nursing workforce planning and pathways for nursing practice development will adversely affect needed service provision for the population. Reports the outcomes of research, which suggests an alternate approach through the development of a single unified capability framework for specialist nursing practice in NZ. Uses a qualitative descriptive and exploratory multi-method enquiry approach to review extant understandings and develop a consensus framework, identifying the essential elements required for a single national framework for specialist nursing in NZ. Widens the understanding of a more holistic approach to specialist nursing development, which holds great promise for the specialist nursing workforce in NZ and internationally.

Abstract: Explores the rationale underpinning the development of education programmes within urban district hospitals throughout the country, and ascertains how these workplaces develop education programmes, given that the majority of nurses in New Zealand have identified that they prefer to participate in workplace-based professional development. Cites a clear requirement to foster learning during a nurse's development post-registration, while considering how prepared nurse educators were to fulfil their roles as lifelong learning facilitators and mentors. Utilises the perspective of nurse educators employed in District Health Boards (DHBs) geographically isolated from universities providing post-registration learning.

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: This paper reports the result of a fast-track referral service in treating deformational auricular anomalies using moulding therapy, by employing nurses who were familiar with the indications and technique, working in close liaison with plastic surgeons. The type and severity of the auricular anomaly were documented both clinically and photographically before and three months following cessation of treatment. Assessment of the results was made by comparing the pre- and post-treatment photographs and by a postal questionnaire, which was dispatched to the parents of the patients three months after treatment was discontinued. All parents of the 30 infants felt that auricular moulding was worthwhile. The authors conclude that this is an effective treatment strategy that will largely negate the need for surgical correction of deformational auricular anomalies.