Abstract: This study explores the phenomenon of the relationships between practitioners and families who have a child with a chronic illness. Using a heremeneutic phenomenological method informed by the writings of Martin Heidegger [1889-1976] and Hans-Georg Gadamer [1900-2002], this study provides an understanding of the meaning of 'being in relationship' from the perspective of both families and practitioners. Study participants include ten family groups who have a child with a chronic illness and twelve practitioners from the disciplines of nursing, medicine, dietetics, physiotherapy and speech therapy who work with children with chronic illness. Narrative audio-taped interviewing was the means by which the participants told their stories about times that relationships worked well and when they did not. These stories uncover the every day realities of 'being in relationship' and provide another understanding of the relationship between family and practitioner.The findings of this thesis suggest that chronic childhood illness 'throws' families and practitioners together into a web of relationships that must work for the sake of the child. The relationship is primarily conducted between adults. Children are usually excluded. In order to understand and manage the child's illness, practitioners and families 'go around' and act 'in-between' relationships. While the quality of the relationship from the family perspective is not essential to the chronic illness journey, relationships are more successful when practitioners recognise the uniqueness of each family web. The nature of the relationship is often simple, yet it co-exists with complexity. This thesis proposes that a 'companion relationship' between practitioners and family may offer a more effective and satisfying way of working. It also challenges practitioners to consider the voice of children within health care relationships.

Abstract: Examines the relationship between attitudes to ageing and the willingness of pre-registration nursing students to work in aged residential care (ARC), and in
rural NZ. Undertakes a cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey, of third-year nursing students in southern NZ. Recommends gerontology course content and ARC clinical placements for nursing students.

Abstract: Surveys nurses at two hospitals during April and May of 2012. Uses bivariate correlations, group comparisons, analysis of variance and multiple regression to analyse the results. Notes that nurses were still experiencing negative emotional effects of the earthquakes and aftershocks of the preceding 18 months. Finds empathy levels and burnout levels were lower than the normative mean, and that empathy and burnout were negatively correlated with age and experience.

Abstract: Undertakes a qualitative, phenomenological study to explore the experiences of practitioners delivering asthma services to tamariki Maori and their whanau in primary healthcare. Employs a kaupapa Maori methodology in order to provide a Maori perspective to the research. Uses an equity framework in the analysis and interpretation of the results, to ensure alignment with Maori values and aspirations. Interviews 15 doctors and nurses from Maori, mainstream and Very-Low-Cost-Access providers of asthma services. Presents the results using the Pou Ora framework with four main themes: Hauora, Toi Ora, Whanau Ora, and Mauri Ora.

Abstract: Uses an instrumental case study to explore the role of Advanced Choice of Employment (ACE) on the decision to enter the Nurse Entry to Specialised Practice (NESP). Examines the NESP programme in one DHB in which 14 participants who had accepted positions on NESP without specifying the specialty were given semi-structured interviews, as was the NESP coordinator about the employer experience of NESP. Suggests how education providers and DHBs can prepare ACE applicants for the recruitment process.

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: Explores the social and cognitive non-technical skills (NTS) required of nurses practising in general surgical wards, a taxonomy of NTS for general surgical nurses, and identifies the differences in levels of performance of the NTS between experienced and less experienced nurses, by means of applied cognitive task analysis (ACTA). Highlights the association between poor performance of NTS with adverse patient events. Conducts the study in four surgical wards in a metropolitan hospital, using observation and semi-structured interviews with RNs.

Abstract: Explains the need for nurse-led Patient-at-Risk-Teams(PART) to prevent unnecessary ICU admissions. Investigates which nurse allocation policy between PART and ICU would result in the best outcomes for patients and hospitals. Provides econometric models to estimate the impact of critical care nurses on hospital length of stay. Proposes queueing and simulation models to obtain the optimal nurse allocation policy for minimising the ICU mortality rate. Validates proposed models at Middlemore Hospital from 2015 to 2016. Estimates the financial and mortality impact of allocating another nurse to PART per shift.