Abstract: The question explored in this research project is: What are inpatient registered nurses' perceptions of the factors which influence therapeutic relationship development? The literature reviewed for this project includes the history of interpersonal relationships in nursing; therapeutic relationships; what constitutes these relationships. Also discussed is literature about phenomenology as the underlying theoretical and philosophical position that informs the research method. To answer the research question a single focus group was used to gather data from a group of registered nurses practising in inpatient mental health units. Focus groups as a data collection method produce data and insights that would not be accessible without the group interaction. The key themes to emerge from the data analysis were; time, environment, knowing / self-awareness, compassion and power imbalance / empowerment. These key themes are discussed in relation to the literature and the wider context of the mental health care environment. The contribution this research makes to nursing includes a list of recommendations to nurses, nurse leaders and managers who aim to provide therapeutic mental health unit environments.

Abstract: This literature review critically examines contributing factors to the current nursing shortage in New Zealand, centering on recruitment and retention of registered nurses. There is a dramatic widening between the supply of registered nurses and the demand for their services. All regions in New Zealand are reporting difficulty in hiring experienced and specialty nurses, and recruiting time is lengthening. This report suggests that the shortage is closely linked to factors in the nursing care environment. As a result of multiple factors during the centralising, cost-containing, acuity-increasing decade of the 1990s, the care environment has driven practising nurses out of acute care settings and discouraged new students from entering the profession. The availability of numerous alternative career opportunities has heightened the effect. Continuing causes to the non-selection of nursing as a profession are the influences of wage compression and limited career progression over the lifetime of the nurse, and insufficient orientation and mentoring of new nurses. Recent changes in the health care system have gone unevaluated and without oversight by nursing regulatory agencies – a situation not in the best interests of patients or nurses. A number of both literature-supported and resourceful approaches, including recommendations towards addressing the nursing shortage are proposed in this review.

Abstract: In this report, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) releases the findings from its first-ever members' employment survey. The questionnaire, based on the United Kingdom?s Royal College of Nurse?s annual survey (which has been running for 21 years) covered core employment issues: employment agreements, hours, pay, job change, along with demographic details, as well as questions around plans for and perceptions of working life for over 800 NZNO members.

Abstract: This research aims to design and test the feasibility of an intervention promoting smoking cessation, and reducing smoking relapse, among Māori nurses who smoke. It is being conducted in two phases. Phase one, a national web-based survey, conducted in December 2012, explored the views of Māori nurses (smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers) regarding smoking. This paper reports on the analysis of qualitative responses from 410 nurses and nursing students identifying as Māori who completed an online survey. Five themes were identified: beliefs about smoking; ?for our tamariki?; personal stories of quitting; dissatisfaction with current approaches; and plans for future strategies. The findings confirm that nurses who smoke may experience feelings of conflict, and regard their behaviour as inconsistent with their role as nurses and health promoters. Nurses who smoke must be supported to become, and to stay, smokefree. Tailored Māori-specific cessation initiatives are needed.

Abstract: Explores, through the use of focus groups, ways in which community based nurses interact with family as a whole. Identifies Public health, Practice, District, Well child health and rural nurses as all having an integral role in building relationships with family to ensure child and family health. Suggests the findings point to a need for the establishment of a recognised family/family health nursing role.

Abstract: Undertakes a concept analysis, based on the relevant literature from 1990-2005, to develop an operational definition of workplace violence as experienced by registered nurses (excluding mental health nurses), together with a set of criteria to identify the phenomenon.

Abstract: Conducts semi-structured phone interviews with 11 pre-dialysis nurses from around NZ. Identifies key themes by means of inductive analysis. Argues that qualitative elements of pre-dialysis nursing care must be considered in addition to quantifiable parameters.

Abstract: Determines whether a collaborative exercise using a wiki to teach terminology to student nurses results in better learning. Creates a glossary of health terms, using a wiki to aid student learning while providing an environment in which students develop collaborative skills.