Abstract: Incidence of Phlebitis in association with the use of I.V. Infusions was studied. Patients in the I.C.U. with peripheral I.V. lines were studied over a 2.5 week period, a form being completed by the staff. The study established a 20% incidence of infusion phlebitis. The care and observations of intravenous therapy is a nursing responsibility requiring constant vigilance to detect early any complication that may arise

Abstract: This study outlines the use of grounded theory strategy to analyse the experience of nurses who become involuntarily unemployed. It then proceeds to develop a theoretical framework that explain the common patterns in this experience. Using the Glasser and Strauss (1967) Grounded Theory approach, empirical observation was undertaken expressly for the purpose of generating insights which may lead to new understanding of the subject of this study. Using two inter-related procedures known as theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis, data is systematically collected, coordinated and subjected to an ongoing analysis. Theory is then 'grounded ' in the real world. The study involved in depth interviewing of five mid-career nurses who were involuntarily unemployed. The data was transcribed and analysed to yield theoretical concepts and categories that were integrated into propositions to explain common patterns. It will be argued that this experience is a grieving process that is more that just grieving a job loss. It is proposed that there are three phases – 1. Personal devastation due to losses experienced.. 2. A period of healing. 3. Recovery and re-establishment of the 'new' person.

Abstract: “A brief look at self-care and some of the issues relevant to nurses recognising it as a component of acute care”

Abstract: Health professionals, as well as clients, appear to often miss, ignore or avoid alcohol as a health problem. Changes in role for Nurses as well as changes in concepts of alcoholism, alcohol and alcohol control especially in sociological terms led to this study of Nurse's attitudes to alcohol as a social issue. Aim was to shed light on the adequacy of Nurses to function in the community and in the application of sociologically oriented programs of alcohol control. 44 Student Nurses on the point of entering clinical practise were questioned on 21 attitude items. Their responses were compared to those of 100 respondents selected as comparable demographically from 10,000 New Zealanders surveyed in 1978-79 by A.L.A.C. Differences were found, but no strong profile of distinctive 'nurse' views could be identified with confidence. No real extra concern for alcohol issues could be established giving some doubts about the efficiency of Nurses in the workplace. Nurses did differ in some areas of social viewpoints from the general New Zealand population but further studies are needed to more exactly define dimensions of these differences

Abstract: The Nightingale ethos with its allegiance to the traditional belief in women's responsibility for nurturance, cleanliness and order, aided in the shaping of early formal nursing education in New Zealand

Abstract: Extensive treatment requirements for patients in I.C.U. frequently result in interruption of their sleep. Sleep interruption can become sleep deprivation with physiological and psychological effects. To determine the amount of sleep patients in the I.C.U. received, a brief study was done in the form of a questionnaire to nursing staff. Noise levels in the I.C.U. were recorded over a period of time. From the study it was concluded the majority of patients were sleep deprived