Abstract: This paper uses two perspectives, a feminist analysis and emancipatory leadership model, to analyse the practice and philosophy of leadership. It finds the important components of leadership include communicating understanding, developing a sense of community, and reconstituting the power relationships. This challenges traditional leadership perspectives which privilege individuals hierarchically appointed, or with deemed alienable qualities or traits.

Abstract: Undertakes travel to the US, the UK, Denmark to observe nursing initiatives, collaborations and services that have resulted in child health improvements for vulnerable child populations. Examines paediatric nursing interventions and programmes targeting emotional and mental health, speech development and obesity. Part of the Margaret May Blackwell Scholarship Reports series.

Abstract: This paper focuses on the work of primary health care nurses on chronic conditions, through both formal chronic care management (CCM) programmes and informal work. The author overviews the key components of CCM and describes Care Plus, a funding stream accessed via PHOs. The author gives examples of nurse led clinics and programmes in the general practice environment, and outlines the structures and processes necessary. A table summarises nurse involvement in several PHOs throughout the country. The author finds that the role of PHC nurses within a framework of inter-disciplinary chronic condition care is diverse and increasing.

Abstract: This article reports the implementation of a collaborative project undertaken to monitor and improve the effectiveness of the prescribing practicum papers delivered within two Master's degree programmes in advanced nursing practice. The recent introduction of Nurse Practitioner registration in New Zealand has resulted in the development of a number of Master's degree programmes in which students can complete a Nursing Council of New Zealand approved programme for prescribing. For the study, a developmental action research approach was used. Data were collected through interviews with practicum students, their medical supervisors and academic staff. Formative findings were progressively used to refine delivery of the practicum papers and a thematic analysis of summative findings identified areas for further improvement. The findings suggest that the processes being implemented are developing well. The researchers recommend that further education is required to clearly differentiate medical and advanced nursing roles. They recommend that greater attention needs to be paid to the preparation of medical supervisors and, most significantly, revision of funding is required to more equitably support the ongoing development of nurses for advanced practice roles.

Abstract: In 1984 Mason Durie documented a framework for understanding Maori health, Te Whare Tapa Wha, which has subsequently become embedded in Maori health policy. This article presents a specific assessment framework, the Meihana Model, which encompasses the four original cornerstones of Te Whare Tapa Wha, and inserts two additional elements. These form a practice model (alongside Maori beliefs, values and experiences) to guide clinical assessment and intervention with Maori clients and whanau accessing mental health services. This paper outlines the rationale for and background of the Meihana Model and then describes each dimension: whanau, wairua, tinana, hinengaro, taiao and iwi katoa. The model provides a basis for a more comprehensive assessment of clients/whanau to underpin appropriate treatment decisions.

Abstract: Professional Development and Recognition Programmes (PDRP) for nurses have developed out of the Clinical Career Pathways (CCP) of the 1990s. The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003) has now required all health professionals to provide evidence that their practice meets criteria set by the individual regulatory body, which, for nursing, is the Nursing Council of New Zealand. In 2002 a tool was developed to measure knowledge and attitudes of the then CCP which was tested with 239 nurses. This paper is a report on the second application of the tool in the same hospital in New Zealand. Results show that knowledge and attitudes of the PDRP are similar to those found in the previous study. It also suggests that greater understanding of the PDRP and the implementation process increases the likelihood of a positive response to the programme.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the practice of flexible learning for postgraduate nurses. Flexible learning is a contemporary approach to learning that utilises the benefits of technology. Flexible learning can be understood as a continuum, from fully on-line or web-based courses, to those that are on-campus and supported by technology. Internationally, the rise of flexible learning has been influenced by increased demand for higher education and competition among providers within the context of reduced education funding. The study population, New Zealand postgraduate nurses, are accessing higher education in increasing numbers to advance their practice and to position themselves for new roles and opportunities. These are often experienced nurses yet inexperienced in higher university education, who combine study, work and other commitments. The study employed a qualitative case study design because it enabled multiple perspectives to be gained. Data included documentation, participant observation, survey, students' assessed work and interviews with key stakeholders: student, teacher and the organisation. Thematic analysis was conducted on reviewed documentation, participant observation and interviews. The study identifies the elements that contribute to flexible learning and the interconnectedness between the elements within the dynamic context of a university to illustrate that effective flexible learning can be provided by using a student centred approach to ensure the learning needs of postgraduate nurses are met. The author concludes that flexible learning improved access, choice, and provided an emphasis on the student as central to learning. In response to these findings the weighting of recommendations are toward the organisation as, the author suggests, it is at this level where greater change can be made to improve support for flexible learning provision.