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Author |
Latta, L. |
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Title |
Exploring the impact of palliative care education for care assistants employed in residential aged care facilities in Otago, New Zealand |
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Year  |
2007 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Keywords |
Palliative care; Rest homes; Training; Older people |
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Abstract |
Palliative care is a growing specialty in New Zealand with many well-established hospices and palliative care services around the country. However palliative care is not confined to specialist units and is in fact an element of all health services. The aged care sector is one of those services where patients with palliative care needs are prevalent and this is now beginning to be recognised. In these settings care assistants, most of whom have no training, make up a large component of the workforce providing care for residents with increasingly complex needs. In 2005, Hospice New Zealand responded to the recommendations made by the New Zealand Palliative Care Strategy (Ministry of Health, 2001) by developing an eight-hour palliative care course for care assistants employed in residential aged care facilities. The main objective of the course was to increase care assistants' ability to deliver a high standard of palliative care to their residents within their scope of practice.This qualitative study uses descriptive, semi-structured interviews to explore the impact that attending the course had on care assistants and their practice by inviting them to share stories of their experiences caring for dying residents. Factors influencing the implementation of learning in the workplace were identified. The results showed that while attending the course had a positive impact on participants, they were restricted in the extent to which they were able to apply new learning in the workplace, which was largely due to factors that were out of their control. As a result, recommendations are made to enhance workforce development in the aged care sector and to minimise the barriers to the implementation of learning. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
812 |
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Author |
Mitchell, P. |
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Title |
Grade-1 pressure ulcer: Review of prevention evidence for “at risk” patients in an acute environment |
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Year |
2007 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Keywords |
Nursing |
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Abstract |
This dissertation is a review of evidence underpinning the recommendations for pressure ulcer prevention from four national guidelines frequently used as a foundation for best practice. The focus is on grade-1 pressure ulcer prevention for “at risk” patients, in the acute environment. Rationale: Prevention is better than cure. While preventive strategies maybe effective are they supported by evidence? Results: The strongest evidence for best practice appears to be limited to an established fact that standard hospital mattresses should at least be replaced by high specification foam, pressure reducing mattresses for patients “at risk” or vulnerable to pressure ulcer development. Repositioning, skin assessment, skin protection and maintenance, traditionally the basis of pressure ulcer prevention, appear to have a paucity of strong supportive evidence. Further evidence is emerging on clinically important areas such as erythema and mattresses. Implications for Nursing: The organisational or ministerial support for education of the multidisciplinary team, especially nurses in risk assessment and prevention strategies. This support is required both in release time and finances for education and in adequate funding for preventive strategies. The author concludes that strong evidence to support the recommendations of the guidelines appears to remain limited, particularly in the acute environment. Expert opinion would appear to remain the basis for current best practice for pressure ulcer prevention. The volume and consistency of this evidence worldwide is substantial and adds validity to the recommendations. Best practice includes firstly risk assessment, skin assessment, maintenance of skin temperature, moisture, and condition, and the importance of repositioning, in conjunction with an appropriate support surface. However gaps remain in the supportive evidence in many of these fields. Advances in practice include pressure relief or reduction considerations for all surfaces the patients encounter. There appears to be no gold standard for prevention of pressure ulcer development. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
814 |
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Author |
Leeks, O. |
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Title |
Lesbian health: Identifying the barriers to health care |
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Year |
2007 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Keywords |
Attitude of health personnel; prejudice; cultural safety |
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Abstract |
Homosexuality has been practiced since ancient times, but through the centuries this expression of sexual identity has moved from being acceptable to unacceptable and finally regarded in a contemporary era as a mental health problem that needed to be, and it was thought could be, cured. This paper focuses on the barriers that lesbian women perceive when wanting to access health care. Most of the research about lesbian women has been conducted in the United States with some in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand. Through reviewing the available literature and grouping common themes, the author identifies three main barriers to health care that exist for lesbian women. Firstly, ignorance or insensitivity of the health care professional about the specific health care needs of this client group; secondly, homophobia or heterosexism that may be present in the health care environment; and thirdly the risk of disclosing one's sexual orientation. These barriers are discussed using the concepts of cultural safety and nursing partnership. The author concludes that the negative health care experiences that lesbian women encounter leave them feeling vulnerable and fearful. This fear and stigmatisation has resulted in lesbian women becoming an 'invisible' community. It is the assumption of heterosexuality that immediately places the lesbian woman at a disadvantage and this potentially may produce missed opportunities to provide individualised care to the lesbian client. The purpose of this work is to encourage discussion within nursing to challenge attitudes and the approach to women who identify as lesbian. The author hopes that this paper will contribute to the increasing body of knowledge in regard to this client group. |
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NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
816 |
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Author |
McGirr, S. |
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Title |
New graduate nurses clinical decision making: A methodological challenge |
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Year |
2007 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Keywords |
New graduate nurses; Clinical decision making; Methodology |
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Abstract |
New graduate nurses, particularly in the first year of clinical practice, face challenges with making clinical decisions about patient care. A review of the literature revealed no studies that reported using fundamental qualitative descriptive methodology to investigate new graduate nurses' clinical decision making. Aspects of decision making by new graduates have been studied using observational and interview methods, the findings from which have been interpreted using various theoretical decision making models. There has been little research outside of the context of critical care or intensive care units, but anecdotal reports in 2006 from the New Zealand Nursing Entry to Practice Programme (NetP) coordinators network suggest that new graduates are seldom employed in critical care or intensive care units in New Zealand. Nursing educators involved in undergraduate nurse training and NetP programmes need to understand how new graduates perceive, experience and manage decision making in clinical practice, in order to assist them to develop and refine those skills. There is a need for studies utilising fundamental qualitative descriptive methodology in order to explore the experiences of new graduates' decision making in clinical practice. The author notes that the topic is particularly relevant in light of the introduction of the national NetP programmes framework in New Zealand, and to her role as a NetP programme coordinator. This dissertation examines the relevant literature about decision making by new graduates and the research methods that were used, and concludes that fundamental qualitative descriptive method is a highly appropriate method by which to study new graduates' decision making. |
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NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
818 |
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Author |
Barber, M. |
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Title |
Nursing and living in rural New Zealand communities: An interpretive descriptive study |
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Year |
2007 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Keywords |
Rural nursing; Rural health services; Recruitment and retention |
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Abstract |
This study used an interpretive descriptive method to gain insight into and explore key issues for rural nurses working and living in the same community. Four Rural Nurse Specialists were recruited as participants. The nurses had lived and nursed in the same rural community for a minimum of 12 months. Participants were interviewed face to face and their transcribed interviews underwent thematic analysis. The meta-theme was: the distinctive nature of rural nursing. The themes identified were: interwoven professional and personal roles; complex role of rural nurses and relationships with the community. A conceptual model was developed to capture the relationship between the meta-theme and the themes. A definition for rural nursing was developed from the findings. This research identified some points of difference in this group of rural nurses from the available rural nursing literature. It also provides a better understanding of the supports Rural Nurse Specialists need to be successful in their roles, particularly around the recruitment and retention of the rural nursing workforce. |
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NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
820 |
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Author |
Patrick, S. |
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Title |
A nursing role in rural adolescent sexual health |
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Year |
2007 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Keywords |
Sexual health; Adolescents; Nursing; Rural health services |
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Abstract |
This dissertation explores the nurse's role in addressing the sexual health needs of a rural adolescent community in New Zealand. The increasing incidence of adolescent sexual activity is widely recognised and it is acknowledged that youth face unique barriers to health care. These barriers are particularly apparent in access to contraception with a resulting increase in the rates of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies and termination of pregnancies. These deteriorating adolescent sexual health statistics are of particular concern within New Zealand's health sector. A review of national and international literature examined the potential nursing role in adolescent sexual health. Results provide strong evidence that experienced nurses can competently and confidently assist in meeting the needs of this population group, especially in rural areas. Literature consistently concluded that nurses could provide care that is as effective as that provided by a doctor. School-based health clinics are identified as a viable way to improve access to adolescent sexual health services. In conclusion, the author suggests that nurses are in a key position to provide an alternative model of health care delivery that can improve adolescent sexual health. |
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NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
821 |
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Author |
Gosnell, M. |
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Title |
Postoperative pain assessment: A retrospective review of nursing documentation |
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Year |
2007 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Pain management; Nursing |
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Abstract |
An essential part of nursing practice for the nurse on the surgical floor is to relieve the discomfort of post operative pain for patients in their care. Post operative pain management encompasses a series of processes from assessing pain, providing relief, assessment of measures used to relieve pain through to documentation in the patient record. Yet literature, both internationally and from Australia and New Zealand, suggests that post operative pain continues to be poorly managed despite having the means to provide more than adequate relief. Events leading up to the commencement of this study indicated that locally, post operative pain assessment, including documentation in the patient record may be substandard. The objective of this study was to develop and test an audit tool; undertake a retrospective audit of nursing records, including nursing notes and the nursing care plan, in respect of what postoperative pain assessments nurses document in the patient record; evaluate data and make recommendations for practice. Methodology: A five part, 23 question Likert scale audit tool, designed specifically for this study was used to collect data over a period of two months. In total 40 patient records that met the inclusion criteria were audited.The results indicate that local practice reflects poor documentation standards found in other studies. The most complete recordings were those entered on specifically designed charts such as the Patient Controlled Analgesia and Epidural charts (N 28) but this did not carry over into the patient record. Despite that fact that the patient's self reports of pain is said to be the single most reliable indicator of pain, there was only four occasions when the patient's verbal response to pain was recorded. None of those responses were according to any type of pain rating scale. Evidence of evaluation following measures used to relieve pain was more likely to be recorded if pain was poorly controlled or when side effects such as nausea were experienced by the patient. The author concludes that overall the audit has highlighted many gaps in what is or is not recorded in the patient record in respect of post operative pain assessment and has highlighted the need to develop standards of practice that will improve post operative pain management practices. |
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NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
915 |
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Author |
Allan, J. |
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Title |
What is it like for older women to live with depression? |
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Year |
2007 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Mental health; Older people |
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Abstract |
The author's interest in this study came from working as a mental health nurse with mainly older women with depression and developed from her concern that depression for older people is frequently misdiagnosed, not recognised or is under-treated. To date, research has rarely paid attention to the voices of people who have actually experienced depression and even less is known from the perspective of older women. This hermeneutic phenomenological study, informed by Martin Heidegger and Max van Manen, describes what it is like for four older women to live with depression. Multiple interviews were conducted with the participants. Heidegger's philosophical concepts of Being-in-the-world and Being-with-others structured the analysis. Depression was found to have a significant effect on the participants' Being-in-the-world. The themes that emerged were: something is wrong; the search for reasons; self-loathing; being overwhelmed by the feelings; hiding from the world; loss of self; loss of meaning; the struggle of everyday life; and living circumspectly. Being-with-others was difficult for the participants and the themes that emerged were: maintaining relationships when well; Being-alone; misinterpreting self and other people; the stigma of mental illness – society and self; and seeking understanding from other people. The author suggests that the findings have implications for nurses and other health professionals. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
917 |
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Author |
Buxton, J. |
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Title |
Factors which may influence parental decisions about childhood vaccinations |
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Year |
2007 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Immunisation; Practice nurses; Children; Parents and caregivers |
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Abstract |
Practice nurses are primarily responsible for the administration of vaccinations in New Zealand, although many other health professionals contribute to the success of the National Immunisation Schedule by providing vaccination information and advice to parents. Vaccination uptake remains relatively low, indicating many parents choose not to vaccinate their children. A literature review was undertaken to gain an understanding of factors which may influence parents when they are making decisions about childhood vaccinations. Four key themes were identified within the literature: Perceived risk; Vaccine safety and efficacy; Child characteristics; and the Influence of health professionals/supporting vaccination structures. Increased knowledge and awareness about influential factors creates opportunities for health professionals and policy makers to develop strategies to increase vaccination uptake. Implications and recommendations are made for practice, with particular emphasis on the role of the primary healthcare nurse. |
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NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
919 |
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Author |
Johnson, S. |
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Title |
Hope in terminal illness |
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Year |
2007 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Palliative care; Terminal care; Psychology |
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Abstract |
Hope is considered an elusive, vague, over-used, and ambiguous concept in nursing practice which lacks clarity, but hope is essential to the quality of life in the terminally ill. Therefore, hope is an important concept to research further. A gap in nursing research has been identified in the area of hope in terminal illness. The aims of this research were to clarify the concept of hope as perceived by patients with a terminal illness; to develop hope as an evidence-based nursing concept; and to contribute new knowledge and insights about hope to the relatively new field of palliative care. Utilising Rodgers' (2000b) evolutionary concept analysis methodology and thematic content analysis, 17 pieces of research-based literature on hope as perceived by adult patients with any terminal illness pathology (from the disciplines of nursing and medicine) have been reviewed and analysed. Hope's attributes, antecedents, consequences, social-cultural variations, temporal variations, surrogate terms, and related concepts have been considered. An exemplary case of the concept in action is presented along with the evolution of the concept hope in terminal illness. Ten essential attributes of the concept were identified in this research: positive expectation, personal qualities, spirituality, goals, comfort, help / caring, interpersonal relationships, control, legacy, and life review. The evolution of hope in terminal illness has evolved from patients hoping for a prosperous healthy future to an enrichment of being is more important than having or doing. Patients' hopes and goals are scaled down and refocused in order to live in the present and enjoy the time they have left with loved ones. Hope in the terminal phase of one's illness is orientated in the past and the present, hope in the here and hope in the now. The author concludes that by completing all the steps to Rodgers' (2000b) evolutionary view of concept analysis, a working definition and clarification of the concept in its current use has been achieved, providing a solid conceptual foundation for further study. Recommendations are made for hope-enhansing strategies, that may help to maximise the quality of life of terminally ill patients in the future. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
922 |
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Author |
Findlay, W. |
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Title |
The effect of peer learning and review groups on practice nurses' clinical practice: A mixed method survey |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Primary health care; Nursing; Education; Clinical supervision |
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Abstract |
The aim of the study was to explore how practice nurses perceive engagement in Peer Learning and Review Groups impacts personally and professionally on their clinical practice. An anonymous self-administered postal questionnaire was completed by 55 practice nurses who attend Peer Learning and Review Groups in the South Island. A mixed method design was utilised to obtain both qualitative and quantitative data. Practice nurses considered group attendance was important for professional development with the majority perceiving that their attendance had a positive effect on their clinical practice. The nurses perceived clear linkages between the significant learning that occurred in the groups and changes in delivery of patient care. Additional benefits included improved collegial relationships, professional awareness and personal growth. The author concludes that, together, these findings underline the importance of Peer Learning and Review Groups as an effective tool for ongoing personal and professional development within nursing. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
490 |
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Author |
Dillon, D.R. |
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Title |
Islands, islandness and nursing: Advanced nursing practice in rural remote and small island areas |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Rural nursing; Primary health care |
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Abstract |
This dissertation focuses on the concepts of island, island-ness, and isolation. It aims to further advance the national and international literature relating to the health beliefs of island people as linked to the provision of primary health care services within New Zealand. New Zealand is an island nation made up of two main islands and numerous outlying islands, relatively isolated from the rest of the world by water. This geography means going anywhere from New Zealand involves traveling either “over” or “on” the sea. All people of New Zealand since the first inhabitants, whether residents or visitors, have arrived to New Zealand either by sea or more recently by plane. The population of New Zealand is 25% rural, with most of these rural dwellers residing in the South Island, and several of the smaller off shore Islands. This builds a sense of culture of the people, or tangata whanua (the people of the land), for whom there are degrees of island-ness, and the characteristics of this can be seen amongst the people of New Zealand. A further challenge which is discussed comes in the form of the “island penalty” which encompasses high transport costs, long distances to travel to main centres, lack of specialists and trained health workers, effects of migration and tourism, and communication difficulties. The more isolated people are, the tougher the challenges become. Most rural island populations are served by lay care workers, volunteers, and rural and remote nurses. Nurses are often the main health care providers to small island populations, and they demonstrate advanced nursing practice which is acknowledged internationally as meeting Nurse Practitioner competencies. As a group these nurses possess knowledge of the extrinsic and intrinsic factors involved in the health needs and health determinants of these island communities. Researching these advanced nursing roles adds to the body of knowledge around isolated and island communities. The author suggests that studying the concepts of islands, islandness, and isolation in relation to health beliefs will bring more understanding of services for the advanced rural nurse to consider in developing appropriate, accessible, affordable and adaptable Primary Health Care which is fair and equitable. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
507 |
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Author |
Robertson, A.M. |
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Title |
Meeting the maternity needs of rural women: Negotiating the reality of remote rural nursing and midwifery practice |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Rural nursing; Midwifery |
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Abstract |
Recent changes to the way that health services are provided and issues related to the rural health workforce are creating an international crisis in the availability of rural maternity care. International trends show a workforce decline in rural general practitioner obstetric specialists and rural midwives, as well as a decline in rural births. The aim of this study is to highlight the maternity needs of rural New Zealand women. Further, it discusses how the changes to maternity services in New Zealand, over the last sixteen years, have impacted on the rural nurse and midwife role and therefore on service provision. This information is intended to identify issues that could be used as the basis for development of a uniquely rural model of maternity care. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
510 |
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Author |
Clark, P.N. |
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Title |
The potential for nurse-led clinics on oncology at Southland District Health Board |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Older people; Scope of practice; Nursing; Oncology; Cancer |
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Abstract |
The author points to a “waiting list crisis” occurring in ambulatory oncology services at Southland District Health Board (SDHB), and notes that the literature suggests this is occurring both nationally and globally. This is due to factors such as an increase in the number of people aged 65 years and over, many of whom will develop cancer. Furthermore new drug therapies and indications for treatment have led to increased numbers of patients referred for oncological assessment in the out-patient clinics. The author notes that, at SDHB, this delay for patients to be seen at a first specialist assessment appointment is causing concern for patients, managers and the medical and nursing staff involved. This dissertation analyses relevant literature in order to explore the nature and outcomes of nurse-led clinics. A range of studies indicate that effective care can be provided by nurses working in a variety of nurse-led clinics settings. These studies reveal ways in which a nurse-led clinic might be established and delivered in oncology services and, the author suggests, this will go some way to provide a solution for SDHB. These clinics would assess and monitor the follow-up of selected patients with stable disease and established care plans such as patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for bowel and breast cancer. This would allow medical oncologists to see more new patients at first assessment and the follow-up of complex cases, and could go some way in relieving the current waiting lists. The educational preparation and competency of nurses leading such a clinic are considered. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
677 |
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Author |
Cook, D. |
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Title |
Open visiting: Does this benefit adult patients in intensive care units? |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Hospitals; Intensive care nursing |
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Abstract |
As the healthcare system moves toward a consumer-driven paradigm, visiting hours for family and significant others of the intensive care unit patient have become a topic of interest and discussion. Research since the 1970s has generated controversy and speculation over the ideal visiting practices in the adult intensive care unit. The aim of this dissertation was to examine the benefits for the patient, family members and nurses of appropriate visiting practices within intensive care areas in order to establish if open visiting is the best regime for patients in the adult intensive care unit (ICU). This dissertation explores visiting practices in adult critical care unit settings. Specifically, the benefits of visiting for patients, and the factors that may impede or facilitate visiting practices within the ICU were critically discussed. These factors included the benefits and disadvantages of open visiting, and the nurse as an influential factor in visiting. These areas linked together to form the basis for consideration of visiting in the ICU. Review of existing literature pertaining to visiting in the ICU indicated that patients wanted open visiting hours yet also indicated that they would like some visiting restrictions. Nurses appeared to value family input into care and were aware of patient and family needs, even though they may restrict visiting to suit their own work practices. Family members can provide the patient with psychological support, provide important historical data, assist the nurse with selected aspects of physical care, and actively encourage the patient's efforts to recover. The outcome of this exploration is the recommendation of an open visiting policy tailored to individual patients, as, the author suggests, this would foster nursing practice and ultimately benefit patients and their families. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
680 |
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