Abstract: This paper details the workforce capacity of youth health nursing and medical staffing required for community-based and school-based youth health services. The author shows how youth health services seek to complement the care delivered by Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) and other allied health care services in the community. She outlines the development and operation at VIBE, a community-based youth health service in the Hutt Valley with school-based youth health services delivered at four low deciles secondary schools. She explains that developing workforce capacity for youth health services is a primary health care priority and an important means to address inequalities and to improve the health services of young people.

Abstract: This article reports the results of a research study undertaken to examine how nurses manage their professional and personal selves while working in small rural communities. The participants were a small group of rural nurses on the West Coast. The rationale for the study was the long-term sustainability and viability of the service to this remote area. The research showed that the rural nurse specialists' role is a complex and challenging one, performed within the communities in which nurses live.

Abstract: This chapter firstly offers background information in relation to palliative care and the role of women as providers of care in the home setting. Secondly, it discusses a study that evolved from a trend the author observed as a district nurse providing community palliative care in rural New Zealand and from New Zealand literature; that the majority of carers of the terminally ill in home-settings are women. The aim of this research study was to offer insights into the requirements of caring for a dying person at home and provide information to assist nurses working in the community and other women who take on the caregiver's role.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of establishing a nurse practitioner-led, family focused, primary health care clinic within a New Zealand primary school environment as a means of addressing the health needs of children and families. A secondary aim was to ascertain whether public health nurses were the most appropriate nurses to lead such a clinic. Utilising a community needs analysis method, data were collected from demographic data, 17 key informant interviews and two focus group interviews. Analysis was exploratory and descriptive. Findings included the identification of a wide range of health issues. These included asthma management and control issues, the need to address poor parenting, and specific problems of the refugee and migrant population. Findings also demonstrated that participant understanding of the role of the public health nurse was less than anticipated and that community expectations were such that for a public health nurse to lead a primary health care clinic it would be likely that further skills would be required. Outcomes from investigating the practicalities of establishing a nurse practitioner-led clinic resulted in the preparation of a community-developed plan that would serve to address the health needs of children and families in the area the study was undertaken. Services that participants identified as being appropriate included health information, health education, health assessment and referral. The authors conclude that the establishment of a nurse practitioner-led, family focused, primary health care clinic in a primary school environment was feasible. While a public health nurse may fulfil the role of the nurse practitioner, it was established that preparation to an advanced level of practice would be required.

Abstract: This book presents the reflective account of an actual nursing practice situation (a woman living with chronic asthma).The author provides a descriptive narrative and then delves deeper into the narrative to obtain greater understanding of what she calls “strife” in chronic illness and the best nursing practice to assist its resolution.

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to describe the characteristics of community mental health nursing care in the community. Twenty six nurses were enrolled in a study consisting of semi-structured interviews about the nature of their care. Responses were analysed to identify categories of skills. These were characterised as: establishing connectedness; promoting individual and family resilience, promoting citizenship; and addressing structural issues. Responses from the nurses are used to illustrate these categories.

Abstract: Healthcare systems in New Zealand and the western world are grappling with changes with an aging population; increased use of technology resulting in shorter inpatient stays, increasing chronic illness rates and people with complex health needs. Supporting people through the health system and meeting their needs is an aim of all services. Trying to support seamless transition and manage complex care requirements has become important for community health services. In the district health board, where the author works, the role of Liaison Nurse/Complex Coordinator was established to support this. This role has become important in reviewing what the best model of care for Community Health Services is and how to describe the current practices in this context in an appropriate way. The first section of the report reviews the literature and current practice in relation to liaison nursing. This section explores how to make the role clear and identify its clinical and organisational effectiveness, drawing out the key elements and aspects for this role that will contribute to a model of care. The second section progresses onto the clinical work related to managing patients with chronic illness and complex needs. Utilising literature to inform current practice when supporting patients through health transitions to achieve seamless care and identifying key aspects required to manage this and adding these aspects to the model of care. Following this, a review of current care models available and in use in the health care systems is undertaken. There are some elements and aspects similar in these models and those explicated in the previous sections. Finally a model of care is developed bringing all the key aspects and elements together. This model describes the practice of Liaison/Complex Coordination role in community health service in New Zealand and identifies the need for care, provision of care, outcomes of care provided and impact for the service and organisation. The author suggests that this model is relevant for any liaison or complex coordination role and could be a basis for other models of care to expand upon the specific needs for their services.

Abstract: 'No suicide contracts' are a tool commonly used by nurses in community crisis situations. At times this tool is utilised because the clinician believes that it is beneficial. However, there are other occasions when 'No suicide contracts' are introduced in a manner that runs counter to the clinical judgement of the crisis nurse. This paper discusses the results of a qualitative study that addressed the question of why nurses use 'No suicide contracts' in such situations, rather than relying on their own expertise. This analysis suggests that underlying concerns of clinicians can determentally affect decision-making in such circumstances, and recommends that rather than subjugating nursing expertise, underlying issues be addressed directly.