Abstract: The stories of the women who live and work in rural settings in New Zealand have begun to reveal unique contributions that they have made to their families and community. This research study evolved from a trend the researcher observed as a district nurse providing community palliative care in rural New Zealand; that the majority of carers of those who are terminally in home-settings are in fact women. This qualitative study aimed to explore through guided conversational interviews the experiences of four women who have cared for their terminally ill partners who have subsequently died. The study investigated if these women's experiences were comparable to that of other women in existing palliative care literature. This research project focused particularly on elucidating the women's experience of intertwining the role of partner and caregiver. Heidegger's hermeneutic philosophy informed the methodology because he focused on what it meant to 'be' rather than 'how we know what we know'. The project focused on the meanings the women made of this dual role in their lives. Women already in the role of partner were now faced with the added responsibility of caregiver to meet the complex needs of their loved one. Usually they had no training to prepare them for this experience. The study reveals ways in which the visiting palliative care nurse becomes very important to them. The women's own voices reveal the high level of respect for their partners and address the harsh realities, revealing poignant and striking concerns in their lives. These stories are shared with the intent of enriching nurses' and other health professionals' understanding of the women's experiences. The author notes that understanding these women's experience is not only a way of honouring these remarkable women but more widely it will inform and possibly transform practice through guideline and policy refinement.

Abstract: This paper outlines the project outcomes, benefits, impact and constraints of introducing the named nurse concept to a neuro-services department. The concept of the named nurse was first introduced in the UK, in 1992, with the aim of supporting the partnership in care between the patient and the nurse. The evidence for the effectiveness of introducing the named nurse concept is largely anecdotal. In line with the hospital wide policy of implementing the named nurse concept at Auckland Hospital, a six-month pilot study was undertaken within the Neuro-services Department. The aims of the study were to foster a partnership in care with patients / whanau and the multidisciplinary team, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery of nursing care, and to contribute to continuous quality improvement. The results highlighted that, in theory, the named nurse concept would be effective in providing quality co-ordinated care, however factors were identified that hindered the effectiveness of its implementation. Therefore, further development of the concept was required.

Abstract: Oral history accounts of the care of the hospitalised child in the context of family are used to argue that current practice paradoxes in family-centred care are historically ingrained. The article looks at the post-war period, the intervening years, and current practice, centred on the changing concept of motherhood throughout that time. The conflict between clinical expediency versus family and child needs is explored.

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: Using nursing and associated literature, the relevance of nutrition in the care of children and families is highlighted in this article. The role of a nurse in providing nutrition advice and interventions is examined, in the context of social and economic pressures on the provision of a healthy diet. Relevant examples of the provision of such advice is provided, along with competencies required to achieve this in practice.

Abstract: The environment of the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a stressful one for families and is often designed to provide technical care for the infant rather than facilities that would enable and support parental and family participation in infant care. Furthermore, the author notes that the environment of the NICU emerged in literature as an obstacle to meaningful family involvement in care. However, she goes on to say that a philosophy of Family Centred Care in the NICU can offer a framework of care that supports family involvement in the infant's care and family presence in the NICU. It also promotes parental participation in decision-making for the infant and gives recognition to the importance of perspectives provided by the family. This dissertation explores the difficulties associated with the practice of Family Centred Care in the environment of the NICU. It offers recommendations for features of unit design that can promote Family Centred Care by supporting and sustaining the presence of families in the NICU and therefore facilitating their involvement in the care of their infant.