Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand articles from August 2008

Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand archives from August 2008

Why have evidence if it's really money that matters?(EDITORIAL)(Editorial)
August 1, 2008... At 4pm on March 28, 2006, my cell phone rang. The reception wasn't great and I walked around trying to find some clear air waves to hear what the person was saying. I yelled down the phone for the person to speak up just as the reception kicked...

How about supporting nursing students?(LETTERS)
August 1, 2008... Having finally found the time to catch up on a few back issues of Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand, I was incredibly saddened to find that not only do some more experienced registered nurses (RNs) still criticise and judge student nurses but that...

Addressing the root cause of bullying.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... In response to replies regarding my letter "Pondering the Real Meaning of Care" (June issue, p3), I in no way wished to insult any individuals but simply shared my experience as a woman/nurse with Multiple Sclerosis and as a nurse working...

Charge nurses needed on the wards.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... I agree with Dorothy Sim's comments about basic nursing care, published in last month's letters ("What about basic nursing care?" p4). I trained as a community nurse in 1965 under the hospital system, then as a registered nurse (RN) in 1989...

Taking pride in the profession.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... Continuing the correspondence about basic nursing care, I believe we need to simply remember that the word nurse is both a noun and a verb. If a nurse takes pride in her professional role, she makes a good job of nursing her patients. I...

Nursing badge loses its lustre.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... On reading Nursing Council chair Marion Clark's response to Jean Harris's letter in last month's issue "Who can have a New Zealand RN badge?" (letters, p5), I was appalled to discover that overseas nurses on the New Zealand register are now...

Competency issues for managers.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... A few years ago, I wrote an article for Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand when one of my staff died suddenly. Called "Coping with the death of a staff member" (February 2003, p16), the article looked at the effects of this unexpected event on staff...

Women needed for cancer study.(LETTERS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... As an oncology nurse and doctoral candidate at the University of Auckland, I am seeking assistance in recruiting participants for my study, titled "Determining the emotional and interpersonal aspects of fertility damage from cancer treatment in...

Correction to smoking article.(LETTERS)(Correction notice)
August 1, 2008... Thank you for publishing the articles relating to women's health in the July edition of Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand. Many positive comments have been forwarded to me about the articles contributed by members of the NZNO women's health...

Bizarre nursing stories needed.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... Maverick Television in the United Kingdom is making a second series of the prime-time BBC TV medical documentary Bizarre ER. This focuses on the most bizarre and unusual cases treated by emergency medicine. The production team wants to speak to...

The ministerial taskforce on nursing 10 years on.(NEWS AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2008... A decade ago, in response to the Report of the Ministerial Taskforce on Nursing, NZNO published Building Partnerships: developing the future of nursing. In the foreword, NZNO president Judi Mulholland outlined the principles underpinning NZNO's...

Dot triumphant: Dot has had o dizzying rise through the corporate ranks at her district health board. And her son-substitute Kone has carved out a highly successful career there too. They're both truly inspirational and are enjoying the fruits of their success.((A) MUSING ON NURSING)
August 1, 2008... "You want complaints? Try lumbago." -- Old stand up comic joke Those of you who can be bothered will remember the story of Dot. (1) She's Louise the Lecturers Mum, who has risen from Manager, DHB Spatial Resource Services to Manager,...

Ministry's aged-care monitoring to be reviewed.(NEWS AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2008... The gagging of a woman in Belhaven Rest Home in Auckland, the subsequent closure of the home and the emergence of problems at other rest-homes has put the spotlight on the Ministry of Health's and district hearth boards' (DHB) monitoring of...

Minister looking for solutions.(NEWS AND EVENTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... NZNO acting industrial adviser aged care, Lynley Mulrine, was part of a delegation which met Health Minister David Cunliffe late last month to discuss short- and long-term solutions for the problems besetting the aged-care sector. Mulrine,...

Staff welcomed.(NEWS AND EVENTS)(appointment of Donna Ryan and Chrissie Darth )(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Two new organisers have been appointed to NZNO's Palmerston North office. Donna Ryan has been working as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at MidCentral District Health Board, where she has also been a delegate and convenor....

NZNO conference to probe the heart of health care.(NEWS AND EVENTS)(New Zealand Nurses Organisation)(Conference news)
August 1, 2008... The upcoming general election, and NZNO's structures and decision-making processes, will be on the minds of members attending the organisation's annual conference in Wellington next month. The 2008 conference will be partly inward-looking,...

Safe staffing top priority in election year.(NEWS AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2008... NZNO has put safe staffing at the top of the list of health policies it wants from any new government, including mandatory enforceable staffing levels in aged care. Last month, NZNO launched a comprehensive manifesto detailing the policies...

Exploitation of migrant workers must be addressed.(NEWS AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2008... Exploitation of migrant nurses and other workers is common in New Zealand and any action plan to prevent people-trafficking should address the full spectrum of immigration issues and abuses, according to NZNO. An NZNO discussion document in...

Flood of support for second-level nurse.(NEWS AND EVENTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... NZNO has received a flood of feedback supporting a new, regulated, flexible second-level nurse, with a broad scope of practice. The new role was the central recommendation of the advisory committee on the clinical workforce needed to support...

Treatment profiles.(NEWS AND EVENTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has launched its nursing treatment profiles on its website (www.acc.co.nz). The treatment profiles came out of work by ACC's nurse liaison group, which includes NZNO, College of Nurses Aotearoa (CONA)...

Screening for colorectal cancer.(NEWS AND EVENTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... The Government has decided to fast track the creation of a national colorectal cancer screening programme. Colorectal cancer is New Zealand's second biggest killer cancer, with men having a substantially higher mortality rate from the disease...

In memory of Glenys Baldick.(NEWS AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2008... Accuro Health Insurance, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and the Ministry of Health have established the Glenys Baldick Memorial Award for an emerging leader in health. The annual award of $10,000 will fund the winner's educational...

Alison Cathie first to receive QSO for nursing.(NEWS AND EVENTS)(In memoriam)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Distinguished nursing Leader Alison Cathie died in Wellington in 3une at the age of 95. A former instructor at the Post-graduate School of Advanced Nursing Studies in Wellington, Cathie was the first person to receive the new Queen's Service...

Developing health policy skills.(NEWS AND EVENTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... "Influencing health policy" is the title of three NZNO workshops being run in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington in October. The workshops wilt provide opportunities for nurses, midwives, enrolled nurses/nurse assistants, nursing students...

Massey honours Margaret Bazely.(NEWS AND EVENTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Past NZNA president Margaret Bazely (pictured right) received an honorary doctorate from Massey University in May this year, in recognition of her distinguished career in the public service. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A former matron at...

Extension to Flora Cameron Award.(NEWS AND EVENTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Registered nurses (RN) in Auckland have until the end of this month to apply for the Flora Cameron Award for excellence in practice. The award was established by the Nursing Education Research Foundation to mark the centenary celebrations...

Stop press.(NEWS AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2008... It is understood Nursing Council chief executive Marion Clark has resigned. Kai Tiaki Nursing NewZealand could not confirm this at press time.

Celebrating nursing in Canterbury.(FOCUS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] "It's weird to be in an exhibition when you are still alive," said West Coast District Health Board director of nursing Jane O'Malley, speaking at the opening of an exhibition celebrating the centenary of the...

Empowering people to manage their cancer experience: visiting people in their own homes, helping them manage their treatments and side-effects, is the essence of the Cancer Society's community liaison nurse's role.(PROFILE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Cancer Society Auckland Division's ten community liaison nurses pride themselves on their listening skills, good understanding of the disease and treatments available, awareness of other community support...

Returning home to care for a dying mother: a nurse spends ten months caring for her dying mother at home. Though an incredibly difficult and painful experience, she believes it has made her a better, more empathetic nurse.(EXEMPLAR)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My mother Helen was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in October 2004, aged 56. She was admitted to hospital for a course of chemotherapy. Subsequent x-rays throughout and after treatment showed the tumour...

Helping dying patients transition to another realm: caring for people who are dying is a privilege. Nursing the dying at a metaphysical level requires specialist knowledge and great sensitivity. A nurse shares her understandings of metaphysical nursing care.(VIEWPOINT)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 'I aim to combine nursing and metaphysics, so nurses may develop an understanding of the journey their patiensts are undertaking, and that mystics may understand the nursing processes involved in transition.'--Julie...

Walking beside those with cancer: supporting those who have received a cancer diagnosis negotiate their way through the treatment journey is richly rewarding work for a Rotorua-based nurse.(PROFILE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Standing alongside a person throughout their cancer journey is the essence of Tirita Olsen's work. Appointed as a cancer nurse specialist, Maori health, for Lakes District Health Board late last year, she began the...

Assessing patients' spiritual needs: many nurses may not feel confident about assessing patients' spiritual needs but it is an important aspect of holistic care. Here a nurse offers some suggestions.(PRACTICE)
August 1, 2008... Religion and spirituality are important to the majority of New Zealanders. According to recent data, more than 60 percent of New Zealanders reported spirituality to be "rather" or "very important" in their lives (1) and nearly 60 percent...

Reflective practice aids critical thinking: enrolling in a nursing practicum paper enabled one nurse to discover the benefits of reflective practice, a skill that has helped unlock the door to her true nursing potential.(VIEWPOINT)
August 1, 2008... Along with so many other nurses in New Zealand, I am a member of the "post-grad gang". For the past three years I have "stuck at it", working my way through a series of papers aimed at advancing my practice. However, I really can't say any one...

Looking back and forward at labour's industrial relations record: the major political story for 2008 in New Zealand is undoubtedly the general election. But what is on offer for workers and just what is at stake in Election '08? NZNO legal adviser, Jock Lawrie, assesses Labour's workplace relations policy and puts some questions to Minister of labour, Trevor Mallard.(ELECTION FOCUS)(New Zealand Nurses Organisation)(Interview)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The enactment of the Employment Relations Act (ERA) by the Labour Government in October 2000 represented the successful culmination of a long, hard campaign by workers and unions to repeal the highly contentious and...

'I didn't know'--a defence or not? Nurses need to have an intimate knowledge of their professional standards of practice, as they may one day be investigated and have their actions or lack of them held to account.(PROFESSIONAL FOCUS)
August 1, 2008... Technology is constantly changing, best practice is being reviewed and updated, and the need for continual nursing learning is paramount. At any given point in time, a nurse is likely to be heard saying, "But I didn't know': Both employees...

Safe staffing--getting it right now: ensuring safe staffing across all health sectors is a significant challenge. NZNO is meeting the challenge with a long-term, organisation-wide approach.(INDUSTRIAL FOCUS)(New Zealand Nurses Organisation)
August 1, 2008... NZNO, along with other nursing organisations worldwide, has wrestled with "safe staffing" for many years. In the 1990s, NZNO predicted a nursing and midwifery shortage before 2010. Being right is no comfort. The current "condition" is a legacy...

The role of culture in determining wellness.(TE RUNANGA)
August 1, 2008... Buon giorno! Sadly, that is about the limit of my Italian, despite having spent one week travelling from Venezia to Toscana to Roma recently. Following my attendance at three International Council of Nurses' meetings in Geneva in May, I...

Te Runanga offers leadership.(TE RUNANGA)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Ko Takitimu te waka; ko Maungaharuru te rnaunga; ko Te Ngarue te awa; ko Tutira te moana i roto; ko Tangitu te moana a waho; ko Ngati Tu (Ngati Kurumokihi) te hapu; ko Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa te iwi; ko Timoti Lawson raua ko Shirley Timu ooku...

Survey reveals extent of bullying.(NATIONAL STUDENT UNIT)(Survey)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Many new faces joined the National Student Unit (NSU) meeting in Wellington last month. The NSU now has three Tauira Aronui representatives and 15 regional representatives, with only two nursing schools not...

Developing innovative practice.(SECTION/COLLEGE NEWS)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cancer nurses around the country are developing strategies and innovative practice to meet the goals of the New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy (2003). (1) The aim of the strategy is to reduce the incidence and...

Adapting the district nurse role.(SECTION/COLLEGE NEWS)(Conference news)
August 1, 2008... The 14th National District Nurse Conference, sponsored by NZNO's district nurses' section, was held in Palmerston North from June 20-21, and attended by 150 delegates from around the country. The organising committee was from the MidCentral...

Recognising the connection between faith and health.(INTEREST GROUP)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... New Zealand faith community nurses (FCNs) will be celebrating their 10th anniversary at their 2008 conference in Christchurch over Labour Weekend. FCNs offer a whole-person approach to caring for their community and believe spiritual care...

Prime Minister hears unionists' concerns.(SECTOR REPORTS)
August 1, 2008... Prime Minister Helen Clark, accompanied by various Labour MPs, has been meeting union activists around the country at Council of Trade Unions (CTU) forums. More than 60 people attended a forum in Palmerston North last month, with 70...

Aged-care petition nears its target.(SECTOR REPORTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... NZNO's petition calling for mandated staffing levels in residential aged-care facilities is approaching its target of 10,000 signatures, with more than 7000 signatures collected by late last month. NZNO staff and members have been active at...

Three long-serving nurses retire from capital and coast DHB.(SECTOR REPORTS)(Capital and Coast District Health Board)(retirement of Liliane O'Leary,Sue McGlone and Juliet Scott )
August 1, 2008... Capital and Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) has recently lost more than 100 years of nursing experience with the retirement of three long-serving district nurses. Late last month, 75-year-old Liliane O'Leary retired after dose to 40...

Radius agreement ratified.(SECTOR REPORTS)(Radius Residential Care Ltd )(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Members at 20 Radius Residential Care Ltd sites throughout the country have unanimously ratified I a collective agreement (CA) which delivers substantial pay rises to many members and automatic progression after each year of service. ...

NZNO offices.(New Zealand Nurses Organisation)(Directory)
August 1, 2008... NATIONAL OFFICE L/3, Willbank Court, 57 Willis St, PO Box 2128, Wellington 6140. ph (04) 499 9533 fax (04) 382 9993 website: www.nzno.org.nz email: nurses@nzno.org.nz. Geoff Annals (chief executive), Kevin O'Neill...