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Usher K, Best O. Closing the gap: nurses and midwives making a difference. Contemp Nurse 2010; 37:3-4. [PMID: 21842560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
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Sando JJ, Usher K, Buettner P. 'To swim or not to swim': the impact of jellyfish stings causing Irukandji Syndrome in Tropical Queensland. J Clin Nurs 2010; 19:109-17. [PMID: 20500249 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2009.03034.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM This manuscript presents both demographic and descriptive data related to a distressing clinical condition known as Irukandji syndrome. Chart audit and observation data were collected to explore trends in patient characteristics and to review the current practices surrounding the management of the syndrome by advanced practice ED nurses. BACKGROUND Irukandji syndrome, a known health emergency in northern Australia, causes severe symptoms such as muscle pains, nausea and vomiting, headache and chest pain causing clinical challenges for emergency nurses. Little is written about this condition from a nursing perspective. DESIGN A mixed methods case study approach. METHODS Data were collected by observation and chart audit from 186 patients diagnosed with Irukandji syndrome between 2001-2007. RESULTS Of the 186 patients, 44.1% were local residents and 58.6% were men. Median age of the patients was 27 years (range 16-77). There was a time trend with a greater number of stings occurring out at the Great Barrier Reef than at mainland beaches (p < 0.001). Important results were found regarding waiting times for pain management and intuitive rather than documented assessment practices of advanced practice nursing staff. CONCLUSION Irukandji syndrome causes severe emotional distress and acute pain, however, people continue to swim in marine sting environments and fail to make use of available protective clothing such as body suits. Local residents continue to be stung regardless of the educational information available suggesting a review of the current public education campaign is required. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Nurses failed to document assessment processes limiting adequately the ability to assess trends in the patient's condition effectively and treat symptoms efficiently. It is, therefore, timely to review the critical role that assessment plays in clinical care.
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Usher K, Baker JA, Holmes CA. Understanding clinical decision making for PRN medication in mental health inpatient facilities. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2010; 17:558-64. [PMID: 20633084 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2010.01565.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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McCann TV, Moxham L, Farrell G, Usher K, Crookes P. Mental health content of Australian pre-registration nursing curricula: summary report and critical commentary. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2010; 30:393-397. [PMID: 20452102 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2009.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Revised: 06/18/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns have been expressed about inadequate mental health content in generic pre-registration nursing curricula in Australia. These have led to claims new graduates are inadequately prepared to care for patients with mental health issues. The Mental Health Nurse Education Taskforce set up for the purpose of the project by the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council, carried out a national exploration of mental health content in pre-registration nursing curricula in order to develop a framework for including mental health in future pre-registration courses. This paper summarises the Taskforce's report, and presents a critical commentary on several aspects, of the Taskforce's report. METHODS The project comprised a literature review, a national survey, national consultations, and advice from an Expert Reference Group. RESULTS The report sets out a framework, which included the core values underpinning learning and teaching, learning outcomes, learning and teaching principles, and benchmarks for inclusion of mental health content in curricula. It recommended that a national approach needed to be taken to accreditation of curricula. This, together with greater collaboration between universities and clinical agencies, and the adoption of innovative strategies to secure clinical places, will help ensure a consistent adoption of the framework in each state and territory.
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Usher K. Editorial: Are we ready? Preparing nurses to respond to disasters and emerging infectious diseases. J Clin Nurs 2010; 19:1483-4. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2009.02979.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Usher K, Gardner A, Buttner P, Woolley T, Sando J, White K, West C. The H1N1 influenza 09 and its potential impact on the Australian nursing workforce. Collegian 2010; 16:169-70. [PMID: 20141023 DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2009.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Foster K, Usher K, Gadai S, Taukei R. There is no health without mental health: implementing the first mental health nursing postgraduate program in Fiji. Contemp Nurse 2009; 32:179-86. [PMID: 19697988 DOI: 10.5172/conu.32.1-2.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the high demand for skilled care of mental health consumers, many countries experience difficulty attracting and maintaining a sufficiently educated and trained mental health workforce, including nurses. In developing countries such as Fiji, nurses are the primary providers of mental healthcare, yet often do so with minimal specialist education and training. In this paper, we discuss the development and implementation of the first mental health nursing postgraduate program in Fiji. We also raise critical issues in building successful educational partnerships between developed and developing countries, including those of capacity-building, managing organizational change, and achieving sustainability. In doing so, our aim is that our experiences may be helpful to others seeking to work together in similar ways.
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McCann TV, Moxham L, Usher K, Crookes PA, Farrell G. Mental health content of comprehensive pre-registration nursing curricula in Australia. J Res Nurs 2009. [DOI: 10.1177/1744987109347041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2008 the final report of the Mental Health Nurse Education Taskforce was released. This paper presents the findings of the report’s survey into the mental health content of generic pre-registration nursing curricula in Australia. A questionnaire was sent to all nursing schools providing pre-registration curricula. Results indicate curricula contained a wide range of mental health theory and clinical hours. While the majority of universities incorporated most of the 20 key topics recommended by the Mental Health Nurse Education Taskforce in their courses, few addressed issues such as Indigenous mental health. There was considerable competition for placements between universities, and concern about the quality of some placements. Nurse academics with formal qualifications in mental health and specialist clinical mental health nurses were mainly involved in teaching theory. Specialist mental health clinicians and clinical educators were the key groups engaged in students’ clinical education, and preceptorship was the most common form of clinical supervision. Consumers and carers had limited involvement in the development or provision of mental health content of pre-registration curricula. Greater attention is needed to increasing the mental health content in pre-registration curricula. Furthermore, initiatives should be developed to increase access to clinical placements and reduce competition for places between universities.
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Oman KM, Moulds R, Usher K. Professional satisfaction and dissatisfaction among Fiji specialist trainees: what are the implications for preventing migration? QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2009; 19:1246-1258. [PMID: 19690206 DOI: 10.1177/1049732309344116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The migration of doctors from developing countries threatens the health status of the populations left behind. This qualitative study was conducted to explore why an unexpected number of Fiji specialist trainees left the public sector, often to migrate, using a lens of professional satisfaction. Forty seven Fiji doctors, including 36 of 66 who undertook specialist training in Fiji, were interviewed about the factors that led to their own professional satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Three major components of professional satisfaction emerged: professional growth, service, and recognition, with considerable overlap between categories. The aspects of professional dissatisfaction were more varied but could be categorized as the absence or blocking of the elements of professional satisfaction. From the interviews, a professional satisfaction model was developed featuring the three overlapping central elements of satisfaction on a background of an enabling health system. This model might have implications for health systems seeking to retain their workers.
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Luck L, Jackson D, Usher K. Conveying caring: Nurse attributes to avert violence in the ED. Int J Nurs Pract 2009; 15:205-12. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-172x.2009.01749.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Usher K, Baker JA, Holmes C, Stocks B. Clinical decision-making for ‘as needed’ medications in mental health care. J Adv Nurs 2009; 65:981-91. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2008.04957.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Oman KM, Usher K, Moulds R. Lack of coordination between health policy and medical education: a contributing factor to the resignation of specialist trainees in Fiji? THE NEW ZEALAND MEDICAL JOURNAL 2009; 122:28-38. [PMID: 19322253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM Specialist training was established in Fiji in 1998. This study explored whether health policy, and in particular mismatches between existing policy and the new realities of local specialist training, contributed to decisions by many trainees to ultimately leave the public sectors, often to migrate. METHOD Data was collected on the whereabouts of all specialist trainees. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 36 of 66 Fiji trainees in order to explore reasons for continuing or not completing training, as well as the reasons behind subsequent career choices. RESULTS Overall, 54.5% of doctors remained in the public sectors or were temporarily overseas. Completion of specialist training was particularly associated with improved retention. Policies that contributed to frustration and sometimes resignations included a lack of transparency in the selection of doctors to enter training pathways, and unreliable career progression following completion of training. Doctors who left training before completion mentioned family stresses, which were exacerbated by delayed age at entry into training and a lack of certainty in regards to the timing of improved working conditions through career advancement. CONCLUSION Policy adjustments to expedite entry into training, as well as to establish predictable career progression as a reward for training may increase training completions and overall retention.
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Oman KM, Moulds R, Usher K. Specialist training in Fiji: why do graduates migrate, and why do they remain? A qualitative study. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2009; 7:9. [PMID: 19216766 PMCID: PMC2652983 DOI: 10.1186/1478-4491-7-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2009] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialist training was established in the late 1990s at the Fiji School of Medicine. Losses of graduates to overseas migration and to the local private sector prompted us to explore the reasons for these losses from the Fiji public workforce. METHODS Data were collected on the whereabouts and highest educational attainments of the 66 Fiji doctors who had undertaken specialist training to at least the diploma level between 1997 and 2004. Semistructured interviews focusing on career decisions were carried out with 36 of these doctors, who were purposely sampled to include overseas migrants, temporary overseas trainees, local private practitioners and public sector doctors. RESULTS 120 doctors undertook specialist training to at least the diploma level between 1997 and 2004; 66 of the graduates were Fiji citizens or permanent residents; 54 originated from other countries in the region. Among Fiji graduates, 42 completed a diploma and 24 had either completed (21) or were enrolled (3) in a master's programme. Thirty-two (48.5%) were working in the public sectors, four (6.0%) were temporarily training overseas, 30.3% had migrated overseas and the remainder were mostly in local private practice. Indo-Fijian ethnicity and non-completion of full specialist training were associated with lower retention in the public sectors, while gender had little impact. Decisions to leave the public sectors were complex, with concerns about political instability and family welfare predominating for overseas migrants, while working conditions not conducive to family life or frustrations with career progression predominated for local private practitioners. Doctors remaining in the public sectors reported many satisfying aspects to their work despite frustrations, though 40% had seriously considered resigning from the public service and 60% were unhappy with their career progression. CONCLUSION Overall, this study provides some support for the view that local or regional postgraduate training may increase retention of doctors. Attention to career pathways and other sources of frustration, in addition to encouragement to complete training, should increase the likelihood of such programmes' reaching their full potentials.
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Sando JJ, Usher K. Case review: a 28-year-old Korean man with Irukandji syndrome. Int Emerg Nurs 2009; 17:72-6. [PMID: 19135019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2008.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2008] [Revised: 07/18/2008] [Accepted: 07/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Baldwin AE, Usher K. Going the distance--experiences of women with gynaecological cancer residing in rural remote north Queensland. Int J Nurs Pract 2008; 14:322-8. [PMID: 18715395 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-172x.2008.00705.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Women who are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer face a difficult journey. For women residing in areas geographically removed from major health providers the journey can be much more difficult. While they 'make do' and 'struggle on', their lived experiences can provide valuable insight into the complex issues surrounding a cancer diagnosis in rural areas. This study aimed to understand their experiences through the women's stories and sought to identify the major themes impacting on these stories. This qualitative phenomenological study undertook interviews with seven women with gynaecological cancer who reside in rural and remote north Queensland. Analysis of the data collected revealed three themes: seeking answers at a distance; sharing information within a small community; and experiences of navigating the health system. The results show the inherent difficulties in accessing support in rural areas and the difficulties associated with travelling considerable distances to undergo treatment.
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Abstract
Drug or substance abuse by adolescents continues to have a major impact on the health and well-being of young people and poses a serious management problem for health workers. While the majority of the problems surrounding adolescent substance abuse rest on the parents, little is actually known about their experiences. This study aimed to describe and construct an interpretation of the lived experiences of parenting an adolescent who abuses illicit substances. A qualitative approach, underpinned by the tenets of phenomenology, was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 18 parents. Thematic analysis revealed eight themes: confronting the lies, deceit, and suspicion; struggling to set limits; dealing with the consequences; living with the blame and the shame; trying to keep the child safe; grieving the child that was; living with the guilt; and choosing self-preservation. The results indicate that parents struggle to manage the problem, are left to deal with the consequences of the behaviour with little support, and are constantly looking for answers to the questions raised by the problem.
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Stewart L, Usher K. Carspecken's critical approach as a way to explore nursing leadership issues. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2007; 17:994-9. [PMID: 17724111 DOI: 10.1177/1049732307306925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Nursing leaders are attempting to provide effective support for staff as well as optimal client care in the most challenging of times for the health care industry globally. Regardless of where leaders practice, their health care setting will have its own socially constructed way of getting the work done. In this article the authors suggest Carspecken's critical methodology, particularly his use of the pragmatic horizon, as a useful method to assist leaders in recognizing their own behaviors as a first step to providing leadership that is more emancipatory. The aim of this reflection and resulting action is increasing leadership effectiveness to improve health care outcomes.
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Luck L, Jackson D, Usher K. STAMP: components of observable behaviour that indicate potential for patient violence in emergency departments. J Adv Nurs 2007; 59:11-9. [PMID: 17543010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04308.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM This paper is the report of a study to explicate the components of observable behaviour that indicate a potential for violence in patients, their family and friends when presenting at an emergency department. BACKGROUND Violence towards nurses is a contemporary, multifaceted problem for the healthcare workforce globally. International literature identifies emergency departments as having high levels of violence. METHOD A mixed method case study design was adopted, and data were collected by means of 290 hours of participant observation, 16 semi-structured interviews and 13 informal field interviews over a 5-month period in 2005. Thematic analysis of textual data was undertaken using NVivo2. Frequency counts were developed from the numerical data. FINDINGS Five distinctive elements of observable behaviour indicating potential for violence in patients, their families and friends were identified. These elements can be conceptualized as a potential nursing violence assessment framework and described through the acronym STAMP: Staring and eye contact, Tone and volume of voice, Anxiety, Mumbling and Pacing. CONCLUSION Staring and eye contact, Tone and volume of voice, Anxiety, Mumbling and Pacing provides a useful, practical nursing violence assessment framework to assist nurses to quickly identify patients, families and friends who have a potential for violence.
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Jackson D, Usher K, O'Brien L. Fractured families: parental perspectives of the effects of adolescent drug abuse on family life. Contemp Nurse 2007; 23:321-30. [PMID: 17343535 DOI: 10.5555/conu.2006.23.2.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
Drug use in young people has serious ramifications for health and well-being of young people and their families and continues to be an area of major concern for health workers. Though the task of dealing with drug-related problems falls on families, particularly parents, very little literature has explored parental experiences of managing drug use within the context of family life. Eighteen parents of drug-abusing young people were recruited into this qualitative study that aimed to develop understandings into the effects of adolescent drug use on family life. Findings revealed that the experience of having a drug-abusing adolescent family member had a profound effect on other members of the immediate family. Family relationships were fractured and split as a result of the on-going destructive and damaging behaviour of the drug-abusing young person. Five themes were identified that captured the concept of fractured families. These are: betrayal and loss of trust: 'You had to have the doors locked'; abuse, threats and violence: 'there were holes in the wall'; sibling anger and resentment: 'Better off now with him gone'; isolated, disgraced and humiliated: 'You are on your own with it'; and, feeling blamed: 'You are not a good parent'. Implications for practice and further research are drawn from the findings of this paper.
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Luck L, Jackson D, Usher K. Innocent or culpable? Meanings that emergency department nurses ascribe to individual acts of violence. J Clin Nurs 2007; 17:1071-8. [PMID: 17419792 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2006.01870.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to explore the meaning(s) that emergency department nurses ascribe to acts of violence from patients, their family and friends and what impact these meaning(s) have upon how they respond to such acts. BACKGROUND Violence in the health sector is of international concern. In high acuity areas such as emergency departments, nurses have an increased risk of violence. The literature further suggests that violence towards nurses in emergency departments is under-reported. DESIGN AND METHODS This study was undertaken in 2005, at a regional Australian Emergency Department with 20 consenting registered nurses. Using an instrumental case study design, both qualitative and quantitative data were generated. Qualitative data were collected using participant observation, semi-structured interviews, informal field interviews and researcher journaling. Quantitative data of violent events were generated using a structured observational guide. Textual data were analysed thematically and numeric data were analysed using frequency counts. Mixed methods and concurrent data analysis contributed to the rigour of this study. FINDINGS Emergency department nurses made judgments about the meaning of violent events according to three factors: (i) perceived personalization of the violence; (ii) presence of mitigating factors; and (iii) the reason for the presentation. The meanings that were ascribed to individual acts of violence informed the responses that nurses initiated. CONCLUSIONS; The findings show that violence towards emergency department nurses is interpreted in a more systematic and complex way than the current definitions of violence make possible. The meanings given to violence were contextually constructed and these ascribed meaning(s) and judgments informed the actions that the nurses took in response to both the act of violence and the agent of violence. Relevance to clinical practice. Understanding the meaning(s) of violence towards nurses contributes to the discussions surrounding why nurses under-report violence. Further, these findings bring insights into how nurses can and do, handle violence in the workplace.
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Usher K, Foster K, Park T. The metabolic syndrome and schizophrenia: the latest evidence and nursing guidelines for management. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2006; 13:730-4. [PMID: 17087676 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2006.01026.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of second-generation antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia has provided significant benefits for clients experiencing this disorder. While they have been found effective in reducing psychotic symptoms, there is evidence that these drugs are also linked with a group of side effects commonly known as the metabolic syndrome. Mental health nurses are well positioned to prevent, detect and/or manage the development of this problematic constellation of symptoms. Guidelines for practice can be useful in prevention and management of the syndrome and enhance nursing care of clients who are taking second-generation antipsychotics.
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Luck L, Jackson D, Usher K. Survival of the fittest, or socially constructed phenomena? Theoretical understandings of aggression and violence towards nurses. Contemp Nurse 2006; 21:251-63. [PMID: 16696607 DOI: 10.5172/conu.2006.21.2.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Violence is an issue that is attracting increasing attention in the nursing literature. There is general agreement that nurses are exposed to unacceptable levels of violence and aggression in the workplace, and that levels of violence are increasing. Despite this attention and awareness, however, violence does not have a standard definition, and theoretical explanations of violence are seldom considered when discussing it in relation to nursing. This paper discusses current issues associated with defining violence, and presents an overview of some of the traditional and contemporary theories of aggression and violence in relation to nursing and the health context. Conflicting issues surrounding predictors and precipitators of violence are examined. We explore the notion that violence is 'part of the job' in nursing. In conclusion, we assert that the current discourses on aggression and violence maintain the status quo, and argue that new explanatory positions on aggression and violence towards nurses are needed.
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Abstract
Case study as a teaching and research tool has an extensive history in health and social sciences. Despite its suitability for many of the research questions that face nurses, nurses have not fully embraced case study as a comprehensive approach for research. The vagaries of the real-life clinical setting can confound methodologically purist researchers. Case study provides a milieu in which nurse researchers can respond to these vagaries and move towards a paradigmatic openness. In this paper, we argue that case study offers, as yet, under-explored and under-utilised potential as a bridge across the traditional research paradigms. We argue that case study has broad research application and epistemological, ontological and methodological flexibility. When used as a research approach, case study is both the process and end product of research. It provides a delineated boundary for inquiry, and a structural process within which any methods appropriate to investigating a research area can be applied.
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Stewart L, Usher K, Nadakuitavuki R, Tollefson J. Developing the future nurse leaders of Fiji. AUST J ADV NURS 2006; 23:47-51. [PMID: 16800220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurse leaders in Fiji are currently involved in meeting the challenges of being at the forefront of an AusAID supported Health Sector Improvement process. Fiji is experiencing the same shortages of health professionals (including nurses) as is occurring internationally, while simultaneously striving to improve the quality of its health services. PRIMARY ARGUMENT This paper provides information about the current situation in relation to health services in Fiji, and describes strategies being undertaken by the nurse leaders of Fiji to meet the challenge of leading an exciting reform process. James Cook University, School of Nursing Sciences, has been privileged to support the provision of contemporary leadership and management education for current and future nurse leaders in the Fiji Health Sector as a component of a current education program to educate registered nurses to bachelor level. This paper will provide an overview of the current Fiji Health Sector Improvement Program, with a particular focus on the preparation of nurse leaders. CONCLUSION There is an ongoing need to understand beliefs and values, and styles of interaction and communication, and indeed, ideas about time. With collaboration between Australian academics and Fiji tutors from the Fiji School of Nursing, the program appears to be remarkably successful.
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