Features – Page 5 – Kaitiaki Nursing New Zealand

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Why would nurses resist vaccination?

By co-editor Joel Maxwell

November 1, 2021

Even health professionals are susceptible to COVID-19 misinformation. But why?

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

‘I’m proud to be a nurse’: Mahina Adams on first COVID-19 wave in Paris

By Kai Tiaki editors

November 1, 2021

It was her first week in her final clinical placement in a Paris hospital when Mahina Adams was told COVID-19 was on its way.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Getting it right in end-of-life care

By Kai Tiaki editors

November 1, 2021

This article was written by a palliative care nurse, about the distressing final days of her mother’s life. Identifying details of the people and institutions involved have been removed as the purpose of this viewpoint is not to point the finger but to appeal for skilled palliative care for dying people and their families.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Mandatory vaccination – what about students?

By Roseanne Sadd

November 1, 2021

A nursing lecturer who has noticed vaccine hesitancy among students argues it is their duty of care.

October 2021 vol 27 no 9

From puffers to boilers: Health system needs a climate change check-up

By Mikey Brenndorfer

October 1, 2021

What practical measures can the health service and a health union such as NZNO take to tackle climate change?

September 2021 vol 27 no 8

Nurses ‘can do more’ in mental health

By co-editor Mary Longmore

September 1, 2021

Nurses can do much more in the mental health space – they just need the confidence and experience to do so, says long-time mental health nurse Anthony O’Brien, who is weaving mental health care throughout a new nursing degree at the University of Waikato.

September 2021 vol 27 no 8

Use social media ‘wisely’ – NZNO

By NZNO acting manager, nursing and professional services, Kate Weston

September 1, 2021

NZNO and its members are currently in a phase of significant activity.

September 2021 vol 27 no 8

‘Everybody has the right to express themselves’

By Kai Tiaki editors

September 1, 2021

Internet safety watchdog Netsafe chief executive Martin Cocker says there is recourse for people being harassed online under the Harmful Digital Communications Act (2015).

September 2021 vol 27 no 8

Lessons learned from Twitter

By Margaret Hughes

September 1, 2021

I have been teaching nurses professional boundaries,¹ professional conduct and communication² and the code of ethics³ for over 20 years. More recently I have taught nurses about the role and perils of social media using Nursing Council guides.⁴

September 2021 vol 27 no 8

Imagine… the nightmares and dreams of an aged care nurse

By Kai Tiaki editors

September 1, 2021

A registered nurse working in aged care explains what an increase in staffing would mean for her.

August 2021 vol 27 no 7

NZ’s first nurse hysteroscopist-in-training

By Kai Tiaki editors

August 1, 2021

Waikato nurse practitioner (NP) and colposcopist Lauren Moore says she hopes training nurses in hysteroscopy – examination of the uterus – will benefit women at an “extremely frightening and vulnerable time” in their lives.

August 2021 vol 27 no 7

Nurses celebrate, lament long fight for cervical cancer self-test

By co-editor Mary Longmore

August 1, 2021

After years of fighting to be heard, a network of passionate nurses, doctors and advocates have won the right for women to easily test themselves for signs of cervical cancer – but are angry it took so long.

August 2021 vol 27 no 7

Nursing recruitment needs a boost

By co-editor Joel Maxwell

August 1, 2021

It might just be time for the great fees wipeout!

August 2021 vol 27 no 7

Nurse continues campaigner’s fight

By co-editor Mary Longmore

August 1, 2021

Cervical screening coordinator for Waikato, specialty clinical nurse Nadine Riwai, (Ngāti Porou, Te Uri o Hau, Ngai Takoto) has been heavily influenced in her approach to caring for women by the Smear Your Mea (SYM) founder Talei Morrison.

August 2021 vol 27 no 7

Mesothelioma: The deadly legacy of asbestos

By Leonie Metcalfe and Donna Thomas

August 1, 2021

Two long-serving nurses and NZNO delegates describe how their lives led up to a diagnosis of mesothelioma – the cancer caused by swallowing or inhaling asbestos fibres. They want to raise awareness of mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos.

August 2021 vol 27 no 7

Health and safety law prompted by Pike River tragedy, now helping hospital staff

By co-editor Joel Maxwell

August 1, 2021

Until now the focus in hospitals has been mostly on patient safety – but a law crafted to protect workers after a horrifying tragedy, puts the focus on staff as well.

August 2021 vol 27 no 7

Over-centralising the health system will not help

By Brian Easton

August 1, 2021

In the second of two articles on the Government’s planned health reforms, economist Brian Easton looks at the pros and cons of a more centralised system.

July 2021 vol 27 no 6

Nurses and unionists acknowledged in Queen’s Birthday honours

By co-editor Mary Longmore with research by NZNO librarian Heather Woods

July 1, 2021

Four of our brightest stars celebrated and acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.

July 2021 vol 27 no 6

Nursing ‘crisis’ in aged care

By co-editor Mary Longmore

July 1, 2021

Many of us fortunate enough to live to a ripe old age will likely end up in a rest home or aged residential care (ARC) facility and would like to enjoy a high standard of care. So why are ARC nurses fleeing?

July 2021 vol 27 no 6

Away from the picket line – those who stay behind

By co-editor Mary Longmore

July 1, 2021

Working while all your colleagues go on strike isn’t easy – but it’s crucial. Nurses share their experiences of providing life-preserving services (LPS) during the June 9 strike.

Uncut – news briefs

1 Apr	Health NZ wants your feedback on a Paediatric Adolescent and Young Adult Palliative Model of Care Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) is seeking feedback on potential options for national palliative care services for tamariki, rangatahi/children, young people and their whānau/families.
27 March	Bar still too high for small mental health providers Small mental health providers will still be locked out of co-funding from the Mental Health Innovation Fund despite a lower threshold.
25 March	ICN advocates for health system gender equity and women’s health The International Council of Nurses (ICN) brought the nursing voice to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) which wrapped up on Friday. ICN participated in critical discussions on gender equity and women’s health throughout the event.
19 March	ICN warns of healthcare crisis as USAID funding cuts devastate nursing initiatives in the world’s most vulnerable regions The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has documented alarming firsthand evidence of widespread disruption and collapse of essential health care services following the sudden withdrawal of USAID and other funding.
19 March	New High Dependency Unit will expand critical care services in Wellington Health Minister Simeon Brown has today officially opened Wellington Regional Hospital’s first High Dependency Unit (HDU).
13 March	Pharmac to fund more cancer medicines Pharmac is funding six more medicines for cancers and one for antibiotic resistant infections.
28 Feb	Pharmac CE resigns The Board of Pharmac wishes to announce that its Chief Executive for the last 7 years, Sarah Fitt, has resigned effective from 30 May 2025.
25 Feb	ICN issues updated statement on health care in conflict, calling for peace and compliance with international humanitarian law In recent years, the world has witnessed a disturbing increase in conflicts and wars, placing immense strain on health systems and exacerbating human suffering. Nurses have been at the forefront of these crises, responding to emergencies, supporting recovery efforts, and providing essential care to those affected by violence and displacement.
21 Feb	ICN’s new guidance on integrating nurse leaders into heart of health workforce planning The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has published a practical guide to including nurses in workforce planning decisions.
17 Feb	ICN warns of effect of US withdrawal from WHO on nurse-led services The International Council of Nurses (ICN) warned that the withdrawal of the United States from WHO has already halted some nurse-led services, including vaccination programmes and care for people with HIV/AIDS.
17 Feb	Minister acknowledges outgoing Director-General Health Minister Simeon Brown has today acknowledged the resignation of Director-General of Health and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, and thanked her for her service.
12 Feb	Pharmac funds medicines for liver, ovarian, and neuroendocrine cancers People with liver, ovarian, and neuroendocrine cancers will have access to more medicines from 1 March 2025.
11 Feb	Consultation begins on work to improve patient access to medical devices Pharmac is continuing to improve the way medical devices are managed for New Zealanders, today opening consultation on its comprehensive list of medical devices used by public hospitals.
3 Feb	First Whānau Āwhina Plunket site in NZ delivering childhood vaccinations Childhood immunisations are now being delivered at a Whānau Āwhina Plunket site in Whāngarei, with other regions soon to also provide the new service.
29 Jan	Local access to specialist audiology services comes to Wairarapa A newly established out-patient clinic for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and audiology appointments is providing Wairarapa patients with local access to specialist hearing services for the first time.
29 Jan	Pharmac reconsiders oestradiol patch options following community feedback Pharmac is reviewing and reconsidering its oestradiol patch options after considerable feedback was received when it announced a move to a single funded brand late last year.
22 Jan	Consultations for cancer and ADHD medicines close soon Pharmac is encouraging people to have their say on proposals to fund six more medicines and change the brand of one medicine before consultation closes on 27 January.
20 Dec	Health NZ introduces public reporting of key primary healthcare measures and PHO performance Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) has introduced public reporting of key primary healthcare measures and Primary Health Organisation (PHO) performance.
19 Dec	Quarter 1 performance report released Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora has today published its Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter 1, covering the period 1 July to 30 September 2024.
18 Dec	Recent uptick in Boostrix immunisations amid whooping cough epidemic, but work still to do As the healthcare sector continues to respond to a whooping cough (pertussis) epidemic across the motu, it’s promising to see a recent uptick in the number of Boostrix immunisations among the 15- to 44-year-old age group, with a recent doubling of doses administered from about 1,000 per week to over 2,000 per week.
18 Dec	Extra security to again keep EDs safe this summer Health Minister Dr Shane Reti is again reminding New Zealanders that violence against patients, visitors and health workers won’t be tolerated, with additional security for hospital emergency departments across the country this summer.
13 Dec	Mental health and addiction targets implementation plans released Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora has today published its first quarterly results for four of the five mental health and addiction targets, covering the period 1 July – 30 September 2024.
12 Dec	Health targets encouraging – work continues New data shows that the Government’s focus on health targets is putting the brakes on the steep decline in delivery seen over the past five years.
12 Dec	Gisborne receives mental health beds boost Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today opened Gisborne Hospital’s new acute mental health unit, Te Whare Awhi Ora, and says the region will be better served by a bigger, more therapeutic acute mental health unit.
9 Dec	Afghan women ‘banned from nursing and midwife training’ in latest blow to rights BBC News has reported that female nursing and midwifery students in Afghanistan have been told not to return to their studies, effectively ending women’s only access to further education, and putting women and children’s lives at risk.
9 Dec	How student and early career nurses can influence policymaking The International Council of Nurses (ICN) held a webinar which highlighted the vital importance of primary and preventative health care in meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) challenging goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030
3 Dec	Health NZ end-of-year deficit confirmed In publishing its annual report, Health NZ has confirmed it ended the financial year with a deficit of $722 million, against a target surplus of $54 million.
2 Dec	ICN says COP29 climate finance shortfall threatens the planet’s health The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has expressed profound disappointment with the outcomes of COP29, held in Baku, particularly the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance that was passed despite significant objections from developing countries.
29 Nov	Minister reminds public health officials of priorities Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti says the National Public Health Service should concentrate its focus on prioritising serious public health issues facing New Zealanders.
29 Nov	Community providers rally to protect hapū māma and pēpi as national whooping cough case numbers surpass 1,000 for 2024 Hapū māmā are being urged to get immunised, and parents and caregivers are encouraged to get their babies immunised on time, as whooping cough case numbers continue to climb across Aotearoa New Zealand.
28 Nov	Govt ignores health crisis, plans to axe 1500 public health roles The health of New Zealanders will suffer because of the Government’s plan to axe nearly 1500 roles at Te Whatu Ora, coming at a time when the public health system is already under severe pressure.
27 Nov	Health New Zealand Establishes Technical Advisory Group to Lead Transformation in Maternity Care This team of experts and community representatives will play a key role in the development of the Maternity Commissioning Framework, a core element of the wider Kahu Taurima programme, which aims to make maternity and early years services more equitable, accessible, and whānau-centered.
22 Nov	Whooping Cough epidemic declared across Aotearoa New Zealand Health agencies have confirmed today that Aotearoa New Zealand is now in the early stages of a Whooping Cough epidemic, with a nationally coordinated response now in place.
20 Nov	A Global Map of Winter Depression Healthnews has released an extensive study that ranks 194 countries based on their winter-pattern Seasonal Depression Disorder (SAD) risk.
18 Nov	Potential travel disruption expected with Tuesday’s national Hīkoi Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora urges those with an appointment scheduled at Wellington Regional Hospital on Tuesday morning or early afternoon, to please allow extra time to get to appointments.
15 Nov	ICN’s calls on G20 leaders to address international health worker migration crisis Ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro next week, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) welcomes the Declarations recently adopted by the G20 Health Working Group and health ministers.
13 Nov	Measles case confirmed in Tāmaki Makaurau Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora has confirmed today that a new case of measles has been identified on Waiheke Island in Auckland. The case and their household are being supported by the National Public Health Service (NPHS), with those most at risk now in quarantine to help reduce the chance of further spread.
5 Nov	Safety fears ahead of changes to mental health 111 calls Mental Health Nurses have serious concerns about the safety of their patients, the public, their colleagues and themselves when police changes to emergency 111 calls come into effect on Monday, New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa says.