Alistair Farley

The nurse teacheras Action Researcher

It is important that the work of nurse education and nurse educators is critically evaluated. Just as it is no longer acceptable for clinical practitioners of nursing to engage in nursing activities out of a sense of tradition or a history of habit and practice, so too must nurse educators engage in systematic evaluation of their own craft. A number of authors have described Action Researchs suitability for nursing (Webb 1990, Greenwood 1984, MacGuire 1991). In this paper the authors examine Action Research from the perspective of nurse teachers and suggest that it is an appropriate method for studying nurse education.

Fluid and electrolyte balance.

Assessment and careful maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance in patients is an essential part of the nurses role. This article explores fluid and electrolyte balance with reference to the normal physiology of body fluids and regulation of fluids and electrolytes. It also considers some common conditions associated with fluid imbalance.

Endocrine system: part 1.

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the first of two articles on the endocrine system, examines the structure and function of the organs of the endocrine system. It is important that nurses understand how the endocrine system works and its role in maintaining health. The role of the endocrine system and the types, actions and control of hormones are explored. The gross structure of the pituitary and thyroid glands are described along with relevant physiology. Several disorders of the thyroid gland are outlined. The second article examines growth hormone, the pancreas and adrenal glands.

Making the most of time: Charles Hendry and Alistair Farley explore some of the issues that may be faced in relation to time management when completing an MPhil or PhD

Charles Hendry and Alistair Farley explore some of the issues that may be faced in relation to time management when completing an MPhil or PhD.

The digestive system: part 1.

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the first of two articles on the digestive system, explores the structure and function of the digestive system. It is important that nurses understand how the digestive system works and its role in maintaining health. The article describes the gross structure of the gastrointestinal tract along with relevant physiology. It also outlines several disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and their treatment and nursing management. The second article will explain the liver, pancreas and gall bladder and their digestive functions, and provides a brief overview of the disorders of chronic liver disease, pancreatitis and gallstones.

Nervous system: part 2

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the first of three articles on the nervous system, explores the major divisions of the nervous system and their functions. The basic structure of a nerve cell is described, and generation and conduction of nerve impulses is discussed. Blood supply to the brain is also covered. The second article will examine the central nervous system (CNS) in greater detail, including protection of the CNS, and the structure and function of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. The third article will examine the peripheral nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, and provides an overview of some of the disorders of the nervous system.

Male and female reproductive systems and associated conditions.

Sexual reproduction is the process in which a male sperm unites with a female ovum to permit fertilisation. Each fertilised cell contains a set of chromosomes from each parent, therefore both the male and female gametes contribute equally to the process of reproduction. This article provides an overview of the normal anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems. Common disorders of these systems are also discussed.