Elizabeth Forster

Resident-staff interactions: a challenge for quality residential aged care

Objectives: This paper describes one facet of a study to develop and implement a “best practice model” of residential care for older people. The purpose of this facet of the larger study was to describe the current interactional context of a residential aged care facility.

An Australian study on the sociocultural context of menopause: directions for contemporary nursing practice.

Abstract This research project by Berger (1997) investigates the physical, psychological, and sociocultural menopause experiences of a group of seventy women aged 45–70 years from Brisbane, Australia. Thus far the narrative provided for mid-life women shows a preoccupation with medical/biological perspectives that emphasize negative images of menopausal women as estrogen deficient and diseased. This new study is considered to be one of the few more recent attempts that investigates menopausal women within a sociocultural context and explores women’s views about menopause as a normal, natural transition part of the ageing process. A qualitative approach (comprising focus groups and interviews) was aimed at women in mid-life who were willing to share their insights of this complex phase, to document individual variations and broad patterns. Findings provided enhanced understanding of many menopause aspects (such as appropriate treatment) that remain controversial. Content analysis uncovered three emerging themes: 1) contrary to popular beliefs menopause usually signified wellness; 2) apart from biological changes, the sociocultural context played a pivotal role in modifying menopause experiences; and 3) women did not feel adequately supported by health professionals. The findings signify that nurses are ideally placed to assist menopausal women in a variety of health care settings.

Speaking to the deceased child: Australian health professional perspectives in paediatric end-of-life care.

Supporting a dying child and family surrounding the childs death is one of the most significant and challenging roles undertaken by health professionals in paediatric end-of-life care. An Australian study of parent and health-professional constructions of meanings around post-mortem care and communication revealed the practice of health professionals speaking to a child after death. This practice conveyed respect for the personhood of the deceased child, recognised the presence of the deceased child, and assisted in involving parents in their childs post-mortem care. Such findings illuminate an area of end-of-life-care practice that is not often addressed. Talking to a deceased child appeared to be a socially symbolic practice that may promote a continued bond between parent and child.

Engaging students in a community of learning: Renegotiating the learning environment

Promoting student engagement in a student led environment can be challenging. This article reports on the process of design, implementation and evaluation of a student led learning approach in a small group tutorial environment in a three year Bachelor of Nursing program at an Australian university. The research employed three phases of data collection. The first phase explored student perceptions of learning and engagement in tutorials. The results informed the development of a web based learning resource. Phase two centred on implementation of a community of learning approach where students were supported to lead tutorial learning with peers. The final phase constituted an evaluation of the new approach. Findings suggest that students have the capacity to lead and engage in a community of learning and to assume greater ownership and responsibility where scaffolding is provided. Nonetheless, an ongoing whole of course approach to pedagogical change would better support this form of teaching and learning innovation.

Paediatric nursing in Australia : principles for practice

Paediatric Nursing in Australia equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to become paediatric, child and youth health nurses across a variety of clinical and community settings. It prepares students for critical thinking and problem solving within this field by emphasising contemporary issues impacting on the health of children, young people and their families. Written by a team of experienced paediatric nurses, the content is based on themes that align with Australian standards of competence and expectations of paediatric nursing: communication, family involvement and evidence-based practice. Comprehensive yet concise, the text examines the integration of theoretical and clinical components of nursing knowledge. To enhance learning, chapters feature case studies, reflection points and learning activities. An essential resource for nursing students, this text is grounded in current care delivery and professional issues for care of the child to prepare future nurses for evidence-based practice in paediatric settings throughout Australia. • Prepares students for critical thinking and problem solving within paediatric, child and youth health nursing by emphasising contemporary issues that impact on the health of children and young people and their families • Written by a team of experienced paediatric nurses • Enhances learning by providing illustrative case studies, reflection points and learning activities in each chapter