Penny Paliadelis

Using a Voice-Centered Relational Method of Data Analysis in a Feminist Study Exploring the Working World of Nursing Unit Managers

In this article, we discuss the application of a data analysis method used in a feminist study that explored the working world of nursing unit managers in Australia. The decision to use a voice-centered relational approach to the data was based on a desire to delve into the working world of nursing unit managers and uncover the layers within the narratives that specifically related to their perceptions of themselves, their world, and the context in which they work. Throughout this article, the focus is on how this method was applied to uncover multiple layers of meaning within the data, rather than on the researchers and participants roles in the coconstruction of interview data. An excerpt from an interview transcript is used to illustrate how the stories of the participants were explored using this method.

Nurse managers don’t get the corner office

AIMnTo provide an original perspective on the power and status of first-line nurse managers by observing their working environment.nnnBACKGROUNDnThe role of first-line nurse managers includes clinical, administrative and managerial components, with their responsibilities not always reflected in their level of organizational power. The business literature suggests that an appropriately resourced workspace is not merely functional, it also confers power and status.nnnMETHODnTwenty Australian rural nurse managers workspaces were observed, as part of a larger qualitative study that explored their role and organizational power using semi-structured interviews. The observational data consisted of detailed researcher notes that were analysed thematically.nnnRESULTSnThe nurse managers workspaces were suboptimal and did not provide sufficient physical space or resources for the participants to manage tasks effectively. These results were considered using Kanters theory of organizational power.nnnIMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENTnThe findings support those reported in the business literature that inadequate physical workspaces are counterproductive in terms of both functionality and organizational power. Suggestions are made regarding the workspace needs of first-line nurse managers, based on a closer alignment between the work environment and their role responsibilities. These findings have implications for decisions regarding organizational support of first-line nurse managers.

Health managers and health reform

This qualitative study was undertaken with a diverse sample of Australian health managers to exam- ine their perceptions regarding the health system and to understand how they learned to become health manag- ers. The fi ndings showed that they viewed the health system as one of constant change, mostly non-adaptive, and a system of parts controlled by bureaucrats and political interests. While the respondents enjoyed their managerial role, they see it as contested between the professions. This study concluded that greater emphasis on the education and train- ing of health managers and their continuing professional development is required if they are to manage increasingly complex, dynamic and changing health systems. In Australia, the health debate continues with the recently announced national health reform agenda. The perceptions of health managers in health reform and change management are impor- tant given that they are said to be central to the implementation of health reform and the management of change. n Australia, the health debate continues with the recently implemented national health reform agenda. The perceptions of health managers in health reform and change management are important given that they are said to be central to the implementation of health reform and the management of change. Given the central role of health managers in implementing health reform, this study through an interpretivist phenomenological approach describes the perceptions of a diverse range of Australian and New Zealand health managers about the health system in which they are engaged and about their role as health managers. This article traverses the history and context of health care reform in Australia, describes studies and theories relevant to the managerial role and managing health care organisations. It describes the methods utilised in this study. It presents the results of the reality of the perceptions of this group of health managers as perceiving the health system as one of constant change, contested roles, their career journey and their solutions to address- ing the challenges they face. The implications and limitations of this study are then presented.

(W)riting across and within: Providing a vehicle for sharing local nursing and midwifery projects and innovation

INTRODUCTIONnThis paper describes the development and outcomes of a locally-based journal that is contributed to and managed by nurses, midwives and academics within an area health service (AHS) in NSW, Australia.nnnBACKGROUNDnNurses and midwives are often engaged in scholarly and rigorous activities aimed at improving practice and patient outcomes. However, often these endeavours remain unreported, unpublished and hence not shared for the benefit of others. Reasons given for nurses and midwives persistent reluctance to publish are well documented in the literature. Lack of expertise and understanding of the publication process, together with lack of confidence and opportunity are the reasons most often cited. To overcome these barriers we developed a local journal called Handover that provides a non-threatening, supportive opportunity for nurses and midwives to develop skills in writing and reviewing articles for publication. Handover was established and is managed by editorial committee members from the area health service and the two local universities. Each institution agreed to co-fund the journal which is published twice yearly. Two editions of the journal have been published with wide ranging content and contributions from across the AHS. Writing mentorship and support systems have been established. Reviewers workshop have been conducted and novice reviewers mentored by experienced reviewers.nnnCONCLUSIONnOur experience indicates that a locally based and owned journal can motivate and support novice writers and offers one solution to many of the barriers to publication identified in the literature.