Nursing New Zealand

THE INCIDENCE of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is in- creasing worldwide. The underlying causes of IBD, which encom- passes Crohn's disease and ulcerative coLitis, are unknown but are thought to be a com- bination of genetics, environmental factors, abnormal immune re- sponses and disruption to the microbiota in the gut. IBD can be a devas- tating disease, affect- ing quality of Life and increasing risks for bowel cancer. Effec- tive management has been an elusive goal, but with better under- standing of the inflam- matory and immune pathways involved in IBD, more successful therapies are entering clinical practice...

The impacts of vaccination on health are well documented. Less so are the effects on a country's - and its people's - social and economic well-being.

NZNO continues to campaign for a code of patient respon- sibiLities to be added to the code of patient rights.

It's a significant year for Te Ōhanga Mataora Paetahi, the Bachelor of Health Science Māori taught in Whakatāne, as the first intake of students looks forward to graduating.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

THE REPRODUCTIVE hormones - oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone - do more in the body than control reproduction. Sex hormones influence both physical and mental health and well- being, from osteoporosis and cancer to depression and premenstrual dysphoric dis- order. As the mechanisms by which these hormones exert their non-reproductive ef- fects become better known, we are beginning to under- stand how they affect health and well-being. Hormone therapies (con- traception, replacement, management of cancers, etc) are increasingly common, and can have adverse effects for women...

Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki has introduced a new, integrated way of teaching biosciences. Anecdotal evidence suggests it's helping students' understanding.

The chance to move from clinical practice to nursing education came at an opportune time for one nursing lecturer.

A newly graduated nurse describes her personal nurs- ing philosophy - 'best practice kindness' - developed during her studies.

Nurse educators are responsible for preparing competent nurses. However, a New Zealand study has found many reluctant to enforce passing standards in clinical practice.

A review of the literature shows mixed results from nurses work- ing 12-hour shifts. However, many nurses report improved patient care, greater job satisfaction and better safety from working these extended shifts.

A nurse practitioner believes it is her job as a clinical leader to put forward the perspectives of her colleagues in the workforce, even if these views are challenging.

A young nurse reflects on her first year of practice, with its challenges and rollercoaster of emotions.chaLLenges and roLercoaster of emotions.

IMPAIRED LIVER function affects every aspect of the body's physiology. Diseases of the liver have more widespread and life-threatening impacts than malfunctioning of any of the body's other conditions. accessory organs. Non-alcoholic fatty Liver disease rates are soaring, concurrent with the obesity epidemic and increasing rates of type 2 diabetes. Alcoholic liver disease and viral hepatitis also contribute to high rates of liver damage in the population, making liver disease one of the commonest causes premature death...

A nurse practitioner intern programme at Tauranga's Grace Hospita - the first such programme in any private hospital in New Zealand - has resulted in two nurse practitioners gaining endorsement.

Nurses play a vital role in protecting children and adults who are vulnerable to abuse and negLect.

An Auckland paediatric nurse finds caring for children on a hospital ship in Madagascar to be satisfying on many levels.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

An international Torum on tne nursing worKTorce wans sitronger action to ensure safe staffing.

As residents in aged-care facilities become increasingly frail, the need for mandated staffing levels becomes even more urgent.