Learning Activities

Reading this article and completing this Nursing portfolios: a simple guide to competency self-assessment learning activity is equivalent to 60 minutes of professional development. This learning activity is relevant to the Nursing Council registered nurse...

Developing a portfolio and interpreting the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies remains a confusing landscape for many nurses. This article provides supportive advice and examples of how to effectively self-assess nursing practice against the competencies, especially for nurses randomly selected for a recertification audit. By Liz Manning

It is estimated that over half of all hospital patients have an intravenous catheter inserted. Inserting peripheral intravenous cannulae (PIVC) is now a commonplace procedure; however, more can be done to reduce the risk of complications from these invasive devices. This article highlights the importance of meticulous care, maintenance and documentation of PIVC by nurses. By Beverley Hopper

Eight out of 10 healthcare-associated urinary tract infections are attributed to poorly managed indwelling urinary catheters. The longer the catheter remains in situ, the higher the risk for catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). This article by Monina Gesmundo, Anna King and Lisa Stewart presents strategies that nurses can use to prevent CAUTI and promote patient safety. By Monina Gesmundo, Anna King and Lisa Stewart

The use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) or ‘legal highs’ is an emerging issue worldwide. There is rising concern around the risks of NPS and the detrimental effects on individuals’ mental health. How can you as a nurse identify and manage risks around NPS in your everyday nursing practice? By David & Bernadette Solomon

The barriers to expressing and understanding language created by aphasia can be devastating for affected individuals and their family or whānau, and may result in a sense of helplessness for everyone concerned, including nurses. This article describes the nature of aphasia and its impact on communication and outlines strategies available to nurses to help individuals with aphasia to communicate. By Marian Bland and Lesley Batten

Drug allergies can range in severity from mild to life-ending. While we may be familiar with some severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, other reactions that are unpredictable and independent of the drug dose receive less attention, even though they may also be potentially fatal. This article briefly revisits types of serious drug allergies and presents a range of preventative nursing strategies. By Marian Bland and Lesley Batten

Hardening of the arteries affects many New Zealanders and contributes to coronary heart disease being one of New Zealand’s leading causes of death. This article looks at the role nursing plays in supporting people with coronary artery disease to reduce their risk of a further cardiac event.

Nurses encounter hard-to-heal wounds in all but a few areas across the nursing spectrum. This article discusses how these challenging wounds occur and looks at new ways to manage and heal them in the wake of fresh knowledge about their behaviour at a cellular level.

Historically the many traditions of nursing were learnt at the bedside as novice nurses worked alongside a more senior or experienced nursing colleague. Today’s nursing workforce relies on preceptors and mentors guiding beginner nurses in their building of knowledge and development of nursing reasoning. The focus of this article is an introductory look at preceptorship for the beginner (i.e. new graduate) nurse.