In-depth descriptions of practice of 38 Australian nurses in 17 settings were derived from interviews. Cross-case comparisons yielded themes with implications for nursing education: flexibility and adaptability, competence in interacting with diverse people, assessment abilities, communication and leadership skills, and coping with challenges…

Internet and Web-based technology might help nurse educators prepare students for the complex health care system and reduce costs. The following barriers must be overcome: limited access in rural areas; student costs for technology; technophobia and computer anxiety; legal, moral, and ethical issues; and information overload. (SK)

A group of 26 nurses working with families from non-English-speaking backgrounds collaborated in the development and testing of problem-based learning packages. Their usefulness for graduate nursing programs and inservice education was demonstrated. (SK)

Nursing shortages are creating a global market for nurses. However, assessment of qualifications varies widely among nations. In Australia, for example, overseas nurses must pass English language and nursing competency assessments. Issues of equivalence, cost, and time are involved. (Includes commentaries by Paula Kay Hancock and Abigail…

Australian nurses (n=202) participated in mental health continuing education delivered via distance methods and regional workshops in rural areas. The majority increased content knowledge and thought audio- and videotapes were effective despite technical difficulties; 90% felt the experiential learning workshops and distance modules integrated…

Medication orders were classified into 17 groups according to the nature of the calculation required and the level of complexity. Except for pediatrics, the frequency with which nurses have to perform other than a simple calculation is low, although the potential for more complex calculations exists. (SK)

A longitudinal study of 403 Australian nurses who undertook postgraduate studies received 236 responses. Respondents indicated that postgraduate education had an impact on a number of professional behaviors but little or no effect on others, such as autonomy, time management, use of computers, and communication with patients. (Contains 25…

Although competency-based education in nursing is a reality, it must not be allowed to dominate the curriculum. It is a positivist, reductionist approach that limits the function of education to outcome-oriented technical procedures. (SK)

The philosophical basis of a nursing education curriculum in Australia is the human dimension of nursing. The curriculum acknowledges the importance of the learning climate, diverse learning styles, diversity, and the active role of teachers in developing nurses who are competent and critical thinkers. (SK)

Analysis of reflective papers by nursing students in women's studies courses revealed these themes: women's ambivalence about feminism, raised consciousness, empowerment, and desire for change. The importance of women's studies to the female-dominated profession of nursing was stressed. (SK)

Responses from 516 of 596 Australian nurses revealed a significant positive relationship between professional development and six variables: autonomy/recognition, role clarity, job satisfaction, quality of supervision, peer support, and opportunities for learning. Some hospitals/wards were more conducive to learning than others; one factor was…

Focus group evaluations of a training program for nurses leading clinical development units focused on research-based practice found that leadership and strategic skills were developed. However, participants had insufficient time to assimilate knowledge or develop mentoring relationships and needed more help developing research-receptive culture…

A study tour of two British and eight Australian nursing schools found reflective practice fully endorsed in Australia, but the movement is threatened by concern with cost effectiveness. Issues to be resolved include ethical use of student journals and process and outcome evaluation of the effectiveness of reflection. (SK)

Australian nursing students were surveyed at the beginning (n=793) and end (n=521) of studies. Beginning students expressed career preferences for pediatrics, midwifery, intensive care, and surgery. Psychiatric, community health, and elder care nursing were least popular. At graduation the most popular choices remained the same (in different…

Australian nursing students (n=48) identified instances when clinical teachers used humor. Students felt that humor humanized teachers, created a positive environment, made connections, and facilitated clinical learning. Awareness of personal and cultural values regarding humor was important. (SK)