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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 34(1)

Experiences of nursing in older care facilities in New Zealand

Jenny Carryer A B C , Chiquita O. Hansen A and Judy A. Blakey A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Health Care Development, MidCentral District Health Board, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

B School of Health and Social Services, Massey University, PB 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

C Corresponding author. Email: j.b.carryer@massey.ac.nz

Australian Health Review 34(1) 11-17 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH09679
Submitted: 25 August 2008  Accepted: 27 May 2009   Published: 25 March 2010

Abstract

To examine issues related to the working life of registered nurses in residential care for older people in New Zealand, 48 registered nurses completed surveys (n = 28) or participated in discussions (n = 26) regarding their work roles, continuing education and interactions with specialist nurse services when providing care for older people living with chronic illnesses. This nursing workforce is characterised by ageing, relative isolation, reduced confidence and few opportunities for induction of new graduates. Registered nurses reported their struggle to deliver the appropriate quality of care to residents as acuity increases, general practitioner availability decreases and the opportunities for increasing their knowledge and competence remain limited. The provision of nursing services in residential care for older people is an area of growing concern to many Western countries. Nurse practitioners offer opportunities to improve the quality of residential care.

What is known about the topic? The lack of registered nurses generally and the more critical shortage in residential care is well known.

What does this paper add? This paper explains the impact on the current and future viability and the quality of registered nurse services in an area of service where acuity continues to rise and the demand for nursing services is increasing.

What are the implications for practitioners? Nurses in older care settings often express a sense of isolation and note limited career development despite their passion for serving the frail older person. The establishment of nurse practitioner (gerontology) roles offers the potential for improved quality of clinical care for residents and clinical champions for development of nursing services.


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