Showing papers by "Melanie Birks published in 2009"

A thousand words paint a picture: The use of storyline in grounded theory research

Abstract: This paper explores the use of storyline in grounded theory research and potentially other research methodologies that seek to explain phenomena. Storyline as a research strategy has had limited discussion in the literature. Although stories have been used as both a source of data and a means of reporting research findings, the use of storyline is underutilised and undeveloped as a method of constructing and conveying grounded theory. Construction of a theory that is grounded in the data and not influenced by external concepts is possible through the use of storyline. In presenting grounded theory in the form of a storyline, the nurse researcher is able to explain and describe the theoretical contribution in the context of nursing knowledge. Theoretical precedence, variation, limited gaps, the use of evidence and appropriate style are characteristics of an effective storyline. As both a means and an end in itself, storyline enhances the development, presentation and comprehension of the outcomes of grounded theory research in nursing.

Doctoral dissertations by publication: building scholarly capacity whilst advancing new knowledge in the discipline of nursing

Abstract: Internationally universities are increasingly challenged by government and industry to boost their research profile. Undertaking successful research studies is a means of generating income while enhancing the credibility of both institutions and individual academic staff. Research training therefore is an important strategy to support this endeavour. Traditionally, the process of research training culminates in the completion of a doctoral qualification. Undertaking doctoral studies requires candidates to commit to an extensive period of indenture during which they develop their knowledge about a particular methodology, refine skills in using research methods, and produce research findings in the form of a dissertation. A key part of this process is developing skills in writing for publication and the dissemination of their doctoral research findings. We argue that using a traditional approach to the production of a doctoral dissertation develops student’s knowledge and skills in conducting an independent piece of research. However, the production of a traditional thesis does not focus strongly enough on developing the important skills of writing for publication and knowing how to effectively and strategically disseminate research findings. Choosing to submit a doctoral dissertation by publication or partial publication provides candidates with the opportunity to complete research training and produce an authoritative research report, while at the same time developing skills in publishing journal articles and other manifests. Producing a dissertation by partial or full publication also opens the work up to independent scrutiny at various points during the candidate’s research training which strengthens the final results.

Women and Nursing in Malaysia: Unspoken Status

Abstract: Since the emergence of nursing as a distinct discipline, its status has mirrored that of women in society in general. As a predominantly female profession, nursing has been subject to oppressive forces that have affected women at various stages of history. Despite improvements in the standing of both women and nursing during the past century, nursing has still failed to achieve its full potential. In Malaysia, sociocultural factors combine to further limit the development of the profession. This article explores how such factors merge with the oppression of nursing globally to influence the status of nursing in Malaysia.

Supporting the evolution of a research culture among nurses in Malaysia

Abstract: Objective: This paper describes a project to promote a research culture amongst nurses in Malaysia The project, funded by the Australian Government's Australia Malaysia Institute, and implemented by a group of Australian nurse academics, provided a rare professional development opportunity to nurses in urban and remote areas of Malaysia Setting: The Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur and the remote town of Sibu, on the Island of Borneo, were the setting for this project The diversity of Malaysia was epitomized in the locations chosen for the implementation of tailored professional development seminars Conclusions: Evidence based practice in nursing is a global phenomenon The importance of basing nursing care on scientifically derived, current evidence is a critical element of contemporary nursing practice This notion is appreciated and accepted by nurses in Malaysia who, despite being impacted upon by barriers to the conduct and implementation of research in the clinical area, seek opportunities to enhance patient outcomes through evidence based practice Projects such as the one described in this paper provide a means for nurses to undertake professional development through collaborative activities that are not limited by geographic, socioeconomic or cultural boundaries

Seeking knowledge, discovering learning: Uncovering the impetus for baccalaureate nursing studies in Malaysian Borneo

Abstract: Changes to the nursing profession over recent decades have provoked an increasing migration of nursing education into the tertiary sector. For nurses who live and work in developing nations, such as Malaysia, opportunities for further study might be limited, particularly for those located in more remote regions. This paper reports on a research study of registered nurses who undertook baccalaureate degree studies in off-campus mode in Malaysian Borneo. A grounded theory methodology was employed in this research, which is part of a larger study into the nature and outcomes of change experienced as a result of postregistration degree studies. This paper explores the reasons why nurses in this location enrolled in one such course and the extent to which completion of their studies addressed their motivational goals. The findings indicate that the experience of learning and acquisition of knowledge was well beyond what was expected, resulting in a sense of achievement that was similarly unanticipated.

Nursing in Australia and Malaysia: framing a shared history and future

Abstract: The culture of nursing is reflective of the country where it is practised. In nations that have been colonised, the impact of the dominant culture shapes the nature of how the profession evolves. Australia and Malaysia share a common colonial history that has influenced how their individual health care systems have developed and from that, how their nursing professions have progressed. In the past, it has been easy to distinguish between the evolutionary trajectories of both countries, particularly in relation to the development of nursing. Today however, with the tyranny of distance almost negated, the differences are less palpable and challenges for the future are universal. This paper traces the common nursing history shared between Australia and Malaysia and pays attention to the collective trends effecting contemporary practice.

Research aims to improve remote area nursing in QLD.

Abstract: [Extract] The 2008 research project Nursing in remote or isolated areas of Queensland: A multiple case study was commissioned by Queensland Health’s Office of the Chief Nursing Officer. A team of researchers from Monash University's School of Nursing and Midwifery used a multiple case study design to address the aims of the research, which were to: • identify the similarities and differences in the role of the registered nurse working in single nurse posts in remote or isolated centres in Queensland compared to like communities in Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia; • align the core role of the registered nurse working in remote or isolated practice with the burden of disease/model of care in the community; and • identify the requisite competencies and training required by a registered nurse to function effectively in a remote or isolated community.