Melanie Birks

Bio: Melanie Birks is an academic researcher from James Cook University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nurse education & Grounded theory. The author has an hindex of 25, co-authored 123 publications receiving 4916 citations. Previous affiliations of Melanie Birks include Monash University, Gippsland campus & Monash University.

Becoming professional by degrees: A grounded theory study of nurses in Malaysian Borneo

Abstract: Professionalism is an essential and expected trait that nurses in all areas and at all levels of practice should possess. Development of a professional identity does not happen by chance but is reliant on a number of factors that combine to imbue professional characteristics within the nurse. Education is recognised as a crucial element in professional identity development for nurses. Post-registration degree courses are an important means by which registered nurses can access tertiary education in order to further develop as professionals. This paper describes the process of becoming professional for registered nurses in Malaysian Borneo who undertook baccalaureate studies through an off-campus course. As part of a larger grounded theory study, the findings presented here explain the process of becoming professional as experienced by these nurses. The various dimensions of self, nurse and professional were fused through this process, ensuring that the outcomes of degree study were significant and empowering. The findings of this research demonstrate that post-registration baccalaureate nursing studies are an effective means by which professional identity development can be achieved.

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

An integrative review of the role of registered nurses in remote and isolated practice

Abstract: Objective: To examine the role of the registered nurse in remote and isolated areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia; and to illustrate the impact of the burden of disease on nursing practice. Data sources: A literature search was undertaken using electronic databases and the grey literature (including policy documents, project reports and position descriptions). Data synthesis: The role of the nurse in remote areas is diverse, and varies according to the context of practice. Although some states and territories offer formal programs to prepare nurses for the role, it is unclear whether this is routinely provided. The burden of disease is higher in remote Australia, and although nurses work to reduce the burden, the need to provide primary care can be at the expense of primary health care. Conclusions: Whilst the nature of nursing practice is influenced by many factors, considerable agreement exists between states and territories around the role of the registered nurses in remote and isolated communities. The higher burden of disease in remote and isolated areas of Australia impacts on nursing practice, and nurses are uniquely placed to assist in reducing the burden of disease. Greater agreement around what constitutes ‘remote’ is needed. What is known about the topic? Many papers have reported on the difficulties encountered by registered nurses in remote and isolated practice; however, there is a dearth of information describing the role of registered nurses in remote or isolated Australian communities. What does this paper add? This review describes the diverse role of nurses and their role in addressing the burden of disease in remote and isolated Australia. Comparison between states and territories highlights differences in preparation for the role. What are the implications for practitioners? National agreement is needed around preparation for practice, conditions of work, and what constitutes ‘remote’. Greater utilisation of the nursing workforce in remote and isolated areas would assist in addressing the burden of disease.

Perceptions of hand hygiene amongst health care workers in Sibu, East Malaysia

Abstract: The importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of disease is universally accepted. Nonetheless, many health care professionals are not always vigilant in carrying out hand hygiene. We studied perceptions of hand hygiene amongst health care professions in the unique location of Sibu, East Malaysia. A modified World Health Organisation questionnaire was used to gather data that was subjected to descriptive analytical techniques. Research participants recognised the importance of performing hand hygiene both for themselves and others. They rated a number of activities of particular value in promoting hand hygiene, reinforcing those described in the literature. These findings provide a foundation for future studies on hand hygiene.

Babies and machines that go 'beep': first-year nursing students' preferred areas of future practice.

Abstract: Students of nursing enter their programmes of study with preconceived ideas of what a career in their chosen profession will entail. The literature suggests that images from the media and past experiences contribute to these perceptions. Although it is positive images of the profession that will usually attract an individual to a career in nursing, often more negative perceptions will direct students away from potentially rewarding areas of specialization. This paper describes career projections of nursing students enrolled in the first year of four preservice nursing programmes at the rural campus of one Australian university. Part of a larger study, the data reported here indicate that most respondents intend to practice in the areas of midwifery, paediatrics and emergency nursing. Oncology, community nursing, aged care and mental health nursing all ranked poorly across three rounds of surveys. These findings have implications for practicing nurses and nurse educators who seek to dispel inaccurate images of these important specializations.

The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

Abstract: An Introduction to Codes and Coding Chapter Summary Purposes of the Manual What Is a Code? Codifying and Categorizing What Gets Coded? The Mechanics of Coding The Numbers of Codes Manual and CAQDAS Coding Solo and Team Coding Necessary Personal Attributes for Coding On Method Writing Analytic Memos Chapter Summary The Purposes of Analytic Memo-Writing What Is an Analytic Memo? Examples of Analytic Memos Coding and Categorizing Analytic Memos Grounded Theory and Its Coding Canon Analytic Memos on Visual Data First-Cycle Coding Methods Chapter Summary The Coding Cycles Selecting the Appropriate Coding Method(s) Overview of First-Cycle Coding Methods The Coding Methods Profiles Grammatical Methods Elemental Methods Affective Methods Literary and Language Methods Exploratory Methods Forms for Additional First-Cycle Coding Methods Theming the Data Procedural Methods After First-Cycle Coding Chapter Summary Post-Coding Transitions Eclectic Coding Code Mapping and Landscaping Operational Model Diagramming Additional Transition Methods Transitioning to Second-Cycle Coding Methods Second-Cycle Coding Methods Chapter Summary The Goals of Second-Cycle Methods Overview of Second-Cycle Coding Methods Second-Cycle Coding Methods Forms for Additional Second-Cycle Coding Methods After Second-Cycle Coding Chapter Summary Post-Coding and Pre-Writing Transitions Focusing Strategies From Coding to Theorizing Formatting Matters Writing about Coding Ordering and Re-Ordering Assistance from Others Closure Appendix A: A Glossary of Coding Methods Appendix B: A Glossary of Analytic Recommendations Appendix C: Field Note, Interview Transcript and Document Samples for Coding Appendix D: Exercises and Activities for Coding and Qualitative Data Analytic Skill Development References Index

Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization

Abstract: Saturation has attained widespread acceptance as a methodological principle in qualitative research. It is commonly taken to indicate that, on the basis of the data that have been collected or analysed hitherto, further data collection and/or analysis are unnecessary. However, there appears to be uncertainty as to how saturation should be conceptualized, and inconsistencies in its use. In this paper, we look to clarify the nature, purposes and uses of saturation, and in doing so add to theoretical debate on the role of saturation across different methodologies. We identify four distinct approaches to saturation, which differ in terms of the extent to which an inductive or a deductive logic is adopted, and the relative emphasis on data collection, data analysis, and theorizing. We explore the purposes saturation might serve in relation to these different approaches, and the implications for how and when saturation will be sought. In examining these issues, we highlight the uncertain logic underlying saturation—as essentially a predictive statement about the unobserved based on the observed, a judgement that, we argue, results in equivocation, and may in part explain the confusion surrounding its use. We conclude that saturation should be operationalized in a way that is consistent with the research question(s), and the theoretical position and analytic framework adopted, but also that there should be some limit to its scope, so as not to risk saturation losing its coherence and potency if its conceptualization and uses are stretched too widely.

Theme development in qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis

Abstract: Sufficient knowledge is available about the definition, details and differences of qualitative content and thematic analysis as two approaches of qualitative descriptive research. However, identifying the main features of theme as the data analysis product and the method of its development remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to describe the meaning of theme and offer a method on theme construction that can be used by qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis researchers in line with the underpinning specific approach to data analysis. This methodological paper comprises an analytical overview of qualitative descriptive research products and the meaning of theme. Also, our practical experiences of qualitative analysis supported by relevant published literature informed the generation of a stage like model of theme construction for qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. This paper comprises: (i) analytical importance of theme, (ii) meaning of theme, (iii) meaning of category, (iv) theme and category in terms of level of content, and (v) theme development. This paper offers a conceptual clarification and a pragmatic step by step method of theme development that has the capacity of assisting nurse researchers understand how theme is developed. As nursing is a pragmatic discipline, nurse researchers have tried to develop practical findings and devise some way to “do something” with findings to enhance the action and impact of nursing. The application of a precise method of theme development for qualitative descriptive data analysis suggested in this paper helps yield meaningful, credible and practical results for nursing.