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Aims and objectives: This paper uses the findings of two studies to explore the nature of nurses’ practice when working with vulnerable and marginalised populations, particularly with regard to the attributes of holism and individualised care. A secondary analysis of the findings of two separate studies was undertaken, one on the elderly with delirium and the other with indigenous Māori women.

Background: Often considered vulnerable and marginalised, elderly and indigenous experiences of health services are often fraught with their health needs not always identified or addressed. Nursing claims that holism and individualised care are pivotal attributes underpinning nursing practice. However, the secondary analysis of two research studies highlight how vulnerable and marginalised populations accessing health and nursing services experience needs that are neither acknowledged nor integrated into intervention …