The TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program 2019 Post-Trip Symposium: 5th Year Cohort Shares Its Learning and Thoughts

On December 1, 2019, the Post-Trip Symposium for the 5th year cohort of the TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program took place in Sendai City. This year, on behalf of the 5th year participants, three students shared an overview of the program and what they learned.

Looking back over the whole program, Azumi Nagao from Yokohama City University Graduate School explained each program session and presented the achievements and opinions of the entire 5th year cohort.

She commented, “Before the program, we excitedly thought, ‘this is the start.’ After the program, I feel that now is the true start of our journey.” Following this deep reflection, Wakana Ono from International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School and Reika Sato from Ishinomaki Red Cross Nursing School took to the stage as representatives of the 5th year students.

They gave presentations on what inspired the participants to focus on disaster nursing within the broader field of medicine and what brought them to apply for this program. They then shared stories from each session of the most impacted participants and emphasized how they will make use of their experiences in the future.

Compared with the beginning of the program, the audience clearly saw the students’ growth as they spoke with a newfound confidence.

In the mentors’ final reports, one said, “There are a handful of students who could put into practice their thoughts toward volunteering or assisting disaster-affected areas. In contrast, participants in this program achieved the aims they planned and carried out through their activities. I hope that they will become talented medical professionals in the future through their many experiences.”

Moreover, on behalf of the program alumni of the first year cohort, Natsumi Miyakawa discussed her life since finishing the program five years ago. She shared the ways her understanding of nursing has changed, the work environment for nurses, and her future plans.

A reception held after the Post-Trip Symposium was attended by program participants, supporters, and alumni, as well as other nursing students interested in the program.

One member of the 5th year cohort commented, “I learned both the difficulty and the importance of working with others to achieve a goal. Although I might not have the chance to act as a disaster nurse in the immediate future, I would like to share what I learned in this program with those around me and do what I can as an individual.”

Thanks to the Post-Trip Symposium, the 5th year cohort has taken another stride forward in their new chapters in life. We expect continued outstanding and widespread success in the field of disaster nursing for these future leaders.