On December 21, 2022, Dr. Tomoko Komagata from the Tokyo Metropolitan Nursing Association presented a special lecture titled “Nursing Connecting with the World.” The following is a report from a student who attended the lecture.
The seminar focused on “Nursing Connecting with the World,” during which Dr. Komagata shared her experiences working abroad. Two aspects of the lecture left a lasting impression on me.
Firstly, the influence of religion on medicine and nursing was striking. I was aware that Muslims are prohibited from consuming pork and that women are not allowed to expose their skin except to their husbands and family members. However, I was surprised to learn that for Muslims, eating pork is akin to Japanese people consuming human flesh. I realized that even though I possessed this knowledge, I didn’t fully comprehend it. In the future, when encountering Muslim patients, I aim to better understand their religious beliefs and take into consideration factors such as dietary restrictions, the gender of their healthcare providers, and other aspects of nursing practice.
The second noteworthy point was the statement that “a nursing license is a passport to life.” I had previously believed that once I obtained a job, I would have to remain in the same position for an extended period. However, Dr. Komagata’s talk illuminated the various opportunities available to nurses, both within Japan and abroad. I learned that with a nursing license, I could return to the profession even if I left to pursue new challenges.
Dr. Komagata’s insightful lecture provided me with valuable lessons. Going forward, I am inspired to embrace diverse experiences and face challenges fearlessly, just as she has done.
Report by Rinka Nakajima, Class of 2024
This special lecture was made possible with the support of JSPS Grant No. 22K10842.