[Faculty of Global Nursing] International Nursing Practicum III held at Chiang Mai University in Thailand

For five days from November 25th to 29th, ten third-year students from Faculty of Global Nursing participated in the International Nursing Practicum III at Chiang Mai University in Thailand.
I participated in a pediatric nursing class for second-year students in the international course at Chiang Mai University, where I learned about the differences in nursing care for different illnesses, and presented the results in English in groups. I also participated in a VR simulation of newborn suction and attended a lecture on Thailand's medical system. It was an opportunity to learn about the practice of universal health coverage in Thailand and the differences between Japan and the country.

In preparation for their internship, the students received guidance in advance on crisis management and intercultural understanding, and made thorough preparations for their trip, successfully completing the one-week internship.

Below are some comments from participants of the training.

・The most memorable thing about this training was visiting Khua Mung, a traditional Thai therapy. Khua Mung has various rules, such as only men can perform the treatment and using animal fangs for treatment, and it is believed that by following these rules, it is possible to treat patients with chronic pain to those with terminal illnesses. Khua Mung is a spiritual treatment method, and is not evidence-based, even as a doctor would do it, but I learned that for patients who have run out of "treatment" available in Western medicine and feel hopeless and anxious, believing in this kind of spiritual treatment can sometimes be a relief. Through this training, I was able to realize how narrow my world is by being exposed to various Thai cultures and interacting with many people. I also learned from various experiences that it is necessary to understand a person's culture, beliefs, and way of thinking, and to be considerate of each person's thoughts and interact with them, while keeping in mind that the environment in which you live is not something that others take for granted.
(Kajimoto, 3rd year student Faculty of Global Nursing)

・During the International Nursing Practice III, I visited Chiang Mai University and various hospitals and facilities in Thailand, and felt that the medical system and nursing in each country are adapted to the culture and national character. I learned that in Thailand, the patient's family is responsible for meal assistance and hygiene care during hospitalization. This is because of the Thai culture of valuing family and the idea that it is natural to live with family even as adults, which is why families are able to participate in care in hospitals and facilities. Until now, I have learned about the medical and nursing practices in Japan, but I learned that every country has its own medical and nursing practices that suit its own country. This practice allowed me to compare the differences in medical and nursing practices in Japan and culture, and I was able to notice not only the good points of Thailand, but also the good points of Japanese medical and nursing practices.
(Fukumitsu, 3rd year student Faculty of Global Nursing)

(Source: Faculty of Global Nursing)