The U.S. study tour of the TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program was conducted virtually from February 14 to 25. Eight students studying nursing at universities in Japan attended multiple sessions across those two weeks. Various medical professionals from the United States shared their expertise in disaster management and nursing with the program participants; they also shared their experiences and the lessons they have learned as a result of their battle with the pandemic over the last two years.
On Day Eight, Lynda Benton (Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, Global Community Impact from Johnson & Johnson) joined the training to present on the topic of advocating for, elevating and empowering nurses as transformative healthcare leaders. Looking back on the study tour, one of the students commented, “Although the U.S. training was online, it was filled with new learnings and findings. Taking these lessons to heart, I will continue to deepen my knowledge on disaster nursing while discussing with our mentors and other members of the program.” The students will give presentations on what they have learned throughout the program on March 27.