KCC-Okinawa Nursing Cultural Exchange

by Cherie Mooy

Updated: 4/17/2009

We were welcomed everywhere we went and I truly felt comfortable from the first moment.
The class on the status of Japanese Health Care gave me an in depth understanding of how their structure, vision, and humanistic philosophy functions. They have a positive, all encompassing plan to cover all age groups at an affordable cost. The lectures and guided tours were varied. We visited hospitals, geriatric centers, and hospice centers, speaking to staff and patients alike. For me, it was a great introduction to Japan's health system and really opens my eyes to how other nations manage their public's health.

The Okinawa Cultural Exchange from March 20-28 was a whirlwind of activities and adventures. Two nursing students had signed up for the trip, so the group was comfortable small. We really got a complete understanding of how their health system works and saw many different types of health centers. Their hospitals are huge and very high tech. You can put a card into a machine to make doctor's appointment or to change them. They have beautiful health care facilities on the main island and clinics on the outer islands.

The people were warm and welcoming. We ate fantastic food everywhere and prices were very reasonable. We visited a Shinto temple, Kimono weaving factory, and sakai factory, rode the monorail, took a boat to a sacred island, walked along the river, and shopped for pottery and hand blown glass. The fabric, glass, and pottery are beautiful and uniquely Okinawan.

There is an Okinawan display in the library under glass and I hope students, faculty, and staff will come take look at the treasures we brought home. Nursing students gave a short talk and PowerPoint presentation on Wednesday, April 22, in the library where they shared lots of great pictures of this beautiful island and its long history.

On display in the KCC Library