Tag Archives: Nursing Associations

Public Health Nursing in Japan: Then and Now

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An editorial in The Lancet caught my attention earlier this summer and started me thinking about past visits to Japan and many encounters with Japanese public health nurses. The editorial by Richard Horton –  Offline: Japan’s Hidden Secret – refers to comments made at a global meeting by Dr. Hajime Inoue, an Assistant Minister in the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. Speaking at a side-event at the 2024 World Health Assembly, Dr. Inoue pointed out the impressive contributions of the country’s 53,000 public health nurses in achieving positive population health outcomes. I enjoyed reading the description of current public health nursing roles and the recognition given by The Lancet in sharing the successful model from Japan.

Early in my consulting career, I was asked if I would take on a role of coordinating a study tour to British Columbia for a group of nursing leaders from the Japanese Nursing Association (JNA). Their 1994 tour – funded by a grant to JNA by the Ministry of Health and Welfare – had the purpose of learning how health systems in various countries were embarking on health policy reforms. JNA sent groups to other countries during a two-year period and compiled reports from each tour. The study tours explored ways in which nurses were taking on new responsibilities in community health including home care.

Following the 1994 study tour, I received a lovely invitation from the JNA in 1995 to visit Japan to meet with nursing leaders including tour members as they worked on promoting new policies and roles in public health nursing and home care to meet changing demographics. It was a professional highlight and a great honour to serve as a consultant during two trips in 1995 and 1996. Connections made in that period led to further visits by Japanese colleagues to Canada as well as collaboration on documents and one journal publication. 

I was proud to be a co-author with three colleagues on an article published in Public Health Nursing in 1999 (25 years ago!). It was a rewarding collaborative effort to write the paper and to see it in print: Murashima, S., Hatono, Y.,  Whyte, N., & Asahara, K. (1999). Public Health Nursing in Japan: New Opportunities for Health Promotion. Public Health Nursing, 16 (2), 133-139.

As noted in our abstract, we outlined the history, organization, and new opportunities identified at that time:

“Major changes are taking place in public health nursing in Japan. These include significant developments in employment, education, and roles of public health nurses (PHNs). Demographic and economic factors have prompted the Japanese government to focus health service delivery on community-based care, particularly for the growing elderly population. Public health nurses are redefining their roles and are assuming important functions in planning, implementing, and evaluating community health programs for the elderly. Japanese PHNs are using a variety of health promotion strategies to initiate change at the local level. This article presents two case studies to highlight the leadership role of PHNs in creating new services that foster healthy communities” (Murashima et al., 1999, p. 133).

My later involvement involved visits to Japanese universities to conduct seminars with students and faculty and participation in two conferences. I met PHN leaders in their communities where they gave me tours of public health centres and described current successes and challenges.

Visit to a Public Health Centre

Throughout these visits, I remember many interesting informal discussions, wonderful meals, and time to enjoy the beauty of Japan in both rural and urban areas. Above all, I remember the great kindness of the nurses and others in each place I visited.

Dinner with Students at Kochi College of Nursing, 2000.

As Richard Horton notes, “public health nurses evolved to be a unique comparative advantage enjoyed by Japan’s rapidly advancing health system” and asks why we are not sharing national experiences more widely (Horton, 2024, p. 2578). I agree fully and believe we need to continue to learn from policy and practice experiences in other countries.

Kochi Castle

By Nora Whyte – August 25, 2024

I acknowledge with respect that I live and work on the Unceded traditional territory of the K’òmoks First Nation.

Nurses in the News

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National Nursing Week in Canada is around the corner (May 6 to 12) and it is fitting to think about nurses in the news and how our vast experiences and perspectives are profiled. We often talk about the need for a much greater presence in the public media in our communities and around the country.

Two nurses who are bringing their expertise to the public discussion about health care in Canada are Amie-Archibald Varley and Sara Fung, co-hosts of The Gritty Nurse Podcast and authors of The Wisdom of Nurses. Since the release of their book, they are in demand for interviews and book signings. As I’m reading their book, I’m thinking about their questions and the multiple issues they raise about the profession. I’m pleased to see the attention the book is getting on social media and to learn that it has become a bestseller already.

Amie and Sara pose the question: “How many famous nurses can you name?” and then go on to share profiles of nurses from the past as well as current nurses who are well-known for their advocacy and contributions to changes in nursing and health care in Canada. They weave in their own personal stories – including their experiences in nursing school – as they describe their career paths in hospitals and, ultimately, the realization that they needed to make changes in their professional lives. They have included chapters by contributing authors to round out diverse voices and experiences.

I have no hesitation in recommending it and hope that readers will discuss it with people in their workplaces, in policy meetings, and in nursing schools across the country. Part of that discussion could explore the collective influence of nurses, thinking beyond one individual “famous nurse” to the groups of courageous nurses who came together to form nursing associations and unions not only in the distant past but also within the last 25 to 50 years. I’m thinking of the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association, the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association, our national specialty groups, and the newly formed professional associations of the past 5 to 10 years, including the Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC in my home province.

Looking beyond our borders, we can celebrate the voice of national and global nursing organizations exerting their collective influence in reforming health systems and leading vital policy work. A great example is found in this recent announcement from the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

Dr. Cipriano, president of ICN will co-chair the global Steering Committee on Universal Health Coverage, known as ‘UHC2030’ with Dr. Magda Robalo:

UHC2030 warmly welcomes new co-chairs Dr Magda Robalo and Dr Pamela Cipriano – UHC2030

I feel fortunate that I have known famous nurses in my nursing lifetime, both in Canada and in countries I have visited for conferences and as a consultant. Memorable individuals and visionary groups of nurse leaders give me hope this Nursing Week.

By Nora Whyte – April 29, 2024

I acknowledge with respect that I live and work on the Unceded traditional territory of the K’òmoks First Nation.

New ICN Campaign: “Our Nurses. Our Future”

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The International Council of Nurses (ICN) launched an exciting new campaign – “Our Nurses. Our Future.” – on International Nurses Day, May 12, 2023. A key resource is a ten-point Charter for Change that provides guidance for the future.

Courtesy of ICN – 2023

The first point sets the tone for global health action:

“Protect and invest in the nursing profession to rebuild health systems that can deliver the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage to improve global health. Recognise and value health and health care as an investment not a cost. Secure commitments for investment to maintain equitable and people-centred care.“

Each point is worth attention and action this year. I will reflect on point 8 as we prepare for the ICN Congress in Montreal this July:

“Actively and meaningfully engage national nursing associations as critical professional partners in all aspects of health and social care policy, delivery and leadership as the experienced and trusted voice of nursing. Build local, national and global multilateral partnerships.”

On this day, I am reminded of warm connections with international colleagues I have met through partnerships, exchange visits and conferences over many decades. In particular I’m thinking about the nurses, faculty members and students at Guru Nanak College of Nursing in Punjab and my friends at the Canada India Education Society and UBC School of Nursing. The hospitality and conversations were wonderful! Also remembering nurse leaders I met and admired in the Japanese Nursing Association and the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa (DENOSA). Thank you and best wishes for International Nurses Day and beyond!

By Nora Whyte – May 12, 2023

I acknowledge with respect that I live and work on the Unceded traditional territory of the K’òmoks First Nation.

Congress Banner courtesy of ICN.

Updates on Nursing Associations 2022

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Parksville, BC – June 2022

I’m writing this update at the end of June in advance of our summer break in Canada. World events in the first half of 2022 have left us shaken and concerned about the future as we grapple with climate issues, global conflicts, food security, and population health. As I follow the daily news, I also turn my attention to developments in nursing and look for statements and opportunities for advocacy.

ICN Updates

The 75th World Health Assembly took place in May. It was interesting to follow on social media as it generated considerable attention this year. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) was active in presenting ‘Interventions’ on specific resolutions. See ICN’s summary here.

ICN along with the International Confederation of Midwives and the WHO met for their 9th Triad meeting in May. The representatives issued the 2022 Triad Statement focusing on health care workforce issues and reporting on what countries are doing in response to the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery 2021-2025. Howard Catton, ICN CEO, has been interviewed by many news media this year speaking about the war in Ukraine and related humanitarian crises and on the scale of the nursing shortfall globally.

Annual Meetings

The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and the Association of Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC (NNPBC) held their annual meetings in June. Both were open to all members and observers in a virtual format. The CNA Meeting of Members was noteworthy because it marked the first time that individual members could vote to elect candidates for the Board of Directors and vote on AGM motions. The previous federation model of territorial and provincial member associations carrying votes has ended. As a member who is following these changes, it will be interesting to see how the new membership structure will work and how the new Board will communicate with members throughout the country.  

After both meetings, I was left somewhat disappointed that there wasn’t more substance presented on what our associations are doing to demonstrate leadership during the current health care staffing crisis and other major issues in 2022 (I receive newsletters and view social media updates but others may not). I do recognize that annual meetings present highlights and financial statements on the previous year and are always six months out of date for the current year’s activities. It makes me wonder if members would be interested in (and commit to attending) an organizational update given in the autumn each year. We could meet the new Board members, hear their priorities for the current year, and ask questions – all through a virtual format, and in a less formal manner than at an annual meeting.

Annual meetings and major events aside, I do appreciate the ongoing work of our professional associations at all levels to bring a nursing perspective to provincial, national, and global health challenges and policy change.

By Nora Whyte – June 27, 2022

I acknowledge with respect that I live on the Unceded traditional territory of the K’òmoks First Nation.

Save the date for July 2023!

Nurses for Peace

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ICN Campaign: Nurses for Peace

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has launched a #NursesforPeace social media campaign to join nurses around the world in solidarity with the nurses of Ukraine.

ICN in partnership with the European Federation of Nurses Associations (EFN) and the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations (EFNNMA) issued a powerful statement on March 3, 2022. Speaking on behalf of the global nursing community, they condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine and call for an immediate ceasefire.

ICN is encouraging nurses around the globe to participate in the social media campaign and to add our support by signing the statement.

Thank you to ICN and European partners for your strong leadership at this critical moment and for demonstrating support for the Ukrainian people in this call for humanitarian action. For updates and suggested actions, please visit the ICN website.

#NursesforPeace

By Nora Whyte – March 3, 2022

I acknowledge with respect that I live on the Unceded traditional territory of the K’òmoks First Nation.