TOKYO WOMEN'S MEDICAL UNIVERSITY VISITS HPU SCHOOL OF NURSING

University medical students from Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMC) visited the HPU School of Nursing on March 18-22, along with their instructors Yukiko Ito and Hitomi Tsurumi, to attend classes and learn new skills at the University. Students engaged in various educational activities, including classes and skills development sessions. HPU Assistant Professor Rick Ramirez, DNP, APRN, led sessions on leadership, while HPU Nursing Lecturer Jo Wakayama, MSN, APRN, covered health assessment and promotion topics.

TWMC students also had the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences in both the foundations and health assessment labs, where they honed their skills. They also had the opportunity to apply their knowledge in simulated scenarios at HPU’s simulation lab.

“The importance of this collaboration is for HPU students to experience other cultures and understand the concept called “cultural humility,’” Dean of the School of Nursing Edna Magpantay-Monroe, Ed.D., APRN, said. “Students enjoyed seeing what simulation education is and its applicability in nursing and healthcare. It is also a good way for them to understand a different perspective of nursing education in another country.” 

The TWMC students went on a series of excursions during their visit, including trips to Pearl Harbor, the Villas post-acute care rehab facility in Lilha, and St. Luke’s Clinic in Honolulu. The culmination of their visit was a memorable evening at Magic Island, where they watched the sunset and enjoyed a bento picnic dinner while taking in the Hilton fireworks on the Diamond Head side of Oahu. Throughout their time together, HPU and TWMC students forged connections, exchanging contact information and capturing shared moments in photos. Their visit was marked by a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

For the second consecutive year, TWMU students have had the opportunity to visit the HPU School of Nursing. These visits serve as invaluable learning experiences for students from both TWMU and HPU, fostering cross-cultural exchange and the formation of lasting friendships across disciplines. When the trip concluded, students were presented with completion certificates from HPU, marking the successful culmination of their shared educational journey. Oshima Kango Senmo Gakko and Shubun universities in Japan also visited HPU where students from both universities toured the HPU simulation labs and met with HPU faculty.