KAPA‘A — Six students from the Okinawa Prefectural College of Nursing celebrated the successful completion of their 2009 International Study Tour, Friday night. The students, part of an annual entourage from the college in Japan, took part in a two-week
KAPA‘A — Six students from the Okinawa Prefectural College of Nursing celebrated the successful completion of their 2009 International Study Tour, Friday night.
The students, part of an annual entourage from the college in Japan, took part in a two-week study at Kaua‘i Community College and overcame their swine flu fears in the process.
KCC International Education Chairman Brian Yamamoto said up until the last minute, they weren’t sure if the students would be arriving because of the fear surrounding the H1N1 virus.
The students were exposed to the American system of health care through tours of the various hospitals and medical facilities on the island.
On one of these tours, students had hands-on experience in patient care as they joined staff and community volunteers in hosting more than 30 residents of the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital long-term care unit in a day at the beach.
“That was an experience,” said Char Ono, director of nursing at KCC. “There were waves, wind, no sun, and Portuguese man-of-war. But the girls braved the elements to ensure that Mahelona Hospital seniors had a good time.”
Other areas of instruction included lomi lomi massage, the art practiced by Hawaiians, led by Berna Akiona. From day one, the students were immersed in English instruction led by Eric Anderson.
Ono and KCC nursing instructor Maureen Tabura led the unit on physical assessment, Tabura taking time out to lead 30 first-year students and six second-year students at the Lihu‘e Airport Triennial Exercise.
Yamamoto led the unit on medicinal plants, microbiology lab, and a tour to the National Tropical Botanical Gardens where the students got to see plants they studied.
Following the presentation of diplomas, the students returned the favor, performing a variety of dance and song from Okinawa.
Chika Arakaki, Masumi Arakaki, Erina Irei, Haruna Kayo, Mariko Shinjo and Yuko Yagi are the students who were able to experience the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Fair during their weekend stay with host families.
Professor Hitoshi Adaniya and Professor Rimiko Ishikawa accompanied the students from Okinawa for the tour.
