Caring = Universal Quality for Outstanding Nurses

Kyoto: I shadowed a veteran nurse, Mrs. Iwamoto, while she made home visits. After the self-arranged one-day training, I learned that no matter where it is, good nurses carry caring attitudes and the willingness to take time for the patients and their families. The essence for the excellence is certainly not in technical skills. For example, in the photo, Nurse Iwamoto accompanied the client in his hour-long walk. Respecting his discomfort in walking side by side with a female, she was always a few feet behind. His steps were stable enough to walk without any assist, but he would never do it without her. Her presence was the silent persuasion to make him carry on the physical activity that his health would tremendously benefit from.

By the way, I had arranged for this informal training in my preparation to serve as a  volunteer nurse at the earthquake/tsunami devastated area. I plan to head there on Oct. 19.

---