Advanced Nursing Education Program in Radiation Exposure Medicine and Radiology
Graduate School of Health Sciences
Master's Program in Nursing, Specialization in Radiation Nursing
MATUNARI Yuko (Professor)
Background and objectives of activities
Since the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, concerns about radiation exposure have increased, but few nurses have received systematic radiation education in their basic nursing education. In addition, with the development of radiological treatment, the medical exposure of patients and their families and the occupational exposure of nurses are also increasing. Therefore, it is necessary for nursing professionals to provide nursing care based on radiation expertise and to ensure the safety of nursing personnel. Therefore, the Graduate School of Health Sciences has been engaged in educational activities to train such advanced professionals since 2013, even though the prefecture is located near a nuclear power plant.
Summary of Activities
The program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide nursing care based on radiation expertise, and to ensure the safety and security of nursing personnel in the field of radiation exposure medicine and radiation therapy. In 2018, the program was accredited by the Japanese Association of Colleges of Nursing as an educational program in radiation nursing. The total number of students who have completed the program to date is 10. Six are working in medical institutions, one in educational institutions, two in government institutions, and one in professional associations. In addition, four have worked as radiation health management specialists for the Ministry of the Environment. In addition, as an educational activity on nuclear disasters, training sessions on the health effects of radiation are held three times a year for local government officials, professional associations and community associations.
Expected Benefits
As for the areas in which advanced practice radiation nurses work, in the field of radiation exposure medicine in the event of radiation accidents and disasters, there are the Advanced Radiation Medical Support Center, nuclear disaster base hospitals, and government agencies. In addition, there are medical facilities that provide radiation treatment, etc. We are striving to improve safety and security by conducting educational activities on disaster prevention and mitigation against nuclear disasters as a way to create a livable community, not just a 0:3 or 0:4 situation.