Nissoken
The School of Nursing and Midwifery previously offered a Bachelor of Nursing (Post Registration) degree program to Japanese nurses who wished to upgrade their qualifications to a professional degree in nursing. The program for Japanese Registered Nurses was a unique project of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University since October 1997. Students were able to study from home in Japan in the Japanese language and were fully supported by appropriately qualified staff throughout Japan.
The Griffith University, Bachelor of Nursing program available to Japanese students provided an international insight into nursing studies. Throughout the program students explored a range of contemporary Japanese and international nursing issues. The aim of the program was to provide Japanese nurses with an educational foundation from which to build their professional knowledge and skills. Critique of the contemporary influences on nursing practice such as knowledge development, leadership and management issues, research, reflective practice and clinical teaching providesd the basis for the program.
The Nissoken program has been monitored since its inception for relevancy, teaching and learning and student progress. Evaluation of the program was an ongoing process and focused on quantitative and qualitative indicators to signify course and overall program appropriateness. Cultural sensitivity, content, individual course structure, organisation and educational integrity were also subjected to ongoing student evaluation.
Students who successfully completed the program attended a one-week on-campus schooling program consisting of workshops, lectures and presentations and visits to a local hospital and aged care facility. The on-campus schooling week culminated in a graduation ceremony.
Owing to changes in the tertiary education market in Japan the School of Nursing and Midwifery reluctantly made the decision to withdraw the program from offer in August 2007.