An exploratory intervention to expand the horizon for Japanese neonatal nurses: Acquisition and retention of knowledge and skills related to nursing practice

The traditional role of the Japanese Neonatal Nurse differs in comparison to that of western colleagues'. However the Japanese philosophy of attention to care that epitomizes neonatal care reflects the exquisite and delicate nature of the Japanese culture. Japanese neonatal nurses who wish to expand their clinical roles, however, face a number of challenges. These challenges result from a combination of the non-existence of any relevant training to prepare a clinically advanced nurse in Japan, and the historic and legal background, which has led to the current scope of practice. The historic background is reported in depth elsewhere (Konishi 2016). An interventional study that includes both didactic and skills lab was designed to explore the feasibility of introducing an educational program and its effectiveness in a Japanese setting. The results demonstrated that a neonatal specific educational program offers the potential to prepare highly educated and motivated neonatal nurses with a capacity to perform in a role with an extended scope of practice. As a result of this interventional study, participants were found to experience changes in their role perceptions, as well as differences in their interactions with colleagues.