Message from the President

　 We have now reached the fourth year since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infectious disease (hereinafter “COVID-19”). As the government relaxes its infection prevention measures with the changes in coronavirus strains, specific preventive measures moving forward have been left to the discretion of individuals and their affiliated organizations. Nursing colleges and universities that provide practical training at medical sites need to consider on-campus infection prevention measures that require educational decisions as well as infection prevention measures necessary for visits to medical sites. It is not easy to maintain such vigilance while the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the movement of people in society expands like an avalanche. I believe that nursing students are being educated to be acutely in touch with their own health condition based on their basic knowledge of infectious diseases and to learn how to act so as to prevent infection. I expect that this education can contribute to society in the form of infection prevention measures for “co-existing with COVID-19.”

　Our Society was founded in 1976 and incorporated in 2009. We have launched an election system for our executive officers since 2018, reformed our organization, diversified our committee activities, and engaged in collaborative activities with nursing organizations. There are currently 207 programs at 192 member schools, which are composed of 182 four-year universities and 10 junior colleges. The number of our member schools is increasing with the opening of new nursing universities, colleges, and faculties. Private universities account for 70 percent of nursing colleges and universities, meaning that private universities bear a heavy responsibility for nursing education and that our Society plays an increasingly important role.

　Throughout our activities to date, we have promoted collaboration with nursing organizations, and the activities that ought to be undertaken by our Society have come into greater focus. With that being said, the characteristics of member schools can vary widely, and the activities expected of our Society are diverse. The purpose of our Society as clearly stated in the articles of incorporation is: “to promote private nursing colleges and universities, assist in the fulfillment of their missions, and thereby contribute to the advancement of Japan’s nursing education and research through research surveys on the education, research, and management of private nursing colleges and universities as well as partnerships and cooperation among the members in recognition of the important role that private nursing colleges and universities hold as Japan’s nursing education institutions.”

The key issue for private nursing colleges and universities to fulfill their missions is stabilizing their management. In order for private nursing colleges and universities to survive in the midst of the declining 18-year-old population, they must anticipate changes of the times, hone their strengths in education, research, and management, and devise mitigation strategies whereby they are able to showcase to society the characteristics that make their colleges and universities attractive. With the aim of realizing Society 5.0, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is advocating for the development of human resources to leverage AI, and innovations are being advanced by numerous universities. We are also being asked to engage in developing human resources capable of utilizing AI in nursing education.

　In the past, each committee of the Association has conducted training sessions on timely issues so that member schools can take initiatives for the future. We would like to hear the opinions of our member schools as to what kind of initiatives should be taken in order to promote private nursing colleges and universities.

　We greatly appreciate your support.

Japan Society of Private Colleges and Universities of Nursing
President