Abstract
Background and Aims : Although a growing number of Japanese nurses have participated in international cooperation programs, few studies have examined the experience and influence of nursing in foreign countries. We examined the effects of participating in international cooperation programs and its benefit to nursing care in Japan.
Subjects and Methods : Questionnaires were sent to 991 nurses belonging to the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV). 902 nurses received the questionnaires, because 89 nurses of no new address did not receive, and 397 nurses replied. The nurses were asked to describe, what they thought of their experience, what had impressed them, what they felt should be improved, and what they had learned. The descriptions were categorized and analyzed in terms of the nurses' adaptation to different cultures.
Results : The JOCV nurses acquired a transcultural viewpoint on nursing that helped them to improve their care-giving skills.
Conclusions : The experience of international cooperation improve the care-giving skills of nurses, in Japan.
