Message from the President

Since July 2020

Recently, I became the president of the Japan Academy of Nursing Research (JSNR), the first comprehensive nursing society established in Japan. I would like to say a few words about this.

The world is now facing harsh trials due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The reality that people must deviate from conventional wisdom and change their behavior in order to stop the spread of infection is unacceptable; furthermore, it even discourages some from living. It was not a huge earthquake or a meteorite but a nano-sized virus that has terrorized human beings living in the 21st century.

Daily life before the COVID-19 disaster was to wake up in the morning, get ready, go to work or school while navigating through a crowd, and work hard all day. Each of us returned home with tired feet and went to bed after taking a bath and having supper while talking about the events of the day with our family. On our days off, we met friends and went to the resort with them or our families. It was the lifestyle of human beings. We are social animals. It was natural to make short- and long-term plans for the future—at work, school, or home. However, the virus that suddenly appeared has ruthlessly denied us these actions and hindered the formation of human bonds.

While human society is in this abnormal situation, medical professionals and nurses (including most of the members of JSNR) are engaged in hard work every day. With the COVID-19 catastrophe, for which there is no escape anywhere on earth, we must urgently think of ways to overcome it. Researchers from all academic fields throughout the world are now mobilizing their wisdom and undertaking research activities to overcome this unprecedented scourge.

According to Chapter 3 (Purpose) of the Articles of Incorporation of JSNR, “This corporation organizes a wide range of people involved in nursing research, conducts education and research activities related to nursing, contributes to the society as well as the progress and development of nursing.” Research in nursing, which is our specialty, has targeted various phenomena related to “human beings, health, [the] environment, and nursing (care)” since its inception. We have been exploring and proposing theories for cultivating healthier and more prosperous lifestyles. In other words, nursing is a human and practical science encompassing people who are actually living. From that perspective, there should be a clear paradigm shift in nursing research as well. That is, before and after the COVID-19 disaster, it was inevitable that people’s awareness and perspectives regarding health and human life would change drastically. When it comes to nursing practice, there are numerous phenomena and issues to be dealt with by nurses not only in the medical world but also in the daily reality of living with the COVID-19 disaster. As professionals, we have a mission and responsibility to tackle such problems. Let’s pursue the research activities required by the times and the current situation in line with aspirations of the academic society and the fundamental philosophy of nursing practice. From the viewpoint and strategy unique to nursing, we promote and support research related to COVID-19.

I will do my best as the president of this nursing society, and I am truly grateful for your support.

Kiyoko Fukai, Ph.D., RN, PHN　　　　　　　　　　　
President of the Japan Society of Nursing Research