Disaster nursing and disaster nursing education in Japan

Japan has experienced many natural disasters. The increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters warns the limits of public support, especially the local government. Therefore, self-help and mutual support are necessary in addition to public support to prepare and to protect one’s own life by conducting personal preparation and helping community members before and after a disaster. Nurses have many roles to play in self-help, mutual support, and public support during disasters. The Code of Ethics for Nurses developed by the Japanese Nursing Association (JNA) states nurses’ roles during disaster and nurses have important roles in protecting the lives and health of people before and after a disaster. There are "disaster support nurses" and dispatched to disaster-stricken areas. Disaster support nurses are dispatched to any disaster-affected area to provide the necessary nursing care for local residents to maintain and ensure their health, and reduce the mental and physical burden. There is a certification system accredited by the JNA called Certified Nurse Specialists (CNS©). There are 39 CNSs in the field of disaster nursing and more disaster CNSs are needed. Strengthening disaster nursing education and research through international collaboration and higher education about disaster nursing are required to contribute to disaster-affected populations.