While Irene Wada was in elementary school learning to read, write, and do arithmetic, at night, she was also learning anatomy and physiology. “I sort of studied with my mother who was studying to become a nurse in Japan. So, I was learning right along with her.” Later, she watched her mom care for others with “kindness and dedication.” The experience made Wada want to follow in her mom’s footsteps.
Cultural Transition
But Wada wouldn’t grow up to be a nurse in Japan. When she was 16 she moved to Colorado with her family. It was a hard, cultural change. Wada struggled to speak the language and understand homework. She persevered and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Denver in psychology. Then, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
She kept thinking about returning to Japan for nursing school. COVID wiped away those thoughts.
New Perspectives
CU Nursing student Irene Wada (center) with friends in her cohort. |
“During the pandemic, I experienced discrimination and microaggressions and became afraid to go out in the community,” says Wada, soon-to-be a graduate of the University of Colorado College of Nursing BS in Nursing program. “I believe that as future healthcare providers, we must respect people from all backgrounds and stand against discrimination and racism."
Wada chose CU Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus because of its diverse student population and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Also, my experience working as a CNA highlighted the significance of mental health care and disparities in healthcare access, especially among minority communities. That motivated me to address these differences and provide equal care for all patients," she says.
The pandemic also gave Wada time to evaluate the pros and cons of working in healthcare in Japan and the US. Wada learned that in America, nurses have more autonomy to start IVs, administer medications, and more, while in Japan, nurses are under the strict supervision of physicians. Nurses in the US tend to be paid better and work fewer hours than in Japan.
Sharing Knowledge
“There’s more opportunities for me here and I want to introduce the US healthcare system to Japan,” she says. "I want to serve as a bridge between both countries, exchanging knowledge and experiences to improve healthcare systems for patients in both countries."
To help in this endeavor, Wada joined the Japanese Nursing Students organization and hopes to eventually bring her nursing knowledge and experience back to Japan.
“I hope I’m an inspiration to other Asian nurses. I want to have an opportunity to help others. It’s so rewarding to know that I can make a positive difference in someone’s life by providing care and support."
