Nurse Chizuru Shito

Interview with Nurse Chizuru Shito

Strenghts: I forget unpleasant things after a good night's sleep. I believe things will work out. In a way, it's positive.

Weaknesses: "A monk for three days." - It refers to someone who starts something with great enthusiasm but quickly loses interest and gives up after a short time, typically within three days.

Favourite book: Junichi Watanabe’s - "Akanko ni Katsu" (阿寒に果つ), "Muei-tou" (無影燈)

What motivated you to become a nurse and what was your journey like?: Since I was a student, I wanted to become an independent woman. I thought that in order to achieve that, I should move out of my home and find a job that offered dormitory accommodation. That's how I ended up working at a medical institution as a nursing assistant. At first, I didn't intend to become a nurse, but I was inspired by the efficient nurses I worked with and my growing admiration for their work. This led me to pursue nursing school.

Did you work as a nursing assistant while attending nursing school?: Yes, I worked as a nursing assistant while attending nursing school. I would work as a nursing assistant in the morning, go to school in the afternoon, and sometimes even had night shifts afterwards. Balancing work and studies was exhausting at times, but I pushed through.

What led you to work in the field of reproductive medicine?: After graduating, I worked in orthopedics for 5 to 6 years, gaining experience in inpatient care and surgeries. After that, I temporarily left the workforce due to marriage and child-rearing, but I returned to work at nearby clinics and, in 2000, joined Oak Sumiyoshi Obstetrics and Gynecology when it first opened. It was my first time working in obstetrics and gynecology, and there were some moments of confusion, but I was deeply moved by the cuteness of newborn babies and the happiness they brought. At the same time, I witnessed couples who were struggling to conceive or facing miscarriages and stillbirths, and I was determined to do everything I could to support them. In 2007, I transitioned to a clinic specializing in reproductive medicine and began working more intensively in the field. Now, as I work alongside patients and their various concerns and joys, the most rewarding part is receiving letters from patients after they successfully conceive and give birth following difficult fertility treatments. These letters are a huge motivation for me as a nurse.

How do you ensure that patients can consult with you in a safe and comfortable environment?: It is very important to help ease the tension and anxiety of patients. To achieve this, we offer free counseling sessions with nurses at Oak. These are primarily conducted via video calls or phone calls, and since patients often come with concerns and worries, we make sure to explain things in simple and clear language. Additionally, I always review patient information beforehand. For patients with scheduled appointments, I confirm everything the day before.

Can patients at Oak access counseling services?: Yes, even those who are not currently undergoing treatment with us can take advantage of counseling. For those who are not yet patients, we listen carefully to their worries and past treatment history, current situation, and thoughts. If they decide to start their treatment at Oak, we share the information gathered during counseling with the medical team to ensure a smooth transition and assist with the consultation. For patients who are already under treatment, we refer to their electronic medical records while listening to their concerns. Some patients, especially those who experience unexpected symptoms like abdominal pain or bleeding, may call us in a panic. We aim to calm them down, confirm the situation, and discuss the next steps.

How do you handle patients who are nervous?: Many patients feel nervous, especially when undergoing their first egg retrieval or a significant procedure. In those cases, I try to offer reassurance by talking to them or holding their hand to help them relax. If a patient is experiencing intense anxiety, they may think, "If that nurse is there, I'll feel better." In such cases, I will work with the requested nurse to make sure they are present during the procedure, even if it means rearranging duties. The flexibility at Oak allows us to respond effectively and ensure the patient is as comfortable as possible.

How do you relax and spend your time off?: I often spend my days off going out. I enjoy shopping for delicious foods at department store food floors or going to Kyoto to see the autumn leaves or cherry blossoms. For autumn leaves, I recommend visiting when it’s a bit less crowded to enjoy the beauty and have a refreshing experience. Cherry blossoms, on the other hand, can’t be timed as easily, but I enjoy walking around the city, which has many cherry trees. Every year, my family and I have a tradition of staying at a guesthouse on the Tango Peninsula. Around 15 family members gather together for a lively time. It’s an event everyone looks forward to, and it’s a precious yearly tradition.

How do you balance your work and private life?: I make sure to keep a clear boundary between work and private life. The time I spend traveling, enjoying food at department store food floors, and having moments with my family are what motivate me at work.

What are your future goals as a nurse?: My goal is to continue working healthily until retirement, and I want to keep doing my best as long as I’m needed. After that, I hope to relax, but my family might joke, "You're not home again today? Are you off somewhere having fun?"

Finally, do you have a message for patients?: When undergoing treatment, I encourage patients not to be swayed by the overwhelming amount of information available online but to consult directly with healthcare professionals or medical institutions. If you're gathering information from the internet, it’s best to do so from a trusted medical source.
Couples may feel anxious about taking the first step into fertility treatment, and that’s okay. Just coming for a counseling session is a good first step.
Additionally, I recommend that everyone, whether or not they are considering fertility treatment, have a general health check-up. I also suggest getting gynecological exams, including screenings for cervical and ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) testing, regardless of age. This is important for single women as well.
Knowing your body’s health is vital when you consider having a baby, whether in the near future or later down the line. I also believe that living healthily and vibrantly as a woman is essential.