Ashley DaCosta (’04, ’18) has had the pleasure of attending Trinity Western University three times, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, and most recently being accepted into the University's PhD in Nursing program.
For Ashley, the university has been an inspirational place for her to grow and develop her skills as a leader in the health care sector.
“When I was deciding on where to get my master's, I spoke with Dr. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham and she was so encouraging and inspiring,” explains Ashley. “I choose TWU for my master's and choose it again for my PhD because attending TWU isn’t just about achieving and completing education, it is also (and more importantly) about my personal journey as a woman, a nurse leader and Christian.”
“I choose TWU for my master's and choose it again for my PhD because attending TWU isn’t just about achieving and completing education, it is also (and more importantly) about my personal journey as a woman, a nurse leader and Christian.”
Ashley's journey in nursing began as an undergraduate student at Trinity Western where she says she was shaped into the person who she is today.
“My experience in my undergrad was a personal journey, where I grew and developed from a small-town teenager into a professional nurse. TWU provided me with a safe space to become my own, to develop my values and beliefs, and my identity,” says Ashley.
Participating in health care delivery, planning, and design
After she graduated with her bachelor’s, she started her nursing career in Kitimat, British Columbia. In this time, she worked around the province and even internationally in Australia and Africa. She then moved to the Okanagan and worked on front line of health care in Penticton for a couple of years before becoming a nursing educator. In this role, she was responsible for rolling out the Interior Health's Electronic Health Record system to all their hospitals.
"I anticipate the PhD program will provide opportunities for me to progress in my career as a health care leader and influencer provincially, nationally, and globally."
Following this work, she moved to Kelowna to work in their neonatal intensive care unit for a couple of years before being hired permanently as a Clinical Lead.
“I currently have a unique job in health care planning, design, construction and commissioning with Interior Health,” explains Ashley. “I anticipate the PhD program will provide opportunities for me to progress in my career as a health care leader and influencer provincially, nationally, and globally. I am also looking forward to the personal journey and growth that I will undergo throughout this journey. Attending TWU has shaped me into the person I am today which has contributed to my professional success”.
Nurses as leaders in all domains of health care
Ashley is passionate about nurses being leaders in all domains of health care. She believes that nurses can provide solutions to the complex problems the healthcare system is facing. It is her desire to be part of encouraging the next generation of leaders to seek unconventional nursing roles, to dream big, and to think outside of the box.
When it comes to integrating her faith with her work, Ashley says it can be quite difficult at times but that her faith is the anchor of her work.
Ashley is passionate about nurses being leaders in all domains of health care. ...It is her desire to be part of encouraging the next generation of leaders to seek unconventional nursing roles, to dream big, and to think outside of the box.
“I am faced with challenges daily that are complex and ethical. My faith allows me to trust that He reigns above it all, and that I am simply a servant to His good works and ultimate plan. My faith reminds me that my career is a journey where I will continue to grow as a person, a nurse and a Christian, and to me that grounds me in humility.”
Joining the PhD in Nursing program
Ashley is humbled and honoured to be entering the PhD in Nursing program and is excited about the journey, although she admits she is a bit nervous, as it’s a big commitment. When asked what led her to decide to return to Trinity Western for a third time to take the PhD program, she credits the support she received from professors during her master's program as something that was profoundly unique.
“This is the main reason I am returning,” says Ashley. “I trust in the excellent wisdom and guidance of the professors who truly believe in me and inspire me to my full potential in becoming the best nurse leader.”
Ashley adds that she looks forward to the opportunities this education will bring to her career as a health care leader and influencer, and she can’t wait to see what God will do with her life next.
“I want to encourage others that may not feel like they have "what it takes" or feel like they are not "smart enough" or "good enough." I was not the smartest in my class, but I worked and studied hard. If you take the step of faith, God will provide you with what you need to make it through, which I can attest to,” says Ashley. “He will give you the determination, passion, and confidence to persevere, because nothing can stop you from His perfect plan for your life. All you have to be is willing to take that step!”
Words by Jonathan Fehr ('09) Director of Alumni Engagement and Communications.
About TWU Nursing
Caring for the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities is both motivating and rewarding. We give you the knowledge and skills necessary for a nursing career in hospitals and community-based settings and the practical experience required to be highly sought after when you graduate. Learn more at TWU's School of Nursing.
About TWU Alumni
Whether you’re a recent graduate or one of TWU’s original alumni pioneers, you belong here. Our desire is to nurture an engaged and flourishing global community of alumni who are serving God and people in the various marketplaces of life. We invite you to stay connected, proudly represent TWU, and participate in the University’s vision to equip graduates for life. Learn more at TWU Alumni.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.
Words by Jonathan Fehr ('09) Director of Alumni Engagement and Communications.