Distinct from nursing doctoral programs that place top priority to developing nurse scientists, Trinity Western University’s intentionally well-rounded PhD in Nursing program targets all professional skills required for an academic or service position.
Trinity Western’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program launched in 2022—with the first cohort of students excited to commence their studies this past September.
This spring, current students share their thoughts and reflections, as the School of Nursing looks forward to welcoming its second cohort of PhD students, who will begin their residency at TWU's Laurentian Leadership Centre in Ottawa, in May 2023.
Back in September, an excited group of nurses, nursing faculty, and university leaders gathered to welcome the first cohort of TWU’s PhD in Nursing students. The incoming class of four students launched their studies with a one-week residency at the Langley campus.
Students from around the province
The students come from across the province: Ibolya Agoston is the Regional Director of Education and Training for Northern Health, working out of Fort St. John. Kathleen Lounsbury is an instructor in TWU’s School of Nursing, where she coordinates Indigenous integration. Ruhina Rana is on faculty at Douglas College as Research Coordinator and Clinical Placement Coordinator. Cathy Son is a critical care nurse and instructor at TWU.
The residency provided the space in which to develop relationships as a community of scholars, receive an orientation to the program, meet the faculty, learn about research by TWU nursing faculty, and begin the first course, NURS 710 Advanced Nursing Philosophy, taught by Drs. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham, Darlaine Jantzen, and Lynn Musto.
"I am accompanied by caring, competent, like-minded scholarly colleagues and faculty. We are all invested in this journey, all together, all the way to the finish line."
The students found the residency integral to their bonding as a cohort and a source of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement. After the residency, studies transitioned to weekly online seminars. PhD student Ibolya Agoston reflects on the residency, "Following our week in Langley, after meeting our faculty and my colleagues, I came home with the reassurance that I am on a long journey but I am not alone: I am accompanied by caring, competent, like-minded scholarly colleagues and faculty. We are all invested in this journey, all together, all the way to the finish line."
"Completing my PhD at Trinity Western University means that I belong to the Christian community where my differences are respected, challenges are cared for, and my vision will be encouraged and renewed."
A unique program
Dr. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham, Dean of the School of Nursing and Lead for the PhD program comments, "With the PhD program, TWU Nursing is building into the future for the good of the world and the glory of God. We are unique in Canada, as the only faith-based nursing doctoral program, coalescing a growing cadre of nurses who desire to engage in the deep theological and philosophic traditions that underpin health and healing, sickness and suffering.”
PhD student Cathy Son appreciates TWU’s Christian ethos, expressing, "Completing my PhD at Trinity Western University means that I belong to the Christian community where my differences are respected, challenges are cared for, and my vision will be encouraged and renewed."
Well-rounded education
Trinity Western’s PhD in Nursing program seeks to “envision and equip the next generation of nurses" by preparing nurses to be educators and leaders within academic, government and healthcare settings.
Distinct from nursing doctoral programs that put top priority to developing nurse scientists, TWU’s intentionally well-rounded program targets all professional skills required for an academic or service position. Courses include: Advanced Educational Leadership, Advanced Public Policy and Knowledge Translation, in addition to Nursing Philosophy, Research Methodology and Research Design.
Practical, mentorship-based focus
PhD in Nursing students receive mentorship opportunities to learn professional skills from expert educators, leaders, and researchers. During an internship in education, policy, or research, students work closely with a mentor to focus on a chosen area.
Flexible program format
The 48-month PhD in Nursing program offers a mix of online, in-class and experiential learning to prepare graduates to be actively engaged in the global community of nurse scholars. Annual in-person residencies provide an immersion experience for students to engage fully with their studies while being mentored by faculty and learning collaboratively with their classmates. The next residency will be held in Ottawa at TWU’s Laurentian Leadership Centre in May 2023, when the second PhD cohort will join.
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 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.
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