Message from the Director

Joseph Osuji PhD, RN

Email: josuji@mtroyal.ca
Phone: 403.440.6553
Learn more about Joseph.

I welcome you to the School of Nursing and Midwifery with the treaty 7 languages: Oki (Blackfoot), Aba wathtech (Îyârhe Nakoda), Danit'ada (Tsuut’ina), Tawnshi (Métis). We are all treaty people. 

Since its inception in 1967 with the introduction of Alberta’s first two-year nursing diploma, the SoNM community has flourished into a vibrant hub dedicated to promoting inclusive excellence in nursing and midwifery education, scholarship and service. We take pride in our collective of exceptional teachers, engaged students, seasoned researchers and dedicated staff who work together to advance the healthcare profession nationally and internationally. 

We recognize that various social, ecological, political and economic forces shape health. Therefore, We prepare our graduates to be divergent thinkers who deliver exceptional care while embodying life-long intellectual curiosity, social awareness and a collaborative spirit. They catalyse positive change, championing social justice and contributing to the greater good. 

Our dynamic curriculum integrates clinical judgement, interprofessional collaboration, innovative simulation modalities, a deep understanding of how social determinants intersectionally affect health and the transversal skills essential for workplace success.

To ensure that we live these considerations, the SoNM Strategic Plan (2022-26) is grounded in a socio-ecological paradigm that incorporates the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into the vision, mission and goals, weaving these directly through the core of our work with students, faculty, and staff. It also embodies Indigenous ways of knowing, rooted in the Blackfoot creation story of the spider web (ani to pisi). The late Clement Bear Chief authored the Blackfoot creation story and permitted his brother Roy Bear Chief to share it. We realize our vision through innovative pedagogy, groundbreaking research and scholarship, active community engagement and transformative educational experiences.

Our purpose is to prepare nurses and midwives who embody cultural humility and demonstrate evidence-informed clinical judgement.

Our vision is to create compassionate and engaged leaders to respond to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Our mission is to create a learning environment that values healthy relationships based on a solid foundational curriculum that is decolonized and respectful of diversity.

At SoNM, we honour Elder Roy Bear Chief, our helper and Siksika knowledge keeper, who reminds us of the timeless Blackfoot wisdom 'kimma pi pitsin,' which emphasizes the import of “kindness and compassion” in healthcare. These principles are more than just lofty ideals; they form the foundation of our approach to preparing students to provide exceptional care to their clients in any circumstance and setting. They represent the cornerstone upon which we construct a future dedicated to promoting health and well-being, striving for unparalleled excellence, and meeting future health and societal challenges. 

I invite you to discover more about our vibrant community and explore the diverse resources available on our website, which offer detailed information to current and prospective students, faculty and staff, and our specific units (Bachelor of Nursing-BN, Bachelor of Midwifery-BMiD, Bridge to Canadian Nursing-BCN, Advanced Studies in Critical Care Nursing-ACCN, and Health Simulation Learning Centre-HSLC). Mount Royal University is proud to be an ASHOKA Campus, and our school is dedicated to maintaining this recognition while striving for a positive global impact. 

We invite you to reach out if you would like to speak with someone directly. Join us in advancing the future of nursing and healthcare!

Stay well, strive healthily, and stay connected.

Joseph Osuji, RN, PhD

Professor and Director, School of Nursing and Midwifery