Fonds 21.04 - Academic Faculties and Schools: School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at Trinity Western University belongs to the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS).

Early History of the Program
1987 Request from the Registered Nursing Association of BC for TWU to develop a four-year Baccalaureate program in nursing.
1988/89 Feasibility study completed at TWU
1989 (March) Minister of Advanced Education and Job Training announced intention to provide development funds for 300 additional baccalaureate nursing training positions
1990 (January) TWU’s Board of Governors approves implementation of program subject to financing
1990 (June) Endorsement in principle for TWU’s proposal received from three local hospitals (Langley, Surrey, MSA)
1990 (June) Proposal for funding the capital cost of the proposed program presented to the BC Government (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Advanced Education)
1991 (March) Ministry of Health provided $750,000 for capital start-up costs
1991 (September) Three hospitals agree to become teaching hospitals for TWU (Langley, Surrey, MSA)
1991 (October) Ministry of Health, Hospital Care Division, encourages development of a comprehensive community nursing training program
1991 (October) RNABC approves in principle TWU’s proposed program
1993 (May) Dr. Julia Emblen was appointed the first Director of Nursing
1993 (September) Projected start-up date for first nursing class
1995 (September) Nursing students enter clinical training at hospitals and community health units
Source: F 21.04, Box 1, File 2

Program heads have included:
Julia Emblen, 1993 -
Landa Terblanche, Chair, 2007-2009
Landa Terblanche, Dean, 2009-2012
Sonya Grypma, Dean, 2013-2019
Dr. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham, Dean, 2019-

The philosophy of the nursing department is consistent with Trinity Western University’s view that the educational experience should cultivate knowledge and personal development to glorify God and to serve humankind. The liberal arts foundation supports holistic student development. Core courses in science, art, philosophy, language, religion, and society and culture encourage students to think Biblically, critically, ethically, and creatively about the world. We believe that it is not enough to simply engage students in the realm of ideas but that the educational experience should facilitate ongoing personal transformation, the goal being a fully integrated, holistic being capable of loving God and others as oneself. This concern for personal transformation is central to providing excellent care for clients, and will ultimately have a transformative impact on culture. Nursing courses prepare students to work in partnership with individuals, families, groups, and communities for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health. A focus on culture, diversity, and social justice prepares students to engage in the profession of nursing from an ethically sensitive perspective.

Program Overview
The Trinity Western University Nursing program, established in 1993, offers a four-year baccalaureate in Nursing (BScN), within a Christian, liberal arts, context. The program is approved by the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia and TWU is a member of the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. The clinical experiences culminate in a final consolidation experience where students work alongside a nurse in practice. Students also have opportunities to work alongside faculty in the lab and in areas of research.

In August 2009 TWU launched its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program – the first Canadian faith-based graduate nursing program, and one of just a few predominantly online graduate nursing programs.

The vision of TWU's Master of Science in Nursing program is to foster values-based nursing, educational vitality, excellence in scholarship in practice, and transformation through Christian graduate nursing education. A strong disciplinary nursing core together with electives allows students to personalize their studies for their unique career path, whether as educators, leaders, or advanced practice nurses.

Source: http://www.twu.ca/academics/science/nursing/ (accessed September 18, 2009)

FNAS Deans:
Ka Yin Leung (2008-2016)
Craig Montgomery (2016-2021)