New leadership continues MRU’s tradition of excellence in nursing and midwifery
There’s an old adage in health-care circles: a nurse’s job is never done. Few understand this better than Dr. Joseph Osuji, PhD, the newly appointed director of Mount Royal University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery , effective Aug. 1.
Osuji is a noted authority on medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, nursing informatics and chronic illness management. A Carnegie African Diaspora scholar, his extensive international collaborations, research and publications, and insights on health, homelessness and nursing workforce issues have made Osuji a sought-after speaker at conferences.
After more than two decades of dedicated teaching at Mount Royal, culminating in his promotion to a full professor, you'd think Osuji had seen it all.
Yet, for him, there's always more to be done.
Driven by his passion for service, Osuji is excited to advance MRU’s renowned nursing and midwifery programs in his new director role.
“For a very long time, Mount Royal has been the hub for nursing and midwifery education in Alberta,” he says. “We are proud to offer a wide array of programs that serve our community by addressing critical health-care needs and providing top-notch education to our students.
“But, being a hub means that we cannot sit still. We need to continue growing and offering pathways for people to join our programs and earn credentials here because we do such a fantastic job of educating students.”
Evolving education to meet societal needs
As a college, Mount Royal began offering Canada's first two-year nursing diploma program in 1967, a time when nursing education was exclusively handled by hospitals and universities. Over the decades, the program, like the institution itself, has evolved to meet the growing demands and complexities of health care.
Today, the School of Nursing and Midwifery serves about 1,200 students through various programs, including the Bachelor of Nursing , the only Bachelor of Midwifery program in Alberta, Bridge to Canadian Nursing , and Advanced Studies in Critical Care Nursing .
Osuji's vision for these programs is dynamic and forward-thinking. He is keen on weaving “transversal skills” into the curriculum to give graduates the tools they need to make a difference in their jobs and in the community.
After all, in a field like health care, staying ahead of trends is not just advantageous — it's essential.
As health care changes, nursing and midwifery positions are growing and adjusting to meet new demands. These professions are experiencing big changes due to evolving patient needs, the rise of artificial intelligence and a growing emphasis on self-care.
In Alberta, the health-care system is undergoing a major reorganization to improve front-line care and decision-making. Osuji highlights how nurses can help ease a strained system. Recently, nurse practitioners received provincial approval to provide independent primary care, and some Registered Nurses now have limited prescription privileges.
“Nursing and midwifery have a significant role in Alberta’s health-care system,” Osuji says. “We hope that authorities continue to recognize and support the essential roles that registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and midwives play in ensuring citizens receive the best health care possible.”
Honouring the past, building the future
While Alberta boasts a wealth of opportunities, Osuji knows well that nursing goes beyond local borders, with the potential for global impact.
Originally from Nigeria, he began his career as a registered nurse, working in various health-care settings before pursuing advanced degrees in nursing and leadership. After working in Europe for a few years, his academic journey led him to the University of Calgary, where he completed his Master of Nursing and, subsequently, his doctorate.
Osuji’s first practicum at the non-profit CUPS Calgary exposed him to unexpected levels of poverty, challenging his idealistic view of Canada. This eye-opening experience sparked his interest in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and studying the intersectionality of the determinants of health.
It was around that time in 2001 that Osuji went “mentor hunting” and found MRU luminary Dr. Pam Nordstrom, PhD, who was then a registered nurse and graduate student at the University of Calgary. Nordstrom — who served as MRU’s very first Director of the School of Nursing and Midwifery — encouraged her mentee to apply for a tenure-track job at then-Mount Royal College.
Fast-forward a couple of decades, and Osuji finds himself in the director’s chair at Mount Royal University, mentoring others. Osuji is an exceptional advisor to his students and fellow faculty members, and insists that seeking out mentorship, as well as offering oneself to mentor others, is a sure way to success.
"I believe in the power of connections," Osuji says. "Many of my former students still reach out to me for guidance, years after graduating. These relationships are the true accolades of my career, far more meaningful than any award."
Osuji's dedication to giving back extends beyond Canada. He maintains an adjunct appointment with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, serves in leadership positions for several non-governmental organizations, conducts free medical outreach in Africa, and supports nursing education in Nigeria by donating books and resources to university libraries.
As the new director at Mount Royal University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Osuji is committed to team well-being, recognizing it as the foundation for success. His initial focus will be on building a strong, connected team to set the stage for future growth. Osuji is also a champion of equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as accessibility. He is dedicated to fostering an environment where all students, faculty and staff feel supported, belonging and can thrive.
“Our greatest asset is our people,” he says. “By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, we can achieve remarkable outcomes.”
A new era of excellence
Celebrating Osuji’s appointment, MRU reaffirms its dedication to providing meaningful and engaged learning opportunities that create individual transformation and societal benefit. This commitment is outlined in the university's strategic plan , Vision 2030: Opening Minds and Changing Lives .
Looking ahead, MRU’s dean of the Faculty of Health, Community and Education, Dr. Stephen Price, PhD, is equally enthusiastic about Osuji’s appointment and what it means for the next generation of nurses and midwives.
"Dr. Osuji is highly admired and respected within the University," Price says. "In this new role, his influence will bring significant benefits to the School of Nursing and Midwifery, as well as to MRU as a whole.
“With his visionary approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, I am confident that he will inspire our students and faculty to reach new heights and continue shaping the future of health care in transformative ways."