Vanessa Sheane

DEGREES & CREDENTIALS

• PhD (Nursing); Victoria/2021
• MN (Using Technology to Engage the Millennial Nursing Student); Victoria/2015
• BScN; Alberta/2006
• RN

BACKGROUND

Dr. Vanessa Sheane stands as a distinguished leader in academia and healthcare, embodying the essence of commitment and community stewardship. With roots deeply entrenched in the Peace Region, Dr. Sheane's journey reflects her profound connection to the land and people of Fairview, where she was nurtured, and Grande Prairie, where she proudly calls home.

Currently serving as the esteemed President and CEO of Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), Dr. Sheane spearheads transformative initiatives aimed at positioning NWP as a beacon of educational excellence and responsiveness to the evolving needs of industry and society. Her unwavering dedication to advancing education and empowering communities is evident in every facet of her leadership.

Dr. Sheane's academic trajectory is characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to effecting positive change. Her attainment of a Ph.D. in nursing from the prestigious University of Victoria in 2021 underscores her deep understanding of institutional systems, organizational structures, and the unique challenges facing postsecondary and nursing education. Through her scholarly contributions, encapsulated in various publications, she illuminates critical insights that inform policy, practice, and pedagogy in these domains.

With over a decade of exemplary service at NWP, Dr. Sheane has demonstrated outstanding leadership, holding pivotal executive and teaching positions. As a Registered Nurse and esteemed member of the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta, she infuses her academic endeavors with practical expertise and a profound passion for nurturing quality post-secondary experiences.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Sheane is a fervent advocate for community engagement and capacity-building. Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between education and community well-being, she actively fosters collaborations and partnerships that enrich the social fabric and economic vitality of the Peace Region.

In every aspect of her remarkable career, Dr. Vanessa Sheane exemplifies excellence, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the betterment of individuals and communities alike. Her visionary leadership, coupled with her profound empathy and unwavering dedication, continues to inspire and elevate all those fortunate enough to cross paths with her.

SCHOLARLY & PROFESSIONAL INTEREST

• Institutional theory and undergraduate nursing education
• Engaging learners
• Using technology in the classroom
• Curriculum development
• Academic leadership

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Issues and challenges facing postsecondary education
• Issues and challenges facing undergraduate nursing education in Alberta
• Academic Leadership in Nursing Education
• Patient Oriented Research (POR)
• Engaging Millennial Learners in Nursing Education

SELECTED PRESENTATIONS

Frisch, N., Atherton, P., Macleaod, M., Doyle-Waters, M., Ward, J., Sheane, V., Woodley, J., & Mallidou, A. (Sept. 2018).  Competencies needed for patient involvement in patient-oriented research: report of a scoping review of the literature.  Oral presentation presented at the Cochrane Colloquium, Edinburgh, UK.
Sheane, V. (May, 2018).  Exploring institutional theory and nursing education research: a work in progress.  Oral presentation presented at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Montreal, Quebec.
Sheane, V. & VanTassell, T. (May 2016).  Reflection IN Action through High Fidelity Simulation.  Poster session presented at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Toronto, Ontario.
Sheane, V. (April 2015).  Using Technology to Engage the Millennial Nursing Student. Oral session presented at the Scholarship and Faculty Development Conference, Edmonton, Alberta.
Sheane, V. (May, 2014).  Rural Connections through Education.  Poster session presented at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Elliott, S., MacIntyre, D., Rawluk, L., & Sheane, V, (February, 2013). Urban to Rural: The Road Less Travelled. Oral session presented at the Western Region Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Edmonton, Alberta.

PROFESSIONAL & ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS

College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta: Member in good standing