Dr. Jean Isobel Dawson

I am a graduate of the second class of the five-year McGill degree program in Nursing. This preparation allowed me to work and learn in a variety of specialities, including Family, Cardiovascular, Intensive Care, and Psychiatric nursing, and later to develop an interest in nursing education, community service, and organizational research. In turn, these led me to graduate studies in the United States and in Canada.  

After completing a PhD at the University of Toronto, I came to the University of Victoria in 1981, attracted by Dr. Dorothy Kergin’s vision for nursing education. I was very fortunate to be involved in the development of the curriculum and courses in the campus, and distributed learning offerings for the post RN program, the original Collaborative Curriculum, the Graduate Education Program, and the Nurse Practitioner Program.  

I tried to be an enabling teacher by encouraging students to identify their own interests and abilities in order to extend and transform their learning and nursing practice. I hoped to stimulate reflective inquiry, inspire creative and critical thinking, and provide related opportunities in an atmosphere of honour and respect.  

To inform my teaching and research interests, I served on a variety of committees pertinent to the service, education, and research mandates of several associations and foundations. A few examples include the Canadian Heart Association, Canadian Nurses Association, Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia, National Health Research and Development Program, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.  

Locally, I was on the board of directors of the Victoria Cool Aid Society for more than ten years. I was involved in the first homeless count in Victoria and the establishment of medical and dental clinics for the street-involved community and those without access to medical services. I assisted with the implementation and evaluation of several community health home care projects, such as the first Quick Response Team and the Home Intravenous Antibiotic Program.  

Projects with the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health, the Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead Long-Term Care, and other extended care facilities allowed me to share university educational and research resources with the larger community. Finally, while at the University of Victoria, I tried to contribute to the University of Victoria community by serving on committees within the School of Nursing, including the Faculty of Human and Social Development, other Schools, Departments and Faculties, the Faculty Association, the Office of the Vice President, and the Senate. I appreciate very much the people I have met, and the opportunities and challenges I have been so privileged to have had while at the University of Victoria. Thank you.