Dr. Melba D'SouzaAssociate Professor | School of Nursing
Email: mdsouza@tru.ca
Phone:
2503715539
Homepage URL: https://https//mdsouza.trubox.ca/category/eportfolio/
Interests
With a diverse and intensive background spanning acute care, critical care, and emergency nursing, Dr. D'Souza has consistently demonstrated a commitment to professional excellence in patient care, education, and research. This approach is evident through her specialization in cardiothoracic and neurological nursing, where critical thinking is embedded into every aspect of person-centered care. In recent years Dr. D'Souza has continued to evolve, drawing inspiration from diverse educational backgrounds, worldview philosophies, and rich practice experiences across Canada, the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. This innovative approach enriches her teaching and research, providing students with a holistic understanding of advancing new knowledge, science, and professional nursing that extends beyond traditional boundaries. Dr. D'Souza goes beyond academic expressions, integrating these novel principles into the framework of nursing education, practice, and service. Dr. D'Souza has recognized that fostering inclusive environments is not just an ethical and social justice imperative but a critical factor in advancing and sustaining in nursing sciences.
Research Interests
Building on the strong foundation positioned during Dr. DSouza doctoral work, her pioneering postdoctoral research has integrated critical expertise, shaping research priorities, synergies and partnerships that strive to influence and enhance the health and wellness of diverse populations, with a particular emphasis on policy directives for aging seniors, Caucasians, Indigenous, Black, Asian, and minority ethnic people living in rural and remote communities. The core of Dr. D'Souza's program of research lies in the exploration of multicultural populations residing in rural and remote areas, where structural vulnerabilities manifest through intersections of gender, ethnicity, culture, race, social status, living environments, social support, and inclusive and equitable access to healthcare. Utilizing participatory action research and a cutting-edge blend of mixed methods, she delves into the social contexts of adults living with cancer, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. It is a vision deeply rooted in the empirical evidence that research can be a key catalyst for change, influencing policies, interventions, and, most importantly, the lives of individuals within these growing communities and dynamic societies across Canada and the Sultanate of Oman. In the realm of nursing knowledge and philosophy, Dr. D'Souza's research contributes to advancing science and humanity, embodying the principles of equity, social justice, and intersectionality. Her work adds to the academic discourse and serves as a spearhead for a future where healthcare is equitable, just, inclusive, and accessible to all.
Education
Dr. DSouzas pursuit of advacancing knowledge, scholarship and professional practices is the driving force of her academic capability, capacity and inclination towards nursing sciences. Dr. DSouza pursued her higher secondary and professional education across Canada, Kingdom of Thailand, Republic of India and Kingdom of Bahrain, where she distinguished herself as a professional and advanced scholar.
Publications
At the forefront of Dr. D'Souza's scholarly presence is evident on Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, which serve as repositories of her scholarship. Available on https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=TTiZ8ecAAAAJ&hl=en
Employment History
As an Associate Professor/Registered Nurse at Thompson Rivers University, Dr. D'Souza has played a critical role in shaping the educational experiences of aspiring undergraduate and graduate students and new graduate nurses. As a Registered Nurse and Certified Medical Surgical Nurse at Royal Inland Hospital, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Chilliwack General Hospital, and Langley Memorial Hospital, she enhanced her professional competencies and gained experience caring for people across diverse acute medical-surgical and emergency nursing specialties in Canada.
Courses Taught
In the course Health Challenges and Healing Initiatives, Dr. D'Souza explores the complex nature of
contemporary nursing issues, enabling students to critically analyze and address complex health
challenges through a variety of healing modalities. In the Promoting Health and Healing in Complexity
course, Dr. D'Souza examines the complexities of promoting health and well-being within complex
healthcare systems. Designed to facilitate the transition from undergraduate studies, the Transitioning
to Graduate Practice course equips students with the academic and professional skills needed to thrive
as entry to practice for new graduates. In the Condensed Practice Experience course, Dr. D'Souza
provides students with immersive clinical experiences designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with
real-world practice. Graduate Research in Healthcare offers graduate students the opportunity to engage
in rigorous research projects that advance knowledge within the field of nursing practitioners. In the
Directed Health Studies course, Dr. D'Souza provides students with the flexibility to explore
specialized topics and areas of interest within the field of graduate nursing. The Advanced Clinical
Internship course offers graduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in specialized
clinical settings under the mentorship of experienced nursing professionals. Independent Studies courses
provide graduate students with the flexibility to pursue self-directed learning projects and explore
specialized topics under Dr. D'Souza's guidance in Canada.
Professional Affiliations
As a Registered Nurse licensed by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives, Dr. D'Souza exemplifies the standards of professional practice and ethical conduct. Dr. D'Souza is a member of the Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of British Columbia, a professional regulatory body dedicated to promoting excellence in nursing practice and protecting the public interest. In recognition of her competence and commitment to excellence in medical-surgical nursing, Dr. D'Souza has earned certification from the Canadian Nurses Association as a Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse. As a Canadian Certified Nurse Educator accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, she possesses the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to excel in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of professional nursing education, practice, and service in Canada.
