Asha Pereira, RN, BA, BN, MN, PhD

Research summary

My emerging program of research is grounded in the advancement and application of nursing knowledge to develop, implement and evaluate healthcare delivery and policy initiatives to support family members of patients unexpectedly hospitalized.

There is recognition of the complex and bidirectional nature of the role between family, caregivers and the patient, where a patient’s health impacts that of the caregiver/family and the well-being of the caregiver/family affects the patient, ultimately impacting the health system. The research aims to understand successful and harmful psychosocial coping strategies of the family members.

Using multiple methods of inquiry through an anti-racism, social justice and feminist lens, the research will identify coping strategies, satisfaction with care and how to leverage adequate supports. This will contribute to evidence-informed policies, clinical interventions and nursing guidelines aimed at mitigating short and long-term impacts and to provide support for the family, patient, family unit and health system.

Keywords

• Anti-racism
• Cultural humility
• Family
• Family-centered
• Patient-centered
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Professional identity in nursing
• Satisfaction with care
• Stress, anxiety, depression, coping

I have over 25 years of clinical experience in acute and critical care nursing as a direct care provider, educator (Intensive Care Surgery, Acute Surgery, Vascular/Urology, Cardiovascular/Thoracic [CVT], Post Anesthesia Recovery Room), clinical nurse specialist (Pain and Trauma Services) and a variety of management and leadership roles. As an Instructor II at the College of Nursing, I have taught theory and clinical courses and continue to mentor students in the undergraduate program. As an Assistant Professor, I mentor and support graduate students at the masters and PhD level.

I have developed a reputation as a respected, fair, inclusive, responsive and engaging teacher who brings lived experience and the latest evidence to the classroom. As one of the first women of colour in Manitoba with a PhD in Nursing, my perspective of inclusion and understanding enhances my ability to connect with our diverse student population. Raising five children (and a couple of dogs) with my partner while juggling the numerous roles as a working professional/student/parent/caregiver for aging elders/global citizen has shaped who I am and informs all that I do.

I participate in numerous service-related activities including serving on the University of Manitoba’s REB, with the MCNHR and Brandon University’s School of Nursing as a grant reviewer. I am a member of the International Society of Professional Identity in Nursing, helping to develop and participate in their research projects as a reviewer and informant. My work with Statistics Canada as a data analyst in Vital Statistics helped shore up my ability to work with data to extract themes and identify gaps for future research while providing me with insider knowledge of the workings of government databases and the work of Health Canada. I am a member of the Board of Directors at Misericordia Health Centre and participate in several committees within the College of Nursing. I am the past Chief Editor for The Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing (2022–2024) and past President of the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses (2006–2008). I have participated in and published research studies as a clinical expert, reader, co-investigator and principal investigator.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 2020

Master of Nursing (MN), University of Manitoba, 2008

Bachelor of Nursing (BN), University of Manitoba, 1998

Diploma in Adult Collaborative Intensive Care Nursing, University of Manitoba/St. Boniface General Hospital, 1991

Diploma of Nursing, St. Boniface General Hospital, 1989

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology and Sociology, University of Winnipeg, 1987

Awards

Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM), Award of Excellence in Teaching (2025)

Lanthier Bursary, St. Boniface Registered Nurses Alumni Association (2019)

Canada150 National Nursing Recognition, Canadian Nurses Association (2017)

Nursing Excellence Award, Health Sciences Centre (2012)

Manitoba Nurses Union, Local 10, Bursary (2012 & 2013)

Foundation of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Doctoral Scholarship (2011 & 2013)

Editorial Award, CACCN “Family Presence during Resuscitation: A Survey of Canadian Critical Care Nurses’ Practices and Perceptions. Dynamics: The Official Journal of the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses, 19 (1)” with Co-Authors, Susan McClement & Wendy Fallis (2009)

Critical Care Nurse of the Year Excellence Award, Mb Chapter, CACCN (2008)

Foundation of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, CRNM (2006)

Dr. S. J Winkler Memorial Award for Excellence in Scholarship & Professional Performance (2005)

Nursing Recognition Award for Nursing Excellence (Education), St. Boniface General Hospital (2003)