The TWU School of Nursing (SON), in relation to other nursing programs, is considered to be a small program which is tucked away in a corner of the campus. The SON is in a state of flux right now as its students and faculty are increasing in number. Dr. Barb Astle is one of those faculty additions. And boy is she spunky.
Ever since her arrival on campus in fall of 2011, Nursing students have become acquainted with Barb’s ability to relate and connect with students. I was able to sit down with her and ask why she accepted the offer to come and teach here.
Barb received her PhD from the University of Alberta (2008) and was recently teaching as an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at Mount Royal University located in Calgary, Alberta. Not only that, but Barb is a part of multiple research grants involving global health.
At Mount Royal, Barb was comfortable in her position and had many plans for the School of Nursing there. She received a call from one of the faculty members at TWU’s SON two years ago asking if she would like to be part of the TWU SON faculty. She initially hesitated. She, however, was drawn to the experienced and strong members of our faculty here. After two years of discerning and listening to God, she took the plunge and became a faculty member at TWU.
Barb teaches research, Community health nursing, as well as, classes in the Masters of Nursing Program. She has found a real comfort in the teaching environment at TWU. She went so far as to say she has been transformed in her teaching to be freely able to engage with students on a spiritual level.
To me, Barb is not all smarts. She has really challenged me to engage and develop my clinical nursing skills. I appreciate her ability to stop whatever she is doing, and focus on whoever comes into her office. Barb is a busy lady. Her joy and passion is infectious. Good thing she is a nurse!
Written by: Byron Sherk