Dr. Don Versluis

Biography

Don Versluis joined the University of Victoria (UVic) School of Nursing in 2020, bringing an extensive background in teaching and clinical practice as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Nurse Practitioner program. He transitioned to a full-time faculty role in 2021 and is passionate about encouraging students to gain skills in managing projects and facilitating effective change within the nursing profession. His career began as a registered nurse in an emergency department at a regional trauma center in Hamilton, Ontario, where he received his BScN from McMaster University. Versluis later returned to McMaster to earn his MSc and a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner certificate, becoming faculty in the BScN program from 2013 to 2014, and completed his Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) in Chatham, PA. He has worked with Niagara Health in the internal medicine nurse practitioner role and was an instructor for the nurse practitioner program from 2017 to 2020. His teaching philosophy emphasizes Narrative Pedagogy, utilizing storytelling in education. His professional interests encompass inter-professional care teams, quality improvement, education, and leadership. Versluis is an active member of the Quality Council and Nurse Practitioner Community Practice committees of the Vancouver Island Health Authority. He has received recognition for his work in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), receiving awards such as the Niagara Health’s President’s Award of Excellence and the Advanced Practice Nursing Award of Excellence.

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