Judith Scanlan

Judith Scanlan is an Associate Professor at the College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, where she plays a key role in graduate nursing education and research. She is a Research Affiliate at the Manitoba Centre for Nursing and Health Research (MCHNR) and is actively mentoring Master’s and PhD students.

• PhD, University of Manitoba (1996)
• Master of Education, University of Manitoba (1983)
• Bachelor of Nursing, University of Manitoba (1967)
• Registered Nurse, Regina General Hospital (1963)

Her research focuses on the imposter phenomenon among graduate nursing students and the leadership aspirations of early career nurses, particularly millennials and Gen Z. She explores how young nurses perceive their readiness for leadership and what support systems are needed. Her work bridges nursing education, psychology, and organizational leadership.

Her recent publication investigates the internalized sense of inadequacy in high-achieving graduate students despite external validation. The study uses mixed methods to explore how nursing students experience and interpret their academic success, attributing it to luck rather than ability. This reflects broader trends in mental health and professional identity formation in healthcare education.

Her scientific achievements have been recognized with several awards:

• Legacy Award, Association of Regulated Nurses (2023)
• Fellow, Canadian Institute Nurse Educators (2017)
• Outstanding Achievement Award, College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (2008)
• Outstanding Teacher Award, University of Manitoba (2005)
• Invited Professor, Cuba (2004)
• Nurses of Distinction (2000)
• Outreach Award, University of Manitoba (1999)

Dr. Scanlan has supervised numerous graduate students and has been instrumental in developing curricula for Master of Nursing and PhD programs. She has led curricular innovation to integrate research and knowledge translation into practice. She has also secured recognition and outreach grants, particularly for international collaborations in China and Cuba, where she helped develop contextually grounded nursing programs. Her leadership as Associate Dean, Graduate Programs, was pivotal in advancing nursing education at the institutional and international levels.

She is affiliated with the Manitoba Centre for Nursing and Health Research (MCHNR), contributing to interdisciplinary research in nursing and health. Her work often involves collaborative teams focused on educational outcomes, student well-being, and leadership development. She continues to advocate for the next generation of nursing leaders through research, mentorship, and policy engagement.