Cheryl Cusack

Cheryl Cusack is an Instructor II in the College of Nursing at the University of Manitoba, where she transitioned to full-time academia in 2022. She holds a PhD in Applied Health Sciences and brings extensive experience from clinical, administrative, and policy roles in public and population health nursing across Manitoba and nationally.

Her educational background includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada (2015)
• Master of Science, Nursing, University of British Columbia, Canada (2006)

Dr. Cusack's research and teaching are centered on public and population health nursing, equity, leadership, and the development of professional nursing identity. She employs a socio-ecological model of health grounded in social justice and the social determinants of health, emphasizing that nursing practice extends beyond clinical settings into broader community contexts. Her work challenges students to align with CRNM Entry Level Competencies and to recognize the critical role nurses play in shaping healthcare systems.

Although specific publications are not listed, her scholarly focus is evident in her dissertation on public health nurse professional practice models and her leadership in advancing community health nursing at provincial and national levels. Her work intersects with health systems improvement, nursing workforce development, and evidence-based policy.

Her notable recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing, Canadian Nurses Association (2024)

Dr. Cusack is actively involved in graduate education, currently accepting both Master's and PhD students. She has a long history of bridging clinical practice and academia, having served as a sessional, assistant, and adjunct professor while working full-time in clinical and executive roles. Her leadership extends to professional organizations, including past presidency of the Community Health Nurses of Canada and executive roles in the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba and the Population and Public Health Branch.

She is based at the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing on the Fort Garry Campus and is committed to fostering a diverse, culturally safe, and supportive nursing workforce to improve health outcomes for Manitobans.