Assistant professor
College of Nursing
Helen Glass Centre for Nursing
89 Curry Place
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2
Email: abeer.alraja@umanitoba.ca
Abeer Alraja, RN, BN, MN, PhD
Research achievements
Research summary
Dr. Abeer Alraja’s program of research is situated under the broad umbrella of advancing healthcare services, with a particular focus on developing inclusive, data-driven strategies that promote healthy nursing work environments and strengthen the retention of a culturally diverse nursing workforce. Her work addresses systemic barriers within healthcare organizations and promotes evidence-informed solutions designed to foster equity, sustainability, and safety across health systems.
Through this program of research, Dr. Alraja aims to influence workforce policies, enhance organizational practices, and contribute to the field as a leader in health services and nursing workforce research.
Her research responds directly to persistent challenges in the nursing profession, including workplace bullying and the systemic underrepresentation of internationally educated nurses (IENs), Indigenous nurses, and newly graduated nurses in long-term and leadership roles. Dr. Alraja’s work is guided by two interrelated priorities:
Fostering healthy work environments
Developing, implementing, and evaluating organizational policies and interventions that cultivate inclusive, supportive, and anti-bullying cultures within healthcare settings.
Enhancing workforce retention
Identifying system-level challenges and facilitators that influence the retention of a diverse nursing workforce, with a focus on promoting belonging, career advancement, and long-term success for IENs, Indigenous nurses, and newly graduated nurses.
Keywords
- Health services research
- Healthy work environments
- Internationally educated nurses (IENs)
- Nursing workforce
- Organizational interventions
- Workplace bullying
Teaching philosophy
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that learning is a transformative process that empowers students to grow, think critically, and apply knowledge meaningfully in their personal and professional lives. I draw on principles from transformative, experiential, and situated learning theories, as well as the concept of multiple intelligences, to create engaging and inclusive educational experiences. I view learning as a reflective journey that fosters lasting changes in thinking, skills, and behavior.
In nursing education, reflective practice is essential. I encourage students to engage in self-reflection early in their training to develop critical thinking, deepen self-awareness, and support lifelong learning. My goal is to balance support with appropriate challenge, helping students build confidence while nurturing their capacity for independent judgment and professional competence across cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains.
I strive to create a welcoming, interactive, and student-centered learning environment where questions are encouraged, diverse perspectives are valued, and growth is celebrated. Teaching is an evolving practice, and I continually refine my approach by reflecting on my methods, seeking student and peer feedback, and engaging in ongoing professional development. Ultimately, I aim to inspire students to become compassionate, competent, and curious nursing professionals who contribute meaningfully to the advancement of healthcare.
Biography
Abeer Alraja (she/her) is a registered nurse and researcher at the College of Nursing at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Dr. Abeer Alraja is a nursing researcher dedicated to advancing safe, healthy, and inclusive learning and work environments in healthcare.
With over 16 years of combined academic and research experience, she holds a Master of Nursing and a PhD in Nursing, followed by two postdoctoral positions supporting national research projects. These roles strengthened her methodological expertise and fostered collaborations with nursing scholars across Canada and internationally.
Her doctoral work evaluated an online educational intervention designed to enhance nursing students’ knowledge and self-efficacy in addressing bullying, contributing valuable insights into evidence-based approaches for improving nursing education. Dr. Alraja’s emerging program of research focuses on workplace bullying, nursing leadership, workforce retention, and the organizational conditions that influence nurse well-being and patient care quality.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Philosophy of Nursing Science, University of Manitoba, Canada (2021)
Master of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Canada (2011)
Bachelor of Science, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan (2006)
Awards
Dr. Shannon Dawn Scott Prize for Excellence in Nursing Research, Dr. Shannon Dawn Scott and Dwayne Hunka endowment fund (2022)
Rising Star of Research and Scholarship at the Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor
Society of Nursing 46th Biennial Convention (2021)
Graduate Student Poster Competition (1st place), Helen Glass Research Symposium. College of Nursing, University of Manitoba (2020)
Dr. Margaret R Francis Award, Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba (2009, 2010)
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba (2009 – 2010)
Dean’s Honor List, Jordan University of Science and Technology (2006)
Contact us
College of Nursing
Helen Glass Centre for Nursing
89 Curry Place
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
204-474-7452
204-474-7682