Strategic direction.
Operational expertise.

I’m Nancy Desrosiers, RN, EMBA, founder of Ascendant Health Advisory.

I bring 23 years of executive leadership at both the strategic and operational level, leading complex, multi-site health systems that serve geographically diverse patient populations.

My experience spans primary care, acute care, community services and end-of-life care, as well as mental health and substance use and correctional health within the judicial system of care. I have also led access and patient flow, laboratory and diagnostic imaging services, workforce management, quality and professional practice, and digital transformation.

My leadership is grounded in equity, diversity and inclusion and Indigenous partnership, with a commitment to culturally safe care. I bring compassionate leadership toward a common purpose, Nutsamaht (we are one). I place patients and families at the centre of decisions and work alongside leaders and teams to translate strategic priorities into practical improvements.

I have served as an Accreditation Canada surveyor for more than a decade, with experience in provincial and international surveys. I support organizations with accreditation readiness and the implementation of quality frameworks, including IHI’s Whole System Quality approach to quality planning, quality control and quality improvement. My advisory work also includes quality assurance, governance oversight and risk assessments.

Throughout my executive leadership career, I have maintained my registered nurse licence and remained connected to clinical practice in emergency departments and operating rooms. This clinical perspective keeps my advisory work grounded in the realities of delivering care.

Through Ascendant Health Advisory, I support organizations at both the strategic and operational level. I help leaders shape long-term direction, evaluate complex decisions and strengthen governance, while working with teams on the planning and implementation that improve care.