Heather Cole

Director of Simulation Instructor

Education

  • PhD, Nursing Science, The University of Alabama & The University of Alabama Huntsville, 2023
  • MSN, Masters of Science in Nursing, Nursing Education, The University of North Alabama, 2019
  • BSN, Bachelor Science in Nursing, The University of Alabama, 2013

Biography

Dr. Cole obtained her BSN from the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing in December of 2013 and an MSN from the University of North Alabama in Nursing Education in 2019. She is also obtained her Ph.D. in Nursing Science from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama in Huntsville Joint Ph.D. Program in 2023.

Dr. Cole’s clinical experience includes medical surgical, critical care, wound and ostomy care, and geriatric long-term acute care. Her areas of teaching responsibility include support of simulation in both the undergraduate and graduate program at the Capstone College of Nursing. As a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE), she currently designs, schedules, and facilitates simulation experiences across both programs. Dr. Cole teaches in the undergraduate Health Assessment course and serves as a guest lecturer for the undergraduate Pathophysiology course. She also has previous experience teaching in Concepts of Nursing Practice, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, and Adult Health Nursing.

In her spare time, Dr. Cole is an active member of the Epsilon Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International serving as President Elect and has the privilege to serve as the Registered Nurse for the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band.

Honors and Awards

  • CCN Innovation Award, 2022
  • CCN Simulation Champion Award, Society for Simulation in Healthcare Week, 2021
  • Anthony Battaglia Scholarship, 2021
  • INACSL Conference Attendance, 2021

Areas of Interest

  • Nursing Education & Professional Development
  • Simulation
  • Technology
  • Social Determinants of Health & Health Disparities

Scholarly Highlights

  • Grant Funded: LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity Training for Baccalaureate Undergraduate Nursing Students.
  • Publication: Cole, H. (2023). Competency-based evaluations in undergraduate nursing simulation: A state of the literature. Clinical Simulation in Nursing.
  • Examining Self-Confidence Among Nursing Students Teaching Older Adults: A Geriatric Simulation.
  • Grant Funded: Understanding the Effects of Secondary Traumatic Stress of Emergency Nurses and the Associated Patient Outcomes.
  • Grant Funded: Confidence in counseling: Exploring virtual simulation in sexual health care delivery.