Nightingale Innovations President Named a 2025 Healthcare Hero

Nightingale Innovations President Dr. Juliet Kolde, PhD, RN, CNE, was named one of the Utah Business Magazine 2025 Healthcare Heroes. The designation is given to those who strive to enhance the state of health in Utah as part of the annual Healthcare Heroes event.

“I’m deeply honored to be recognized with this award, which reflects not only my personal commitment to improving healthcare education in Utah but also the incredible work of the Nightingale Education Group team,” said Dr. Kolde. “This recognition shines a spotlight on the transformative power of immersive technology in nursing education and the impact it can have on patient care and access.”

Utah Business Magazine selected Dr. Kolde as an “Innovative Leader” for her efforts in reshaping the landscape of nursing education through immersive virtual reality (VR) simulations. She has been heavily involved in designing and implementing VR-driven learning frameworks that put a spotlight on a revolutionary method to train nurses nationwide.

With immersive real-world VR scenarios, Nightingale graduates are clinically prepared, technologically skilled, and experienced with tools to help them provide high-quality patient care. As an innovative leader, Dr. Kolde helped Nightingale College become one of the first U.S. institutions to integrate concept-based, micro-learning VR simulations directly into its core curriculum.

“At Nightingale, we’ve made it our mission to challenge traditional models and create inclusive, future-forward pathways for learners across the country,” said Dr. Kolde. “Receiving this award affirms that innovation and equity in healthcare education are not only possible — they’re essential. I hope this moment brings greater awareness to the value of virtual reality in preparing nurses to meet the demands of modern health care. It’s a privilege to lead this work, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

Nightingale launched the VR initiative during the pandemic through a strategic partnership with Oxford Medical. Every Nightingale learner receives a VR headset, giving them access to hands-on clinical experiences.

Nightingale’s internal research shows not only higher academic performance, but also a 40% increase in cost savings as VR decreases the reliance on physical facilities and on-site faculty. This approach significantly benefits learners in rural areas who have limited clinical access to in-person skill-building centers and contributes to the accessibility through the flexibility of the program. Learner feedback underscores VR’s value, emphasizing the engaging, hands-on learning experience it provides when paired with distance learning.

“Juliet Kolde’s leadership has redefined what’s possible in nursing education at Nightingale College,” said Nightingale’s Chief Growth Officer Jonathan Tanner, MBA. “By incorporating and enhancing virtual reality simulation in the curriculum, she has expanded access to nursing education for communities nationwide. Her commitment ensures that every learner can acquire essential clinical skills, regardless of their location. This innovation truly reflects the impact of a Healthcare Hero.”

This year’s Healthcare Heroes event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah.