Christine Heid, PhD, MSN/Ed, RN, CNE, CHSE
Nursing Simulation Specialist
Nevada, Ohio
My Role
As a Nursing Simulation Specialist at UbiSim, my role is to work closely with our teams and clients to understand their unique needs and demonstrate how our VR platform can support nursing education. I’m passionate about making sure educators have the tools they need to succeed, and I take the time to walk through product demonstrations and help tailor solutions that best serve their goals. I ’m committed to ensuring that our customers feel supported every step of the way as they integrate VR into their teaching.
What I love most about my role
What I love most about my role is the opportunity to truly support both educators and students in overcoming the challenges they face in nursing education. With more than 20 years of experience as a nurse educator, I deeply understand the pressures and struggles that come with preparing the next generation of nurses. I’m passionate about helping educators feel confident in using innovative tools like simulation to create safe, impactful learning environments. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see students gain the skills and confidence they need to provide the best care possible, knowing that the work we do together is making a meaningful difference in both their lives and the lives of their patients.
How I define success
For me, success comes in many forms and is shaped by intent. It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept but rather a personal and team-driven pursuit. When I led simulations, I’d ask, “Did learning happen here today?” If the answer was yes, then we succeeded.
Some of my greatest failures have led to unexpected opportunities, reframing them as catalysts for growth. That’s why I love simulation—it removes risk to patients while offering nurses the chance to practice, review, and refine their skills until they reach competence. It also supports continuous learning, ensuring nurses remain confident and prepared, aligning with the quality improvement processes that drive modern healthcare systems.
The best piece of business advice I ever received was
As a nurse, we often think of ourselves in the business of caring for or saving lives. This can be a tall order. When I first started, a wise nurse gave me advice that has stayed with me: “Take care of them the way you’d want your loved ones—or yourself—to be cared for.”
Becoming a nurse fulfilled my grandmother’s dream, and it reinforced the Golden Rule: provide the care you wish to receive. Over the years, I’ve shared this principle with students and colleagues because it extends far beyond nursing. Every industry touches lives in some way. Academia shapes students, who in turn impact health systems and communities. Health systems serve populations while supporting the industries that make healthcare possible. Educational solutions empower both, ultimately affecting the care patients receive.
At the heart of it, we’re all in the business of serving—whether directly through nursing or by supporting those who provide care. And in the end, the standard should always be the same: give others the level of care, service, and respect you’d want for yourself or your loved ones.
What would I tell my younger self
Not to sound cliche, but I would tell myself to be bolder! Speak up and share your perspectives. Voice what you know and be unashamed that it may not be the popular opinion. Remain humble and respectful, but do not let others steal your voice.
Early in my career, I decided the most important thing I could do was gain the knowledge and experience I thought was essential before attempting to influence change or speak up about what I was noticing and experiencing in my education and practice. Although this development was crucial to building a strong foundation, it also created hesitancy to share until I found someone I felt safe enough to share my thoughts with, which often caused me to miss an opportunity or withhold information that could have made a meaningful difference. Once I found my voice, thanks to a bevy of strong mentors, I realized how important it was to encourage others early in their careers to speak up.
As the saying goes, “If you see something, say something.” Delaying innovation hurts us more than sharing an idea that gets sidelined because at least it is out there, ready to be nurtured or reimagined at just the right time. Who knows what could happen from there?
What 2B Bolder mean to me
I love this question. At this stage in my life, 2B Bolder means to be brave enough to fail first before trying again.
As women, we often feel pressure to be perfect before taking action. But perfection is stifling. Rather than letting it hold us back, we must learn to act—because trying something new is an act of bravery. Facing our fears and taking bold steps is how we create real change, for ourselves and those around us.
Years of Experience
21
I recommend you focus on developing these 3 skills to succeed in a role like mine
Nursing Education & Simulation Expertise, Clinical Judgment & Teaching Innovation, Community Advocacy & Leadership