08/25/2026
Shawna Kirkland, CHSOS, can vouch for how life can change by simply opening a closet door.
She joins HealthForce Kentucky today as Chief Operating Officer, bringing more than 15 years of experience in healthcare simulation, operations, education, workforce development and program leadership to this role.
Her career in healthcare simulation began unexpectedly at Platt College, when she discovered an unused patient simulator sitting in a closet. Curious about what the manikin could do, she began teaching herself how to operate it and quickly recognized the potential of simulation to transform healthcare education. That discovery launched a career built around innovation, problem-solving, and a deep commitment to supporting both learners and simulation professionals.
Most recently, Shawna managed 6 sim centers for Air Methods, supporting education for flight nurses, paramedics, educators, and simulation operations specialists. Her experience also includes providing mobile simulation support for HCA hospitals in partnership with Laerdal and training multiple mobile simulation operations professionals for the StaRN nursing program.
She previously served as a standardized patient trainer and coordinator at Rocky Vista University. At the University of Colorado, she trained GTA and MUTA participants and served as a SPETA trainer. Her work has included standardized patient education, curriculum development, simulation technology, educator support, program improvement, and the training and development of simulation operations professionals.
She is the founder of Healthcare Simulationists, a social media platform with over 2k followers that connects and supports professionals throughout the healthcare simulation community. She participates in multiple groups within the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and is passionate about creating professional advancement pathways for sim ops specialists.
Shawna will relocate from Parker, Colorado, to Owensboro. She says the kindness she has experienced and Owensboro’s strong sense of community played an important role in her decision to make the area her new home.
