Whitney Cole, MSN, RN
Whitney Cole, MSN, RN, is an accomplished nursing professional with over 15 years of experience in clinical practice, nursing education, and workforce development. Currently, she serves as the RN Professional Development Consultant for Workforce Pipeline Development at INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City, where she oversees clinical placement coordination across metro area hospitals. Whitney’s career reflects a strong commitment to developing the nursing profession, recruiting and mentoring new nurses, and implementing innovative solutions to optimize clinical education and workforce readiness.
Whitney began her professional journey outside of healthcare, working as an auto claims adjuster, before discovering her passion for helping people and building relationships through nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma Health Campus in 2011 and completed her Master of Science in Nursing Education at Oklahoma City University in 2018. Her teaching experience, combined with her clinical expertise, provided the foundation for her leadership roles in professional development, including serving as chair of the NESA Consortium, a collaborative network of nursing schools and hospitals across Central and Western Oklahoma.
Throughout her career, Whitney has remained dedicated to elevating the nursing profession. She is an active member of the Oklahoma Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International, and serves on advisory committees for the Oklahoma Center for Nursing. Whitney’s work is guided by her core values of integrity, empathy, and curiosity, and she is passionate about mentoring the next generation of nurses, fostering professional growth, and helping the healthcare workforce meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.
• Registered Nurse
• Master of Science in Nursing Education
• Oklahoma City University – Master of Science (MS), Nursing Education
• University of Oklahoma Health Campus – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor’s degree in Film Studies
• Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society for Nursing
• Influential Women 2026
• Oklahoma Nurses Association
• American Nurses Association
• NESA (Chair)
• Oklahoma Center for Nursing
• Sigma Theta Tau
• Lyric Theater Academy Parent Support (Co-chair of Booster Club)
• PTA at daughter's school
• Girl Scout troop involvement
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to mentorship and the skills I developed while teaching and organizing clinical experiences. These skills translated directly into my current work in clinical placement. Additionally, the guidance from a close friend and my director encouraged me to pursue nursing and leadership opportunities even when I felt unready.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was to put myself forward for leadership opportunities, such as taking on co-chair—and now chair—roles within regional nursing consortia, even if I initially felt unprepared.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise keeping an open mind, paying attention to what’s happening around you, seeking opportunities to get involved, and prioritizing professional growth. Don’t just focus on performing day-to-day tasks; strive to develop yourself and help elevate the nursing profession as a whole.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
An important opportunity in nursing is recognizing the power we have to effect change. Engaging in workforce development, clinical placement, and professional development allows us to strengthen the profession and support the next generation of nurses.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, empathy, and curiosity are central to both my personal and professional life. Doing the right thing even when it’s difficult, understanding other people’s perspectives, and staying open to new experiences are critical values that guide my work as a nurse and professional development consultant.