| | IONRP Featured in Johnson & Johnson Nursing Newsletter | IONRP is featured in the April Johnson & Johnson Nursing: Notes on Nursing newsletter, highlighting the power of connection for nurses in rural hospitals. | | | | National Nurses Week Spotlight: Our Residents Mean the World to Us | |
Today marks the start of National Nurses Week—and to all the nurses in our community, thank you. Your compassion and dedication make a difference every day, and we’re proud to celebrate you.
That first year of nursing is full of growth and challenges, and we’re honored to support our residents along the way. Through encouragement, guidance, and one-on-one support, our coordinators help ensure they’re never alone.
To celebrate, we’re highlighting residents who inspire others and make an impact. We received incredible nominations and will be recognizing them across our social media channels.
Follow along all week to meet the nominees and read their stories:
| | Kicking off Nurses Week by celebrating Jaiden Stacey, IONRP resident at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center. Recognized for her compassion, professionalism, and teamwork—Jaiden truly represents nursing excellence. | | | In this month’s blog, Program Coordinator Jess Ociepka reflects on Nurses Week 2026 and the ANA theme, The Power of Nurses™. She explores how support, leadership, and shared responsibility strengthen nurses—and the profession as a whole. | | | |
| | Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast | May Episode | In our May episode, we celebrate National Nurses Week with stories from three nurses who have participated in the IONRP. From new graduate to experienced leader, their journeys highlight resilience, growth, and the power of support. | | | | Welcome the April 2026 Online Nurse Residency Cohort | |
Welcome, April 2026 online cohort! Led by program coordinator Jess Ociepka, this cohort includes 10 new graduate nurses from the following partner facilities:
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Lakes Regional Healthcare, Spirit Lake, IA
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Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, Mitchell, SD
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Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, Pierre, SD
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ChildServe, Johnston, IA
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Fairchild Medical Center, Yreka, CA
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Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, Glasgow, MT
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Greene County Medical Center, Jefferson, IA
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St. Anthony Regional Hospital, Carroll, IA
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Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics, Lake City, IA
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Upland Hills Health, Dodgeville, WI
Our online program allows residents from smaller hospitals, rural facilities, and specialty clinics to connect with peers across the country while receiving structured support throughout their transition to practice.
| |  | Congratulations to Our Spring Blended Residency Graduates | |
We’re proud to celebrate nurse residents who completed the 12‑month Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) – Blended Option from:
Through self-paced learning and meaningful mentorship, these nurses showed strong commitment to professional growth and excellence in practice. Thank you to the residency coordinators who supported them throughout the year!
We’re also excited to welcome our newest IONRP partner, Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, IA, launching their first cohort at the end of May. Welcome to the IONRP community!
Congratulations to all!
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| | Resident Spotlight: Jerrica Anderson | |
For Jerrica Anderson at ChildServe, the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program provided more than education. Through in-person sessions, simulations, and conversations with fellow new nurses, Jerrica found reassurance, growth, and community.
Read Jerrica’s story and hear from other nurse residents on our website.
| | | | Free Preceptor Training for Iowa Nurses | |
Iowa nurses can take advantage of free preceptor training through the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP). Our course, Supporting Nurses: Training for Preceptors, Mentors, and Clinical Coaches, is available at no cost to Iowa learners through a collaboration with the Midwest Clinical Instruction Regional Network (MCIRN).
This refreshed training includes updated materials, enhanced content, and additional learner support designed to strengthen preceptor confidence and effectiveness.
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Midwest Clinical Instruction Regional Network (MCIRN). has created an online program for those who have completed preceptor training prior to 2025. The goal of this course is to train preceptors looking to bridge the gap between previous training and today's evolving nursing competencies.
Those who have completed the IONRP + MCIRN Advancing Preceptor Education Across Iowa in the past will be eligible. Once the learner has completed the MCIRN Process Precept Bridge course then they will be eligible for the MCIRN Advanced Preceptor Fellowship.
Click on the image below to learn more.
| | | Conferences, Presentations, & Publications | |
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| IONRP Represented at ANCC PDP Summit | |
IONRP was proud to be represented at the 2026 ANCC Professional Development & Practice Summit in Orlando, where Coordinator Jess Ociepka connected with nurse leaders from across the country and shared how our program supports transition-to-practice success.
As both an attendee and Summit Ally Sponsor, IONRP contributed to national conversations on nursing education, accreditation, and the future of professional practice.
| | | | NRHA Rural Health Access Conference | |
We’re counting down to the National Rural Health Association’s 49th Annual Rural Health Conference!
Nicole Weathers is looking forward to attending this year’s conference and associated events—the largest gathering of rural health professionals in the country—May 18–22 in San Diego, CA.
The 31st Rural Health Access Conference takes place May 18–19 and features groundbreaking and expanded programming focused on improving access to care in rural communities.
We’re also proud to share that the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) is a Gold Partner of NRHA, supporting this important work.
| | | Upcoming Webinar: Nurse Engagement in Rural Hospitals | |
We’re looking ahead to our upcoming National Rural Health Association webinar, Nurse Engagement Strategies That Are Helping Rural Hospitals Cut Early Turnover, on June 3.
Nicole Weathers will share research-backed insights and practical strategies rural hospitals are using to strengthen nurse engagement, improve retention, and support new graduates—especially in resource-limited settings.
Through real-world examples, this session will explore what’s working right now—from onboarding improvements to building cultures that help nurses thrive long after orientation ends.
| | | Enhance the Transition to Practice Experience. | |
A successful transition to practice takes more than a curriculum. That’s why we go beyond nurse residency. At IONRP, we connect nurses, preceptors, leaders, and organizations with the tools, support, and practical resources they need to succeed—because when new nurses start strong, healthcare thrives. | | | | UI College of Nursing: Explore Online Academic Programs | | UI College of Nursing Outreach: Education, Research, and Service | |
| | A newly updated, free resource offering evidence‑based tools to support quality pain assessment and management in older adults. The site features easy‑to‑navigate sections for clinicians, older adults, and family caregivers, with practical guides on assessing pain, managing symptoms, and communicating with healthcare providers. | | | | Simulation in Motion - Iowa (SIM-IA) | |
Attention Iowa hospitals!
SIM-IA is a unique program designed to provide simulated clinical learning opportunities in local communities across Iowa. With three mobile simulation trucks, state-of-the-art equipment, and highly-trained staff, SIM-IA will bring much needed continuing education to EMS and other emergency providers throughout the state.
| | | | | | By 2030, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. will be over 65, necessitating support and resources for an aging population. The Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence is uniquely positioned to unite people, organizations, and resources to meet these needs. Join us in creating a vibrant future where we can all age optimally. | | | | | |
