| | The September Iowa Online Nurse Residency blog celebrates Nursing Professional Development (NPD) practitioners, highlighting their vital yet often misunderstood role in supporting nurse education, transitions, and lifelong learning. IONRP Coordinator Jess Ociepka shares her personal journey into NPD and honors the dedication and impact of these professionals during NPD Week, September 14–20. | | |
ANPD's Nursing Professional Development Week is coming up September 14–20, and we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals who support and inspire our nurse residents. Whether you're a current or former participant in the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program—or a site coordinator, learning champion, or mentor yourself—you’re invited to nominate a colleague who made a meaningful impact on the nurse residency journey. Selected nominees will be featured on our social media and website throughout the week! | | |
DEADLINE:
Friday, September 5th, 2025
| | | |
Beyond Nurse Residency – Episode 9 | Discover how Mary Greeley Medical Center and UnityPoint Health Trinity are customizing the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program to boost retention and reduce burnout. Learn how tailored support, interactive sessions, and real-time feedback are transforming the new nurse experience. | | | | | Celebrating the September 2024 Online Cohort! | |
Last week, we proudly celebrated the accomplishments of our September 2024 cohort as they completed the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program! Under the guidance of coordinator Amanda Bruscher, these emerging nurse professionals presented their professional experiences and showcased their growth over the past year.
Congratulations to the 29 residents who completed the program from our partner organizations:
To our partner facilities: Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. Your commitment to nurturing new nurses is shaping the future of healthcare. Here’s to the next chapter—filled with purpose, compassion, and excellence.
| |  | Welcome to the September 2025 Cohort! | |
The IONRP is excited to welcome 35 new nurse residents to its September 2025 cohort. Over the next 12 months, these residents will engage in self-paced learning and participate in monthly live webinars, building skills and fostering a sense of community with peers from across the country. This cohort will be guided by our Program Coordinator, Jess Ociepka, and supported by site coordinators at each facility.
This cohort includes residents from the following partner facilities:
A special shoutout goes to Myrtue Medical Center – Harlan, IA, which is launching its first nurse residency cohort after successfully completing the IONRP Academy—a program designed to help organizations get residency-ready through expert coaching and strategic planning.
We can’t wait to see the growth, collaboration, and confidence this group will build together!
| | |
| | Next Online Cohort: November 2025 | |
IONRP is excited to announce the next online cohort starting in November 2025! Our competency-based curriculum is designed to support new graduate nurses through online evidence-based content and monthly live discussions.
The enrollment deadline is October 24, 2025. Please contact program coordinator Jess Ociepka for more information.
| | | |
| | Success Spotlight: Hutchinson Regional Medical Center | |
We’re thrilled to celebrate Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System in Hutchinson, Kansas, for completing the IONRP Academy and launching Nurse Residency 2025 with 19 new graduate nurses!
Over the past six months, their dedicated Educators—Melisa Shultz and Courtney Eales—along with the rest of their team, decided to rethink their residency curriculum to support new nurses transitioning into professional practice.
With the help of our blended option, Hutchinson created a residency experience that combines self-paced learning with in-house clinical skill development, mentorship, and discussion groups.
Want to get your organization Residency Ready? Learn more about our Nurse Residency Academy and how we can help you build a sustainable nurse residency program.
| | | | Conferences, Presentations, & Publications | | Spotlight on Innovation in Rural Health! | |
We're proud to share that our Program Director, Nicole Weathers, was featured in the National Rural Health Association’s Rural Health Voices Blog! Her piece highlights two nurse-led programs — Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) and Simulation in Motion-IA (SIM-IA) — that are transforming rural health care across Iowa and beyond.
These initiatives were recently named Edge Runners by the American Academy of Nursing, recognizing their measurable impact on health outcomes, workforce support, and emergency preparedness in underserved communities.
| | | |
|
Let’s connect and
champion rural health!
| | IONRP to Present at NRHA Conference in Kansas City | |
The Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) is excited to attend the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Critical Access Hospital Conference, September 24–26, 2025, in Kansas City, MO.
IONRP Director Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, will co-present in Session 3B: Innovative Strategies for Enhancing Rural Healthcare on Wednesday, September 24, 9:30–10:45 AM, alongside:
Together, they’ll share collaborative approaches to strengthen rural healthcare and workforce development.
| | | | University of Iowa College of Nursing Opportunities | | Are you looking for a nationally ranked RN-BSN program for yourself or your nursing staff? Our entirely online program, with a low tuition of $17,600, offers flexibility for working nurses through three study plans (3-semester, 4-semester, or 5-semester). Our graduates are highly sought after by hospitals and other healthcare employers. | | Health Systems/ Administration | | 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. | | | | | |
