Join Nicole Weathers as she navigates the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program at the University of Iowa, led by Dr. Lindell Joseph. In this month's podcast episode, Nicole sits down with Dr. Joseph to explore the intersection of professional identity, leadership, and innovation in nursing. Learn how these insights can empower nurses to lead and drive positive change in healthcare.

The nursing profession must drive its own meaningful change by fostering Professional Identity in Nursing (PIN), which includes values, ethics, knowledge, leadership, and professional comportment. Challenges like overwork, undervaluation, and survival mode hinder progress. Supporting PIN development from nursing school through ongoing professional growth is crucial.

In 2025, over 150,000 new graduate nurses will enter the workforce, presenting a crucial opportunity to address workforce shortages. By leveraging Dr. Judy Duchscher's transition model and the support of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP), we can ensure these new nurses are empowered to succeed and remain in the profession.

In 2024, the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program celebrated its 10th anniversary with the launch of a new podcast series, two innovative products, and numerous successful conferences, all aimed at enhancing nurse residency and professional development. Looking ahead to 2025, the program remains committed to supporting new graduate nurses and fostering resilient healthcare organizations.

High nursing turnover impacts patient care and costs healthcare organizations millions. Implementing nurse residency programs can significantly reduce turnover, boost nurse confidence, and improve patient outcomes. Learn how to advocate for these programs and secure support from leadership.

Dive into the highlights from the Midwest Clinical Instruction Regional Network (MCIRN) Summit, where Nicole shared the progress of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) alongside experts from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Discover insights from top nursing professionals like Dr. Nelda Godfrey, Dr. Beth Ulrich, and Dr. Mary Harper on the importance of preceptor proficiency, professional identity in nursing, and the evolution of mastering precepting. Learn how these discussions are shaping the future of nursing education and preceptor development.

Join us in celebrating Nursing Professional Development Week as we shine a light on the incredible impact of Nurse Residency Coordinators. These dedicated individuals play a crucial role in shaping nurses' careers and contributing to the overall quality of patient care. Let's take a moment to thank a nurse, acknowledge the hard work of our residency coordinators, and reflect on the importance of professional development in nursing. Together, we can continue elevating the nursing profession and ensuring that all new nurses are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program, we reflect on a decade of dedication, growth, and impact. Launched in 2014, this innovative program has supported and developed new nurses, guiding them through the critical transition from academia to clinical practice. Over the past ten years, the program has maintained its mission of providing a cost-effective and innovative program to help nurses transition positively to practice while embracing new technologies and creative teaching methods to enhance learning and support. Here’s to ten years of growth and many more of preparing the next generation of nurses for long and successful careers. Happy anniversary, Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program!

Program director Nicole Weathers, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, and program coordinator Amanda Bruscher, MSN, RN, emphasize the importance of collective effort in empowering nurse leaders to support new graduate nurses. The post discusses the challenges faced by new graduate nurses and highlights the need for adequate support from frontline leaders. It also features Amanda's topic for her MSN: CNL capstone last year. Amanda aimed to improve the support provided by frontline nurse leaders who work directly with nurse residents enrolled in the IONRP program.

In this blog post, Nicole emphasizes the importance of understanding the comprehensive nature of nurse residency programs, going beyond just the curriculum and classroom content. She discusses the role of accreditation from organizations such as the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in ensuring that nurse residency programs meet or exceed national standards. The post highlights the significance of focusing on all aspects that impact new graduate nurses' transition into practice and how accreditation can help enhance the new graduate nurse experience and improve patient care quality.