As we wrap up another year of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program, I can't help but reflect on all the amazing accomplishments of our team. 2024 was extra special as it marked our 10th Anniversary!
The year began with an exciting new venture into podcasting. Fun fact: I was a radio DJ in high school at our small-town radio station. Who knew those years would prepare me for podcasting in 2024? I had the pleasure of meeting a wide variety of experts on topics related to nurse residency and beyond. We discussed new graduate readiness with Dr. Kathy Casey, trauma-informed professional development with Dr. Heidi Gilroy, resiliency with Dr. Patrick Jeffs, and making the business case with Dr. Cathleen Opperman, among many other topics. We even took a stroll down memory lane to revisit the early days of IONRP, which started with the development of the curriculum all the way back in 2012. It was a tremendous year of learning, and we are thrilled to announce that we will be back for Season 2, so be sure to give us a follow on your favorite platform to get that notification for the first episode of 2025!
In 2024, we also launched two new products. First, the Nurse Residency Academy, designed to help organizations better prepare for the implementation of a nurse residency program. This coaching program helps organizations identify gaps in practice before starting a nurse residency, ensuring they get the most out of their investment. Several organizations have already taken advantage of this offering, and we've received nothing but positive feedback about the support it provides.
Additionally, we now offer our stand-alone Clinician Wellbeing Course, the perfect add-on to any nurse residency program, preceptor development program, or professional development offering for all employees. This program has been part of our nurse residency program for several years, and many of you have shared how helpful it has been for your new graduates. We wanted to extend that support to all clinicians, regardless of their experience level or profession. Our aim is to develop the intrapersonal skills essential for boosting wellbeing and resilience in our fast-paced healthcare setting. If you've been considering this course but haven't taken the plunge yet, keep an eye out for a special offering in January.
We also enjoyed connecting with our partners at various conferences throughout the year, sharing several insightful presentations. These events provided us with invaluable opportunities to showcase our fully revised curriculum, innovative practices, and the impactful outcomes of our program users. Engaging with our partners in person allowed us to deepen existing relationships, exchange ideas, and gather feedback that will help us refine our offerings. We also had the opportunity to explore new relationships with potential partners who share our commitment to advancing nurse residency programs and professional development in healthcare. These interactions have opened doors to exciting collaborations that promise to bring fresh perspectives and resources to all of our initiatives.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with anticipation and excitement and one thing is certain: we are committed to continuously strengthening our professional development offerings and meeting the needs of our dedicated partners. Our goal is to support the seamless transition of new graduate nurses into practice and to empower organizations in their efforts to foster a resilient and well-prepared nursing workforce. We can't wait to see what the future holds and to continue making a positive impact in the world of nurse residency.
Nicole Weathers, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program Director
Wanting a Program Overview? Need to schedule a meeting? Book time with Nicole
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