Empowering New Nurses, Transforming Rural Health

The Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) is a nationally recognized, evidence-based transition-to-practice model designed to support new graduate nurses—especially in rural and underserved communities. Recently honored as an Edge Runner by the American Academy of Nursing, IONRP stands at the forefront of nursing innovation. Through its fully online curriculum, peer support, and leadership-guided learning, the program has helped over 50 organizations across 13 states improve nurse retention, reduce costs, and elevate patient care.

Leading the Future of Nurse Residency Education

As the nation's first online nurse residency program, the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) has spent more than 12 years helping healthcare organizations successfully transition new graduate nurses into professional practice. Developed by the Nurse Residency Task Force of the Iowa Action Coalition, the program was created to address critical competency gaps identified in new nurse graduates, particularly within rural and underserved healthcare settings.

Grounded in evidence-based practice and supported by proven outcomes, IONRP combines three essential elements of successful nurse residency programs: expert-led learning, meaningful peer connection, and professional growth experiences. The result is a flexible, comprehensive program that strengthens confidence, competence, and long-term retention among new nurses.