Earlier this year, I was approached about applying for the Edge Runner Award from the American Academy of Nursing. My first thought? I have zero time for this. I was knee-deep in finishing my DNP, preparing to defend my project so I could graduate in May, and juggling 8+ weeks of weekly travel for conferences, school, work, and personal commitments. The last thing I had time for was an award application.

Honestly, I was also a little worried it wouldn’t get selected…that I’d pour time into something that wouldn’t go anywhere. But if you know me, you know I don’t say no easily. So, I dug into the application. And once I started, something shifted. The process forced me to slow down and reflect on just how far we’ve come. Writing that application helped me fully appreciate the impact of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program and the work we’ve done over the last 12 years.

Since launching in 2014, we’ve partnered with a wide range of organizations. Some weren’t quite ready for such a robust program, but others, like Spencer Hospital, are still with us 12 years later. As I worked through the Edge Runner criteria, it was exciting to highlight clinical outcomes, like improved patient care from residency projects, and financial outcomes, especially around retention. Organizations using our program are seeing nurses stay longer because they feel supported and find their place in the organization and the profession.

We’ve also made a measurable impact on the nursing community. Our data shows improvements in comfort, confidence, job satisfaction, and leadership skills. And while I didn’t initially think we had much policy involvement, reflecting helped me see our contributions at both the state and national levels through advocacy with the Iowa Nurses Association and the National Rural Health Association.

From a grant-funded start to a revenue-generating, sustainable model, we’ve supported nearly 5,000 new grads across more than 60 organizations in 13+ states. Large hospitals, small hospitals, specialty hospitals…you name it. The adaptability and reach of this program continue to amaze me.

The best part? We were awarded the Edge Runner! Attending the American Academy of Nursing Health Policy Conference and receiving the award was both humbling and inspiring. And what’s even cooler is that our friends at Simulation in Motion–Iowa were also recognized!

I had the chance to sit down with senior advisors to the Sim-IA program on our latest podcast episode to discuss their innovative work bringing high-quality simulation to rural communities. They don’t just bring the gear, they bring the expertise, and they tailor each simulation to your protocols, your equipment, your reality.

Earlier this year, we teamed up with Sim-IA to pilot a partnership that brings our new graduates hands-on training. The training not only helps prepare them for emergencies but also helps them fine-tune and demonstrate our program’s competencies in a safe learning environment. We’re still early in the pilot, but the feedback has been powerful.

In the episode, we talk about the Edge Runner experience and the pilot, and the Sim-IA team shares practical tips for any nurse leader or professional development practitioner looking to bring more clinical skill development into their program. A few takeaways:

• Start with what you have. You don’t need high-fidelity mannequins to run meaningful simulations. Rolled-up towels, task trainers, and real case scenarios go a long way.
• Practice in your own space. Simulate with your actual equipment and workflows. You’ll uncover barriers you didn’t know were there.
• Include everyone. From housekeeping to pharmacy, every role matters in a crisis. Simulation is a great way to build team trust and communication.
• Make it a priority. Schedule it. Budget for it. Show up. When leaders participate, staff take it seriously.

Looking back, I’m so glad I didn’t say no. What started as one more thing on an already full plate became a powerful moment of reflection and celebration. While I got to be on stage accepting the award, the Edge Runner recognition truly belongs to every nurse, educator, and leader who believed in the vision, and to the IONRP team that helped bring this program to life.

And while the award is an incredible honor, what excites me most is what’s ahead. The Sim-IA partnership is just one example of how we’re continuing to evolve, respond to real-world needs, and support nurses where they are. 

Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC 
Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program Director 
nicole-weathers@uiowa.edu
Wanting a Program Overview? Need to schedule a meeting? Book time with Nicole 
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