The University of Iowa College of Nursing proudly announces the participation of Jess Ociepka, MSN, RN-BC, Coordinator of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP), and Jennifer Jones, MHS-PH, Program Coordinator of the Optimal Aging Initiative at the Csomay Center, at the National Rural Health Association's (NRHA) 48th Annual Rural Health Conference. The event took place from May 20 to 23 in Atlanta, GA.

The NRHA's Annual Rural Health Conference is the largest gathering of rural health professionals in the nation, providing a platform for networking, education, and advocacy. This year's conference featured over 80 innovative, practical, and cost-saving sessions aimed at raising the standard for rural health. In addition to the main conference, attendees had the opportunity to participate in the 10th Rural Hospital Innovation Summit and associated events.

Jess Ociepka, who works directly with nurse residents and their facilities throughout the 12-month residency program, attended the conference to share insights on the program's success in supporting new graduate nurses in rural areas. The IONRP is a pioneer of an online transition-to-practice program designed to help recent nursing graduates transition into their professional roles. The 12-month curriculum offers a competency-based approach that addresses skills research shows new graduates need additional time to develop upon entry into the workforce. The program partners with a wide variety of healthcare organizations to deliver online, self-paced content, monthly live webinars, and connections with leaders from employing organizations.

Jennifer Jones, Program Coordinator of the Optimal Aging Initiative at the Csomay Center, joined Ociepka at the conference. Jones's work focuses on promoting optimal aging through innovative programs and research, addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities and healthcare professionals. The mission of the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence is to advance innovations in research, education, and practice to promote optimal aging and quality of life in all older adults and their caregivers.

The University of Iowa College of Nursing recognizes the unique challenges faced by rural communities and healthcare professionals. The college is committed to developing effective strategies to educate individuals, keep them in their community when possible, and provide them with the skills needed to be effective in their environment through academic and outreach continuing education opportunities. By partnering with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), they aim to extend their reach and improve healthcare outcomes in rural areas.

For more information about the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), please visit https://www.ruralhealth.us/.