At the end of June, Delta Health proudly celebrated the graduation of five nurse residents from the July 2024 cohort of its Nurse Residency Program (NRP). These dedicated nurses successfully completed their year-long residency, culminating in the presentation of professional experience projects that reflect their growth, innovation, and commitment to patient care.
Delta Health’s NRP, launched in 2022 through a collaborative partnership with the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence and the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP), continues to support new nurses in their transition to practice. The July 2025 cohort marks the organization’s eighth group of residents.
During the final months of the program, residents engage in self-directed projects that address real-world clinical challenges. These projects were showcased during a virtual Completion Celebration hosted by the IONRP team. Below are highlights from the July 2024 cohort’s impactful work:
Professional Experience Projects
- Brittany Carter, RN – Surgery/PACU Department
Medication Safety: Epinephrine
Focused on improving confidence and accuracy in epinephrine dosing for GI bleeding cases in the Endoscopy Suite. Britt collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and developed an educational plan and visual dosing guides to enhance medication safety. - Susan Luna, RN – Stork’s Landing Labor & Delivery Unit
Focus on Maternal Sepsis
Developed an OB-specific sepsis policy and protocol, including a screening tool and staff education plan. The initiative aims to reduce preventable maternal deaths by improving early recognition and treatment of sepsis. - Dani Carson, RN – Surgery/PACU Department
Communication Algorithm for Add-On Surgeries
Created a streamlined communication process to coordinate care for unscheduled surgeries. The project improved role clarity, reduced delays, and enhanced patient care efficiency. - Wendy Deuschle, RN – Med/Surg
Use of Personal Glucose Monitoring Devices
Led a policy and education initiative to support the safe use of personal glucose monitors and insulin pumps in inpatient settings. Wendy’s work ensures consistent care and empowers patients managing diabetes. - Elizabeth “Elle” Lewis, RN – Med/Surg & Emergency Department
Improvements in Sleep Hygiene
Designed a care clustering strategy to reduce nighttime disruptions and promote restful sleep for hospitalized patients. The project aims to improve recovery outcomes by increasing uninterrupted sleep by at least 25%.
These projects exemplify the mission of the IONRP and Delta Health to foster professional development, evidence-based practice, and high-quality patient care. Congratulations to the July 2024 graduates on their achievements and contributions to nursing excellence!
Interested employers should contact nicole-weathers@uiowa.edu for more information or schedule a time to visit 1:1, to learn more.
IONRP Director Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC