The Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) was an exhibitor at the 2026 ANPD Aspire Convention, held March 23–27 in Louisville, Kentucky. The national conference brought together nurse professional development (NPD) leaders for education, collaboration, and innovation.
IONRP site coordinators Jessica Ociepka, MSN, RN-BC, and Amanda Bruscher, MSN, RN, represented the program at the exhibit booth, connecting with attendees from across the country and sharing information about IONRP’s approach to supporting nurses in transition. Both coordinators also attended educational sessions to earn continuing education credits and gain insights to support their ongoing work with our program’s nurse residents and site partners.
“I look forward to attending ANPD every year,” said Jessica Ociepka, MSN, RN-BC. “I love the opportunity to see new and creative ideas we can bring to our programs, the ability to network with others from different organizations and specialties, and, of course, seeing some of our team members and site coordinators in person. I always leave the annual ANPD convention inspired to implement changes to improve our programs, our connections with organizations, and our residents.”
Nicole Weathers Highlights Nurse Engagement and Retention
IONRP Director Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, played an active leadership role at the conference and served on the 2026 ANPD Aspire Convention Content Planning Committee, contributing to the development of educational programming for the event.
Nicole presented “Racing Toward Retention: An Organizational Framework for Nurse Engagement,” a session focused on supporting nurses’ evolving needs through competency, safety, belonging, and esteem. The presentation emphasized the importance of human, social, and psychological capital in strengthening engagement and long-term retention and received strong, positive feedback from attendees.
Nicole also contributed as a member of the research team, alongside Kathy Casey and Ryan MacDonald, for a national study on challenges with transition to practice programs led by Mary Harper. The study examined common barriers faced by organizations and prompted meaningful discussion among NPD practitioners.
A Valuable Experience for the IONRP Team
ANPD described the 2026 Aspire Convention as an inspiring, education rich experience shaped by meaningful connections and impactful learning. The IONRP team returned energized and motivated, with new ideas to continue advancing nurse engagement, transition, and retention efforts.
