The Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program, supported by and developed in partnership with the University of Iowa College of Nursing, received national recognition this spring as the featured story in the April 2026 issue of Johnson & Johnson Nursing's Notes on Nursing newsletter.
The article, "Building Community for New Nurses in Rural Hospitals," highlights the innovative work of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program and its impact on supporting new graduate nurses, particularly those beginning their careers in rural and critical access healthcare settings.
Published by Johnson & Johnson Nursing, Notes on Nursing is a nationally recognized platform that shares stories, innovations, and evidence-based solutions shaping the future of nursing. Being selected as the lead feature in the April issue positions the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program among the nation's leading nursing workforce initiatives.
The article showcases how the program helps address one of rural healthcare's greatest challenges: ensuring new nurses have access to meaningful peer support and professional development, even when they may be the only newly hired nurse at their organization. Through online learning, facilitated discussions, mentorship, and collaboration with peers across the country, participants build confidence, competence, and a sense of professional connection during the critical transition-to-practice period.
The feature also highlights the leadership of Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, Director of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program, whose firsthand experience as a nurse at a rural Iowa critical access hospital shaped her commitment to supporting new nurses entering practice.
Since its launch in 2014, the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program has grown from an innovative Iowa-based initiative into a nationally recognized transition-to-practice program serving healthcare organizations across multiple states. More than 5,000 nurses have participated in the program, strengthening the nursing workforce in rural, community, and urban healthcare settings nationwide.
"This national recognition reflects the dedication of our team, our healthcare partners, and the thousands of nurse residents who have participated in the program over the past decade," said Weathers. "We are proud that Johnson & Johnson Nursing recognized the importance of supporting new nurses and strengthening the future of rural healthcare."
The feature further elevates the University of Iowa College of Nursing's leadership in developing innovative, evidence-based solutions that strengthen the nursing workforce and improve healthcare access in rural communities. Recognition by Johnson & Johnson Nursing underscores the national influence of both the College of Nursing and the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program in advancing the successful transition of new graduate nurses into practice and supporting healthcare organizations across the country.
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