Healthcare professionals from across the Midwest gathered in Iowa City August 13-14 for the Midwest Clinical Instruction Regional Network (MCIRN) Innovation Summit, a two-day conference focused on advancing preceptor practice, clinical education, workforce development, and learner support.
Organized by MCIRN, the summit brought together educators, administrators, nurse leaders, nurses, nurse
practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to explore innovative strategies for strengthening clinical learning environments and preparing the next generation of clinicians. Held at the Courtyard by Marriott Iowa City University Heights, the event was supported by the Iowa Nurses Association, Kansas State Nurses Association, Missouri Nurses Association, Nebraska Nurses Association, the University of Iowa College of Nursing, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing clinical education, preceptor development, and workforce innovation across the region.
The University of Iowa College of Nursing played an active role in both the planning and delivery of the summit. College leaders contributed to the development of the event, while faculty experts and alumni shared their knowledge through educational sessions designed to support preceptors, educators, and healthcare leaders. M. Lindell Joseph, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAONL, presented Influence, Innovation, and Impact: Advancing the Preceptor Brand Image, highlighting the essential role preceptors play in developing future healthcare professionals and exploring how strong preceptor identity can strengthen the nursing profession and workforce. Mary Dirks, DNP, RN, ARNP, CPNP-PC, FAANP, and alumni Kate Pace, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, presented on Iowa's ARNP Preceptor Tax Credit initiative, sharing how advocacy efforts helped transform an idea into legislation that provides meaningful support for preceptors and clinical learning opportunities. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the College of Nursing and learn more about its commitment to innovation in nursing education and workforce development.
The summit featured educational sessions and discussions focused on competency-based education, learner readiness, preceptor development, workforce challenges, and innovative strategies to support clinicians across the continuum of practice. Networking opportunities throughout the event encouraged participants to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore solutions to challenges facing healthcare organizations throughout the Midwest.
For the University of Iowa College of Nursing's Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP), the summit represented both a celebration of an established partnership and an opportunity to further strengthen connections with healthcare educators and leaders across the Midwest. IONRP has developed a strong relationship with MCIRN over the years through shared professional interests, educational initiatives, and ongoing conversations about preceptor development and workforce support.
Most recently, that relationship led to a collaboration between IONRP's Supporting Nurses: Training for Preceptors, Mentors, and Clinical Coaches program and MCIRN's HRSA-funded Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academy initiative. Through the partnership, 200 Iowa nurses received free access to evidence-based preceptor education, helping strengthen the skills of clinicians who support students, new graduates, and nurses transitioning into new roles. The collaboration also established a pathway for participants interested in pursuing MCIRN's Advanced Preceptor Fellowship program.
Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, director of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program, served on the MCIRN Innovation Summit planning committee, further reflecting the strong partnership between the two organizations and their shared commitment to advancing preceptor excellence.
"This partnership reflects what can happen when organizations come together around a shared purpose. Working with MCIRN has allowed us to expand opportunities for Iowa nurses while learning from colleagues across the region who are equally committed to supporting the workforce."
The event underscored the value of collaboration among academic institutions, professional organizations, and healthcare leaders working to strengthen clinical education and support the healthcare workforce. By bringing together national experts, educators, and frontline clinicians, the summit created opportunities to share innovative ideas, examine emerging trends, and identify practical strategies that participants can implement within their own organizations.
"We ask a lot of preceptors. They teach, support, encourage, and help nurses navigate some of the most important transitions in their careers. Providing access to quality preceptor education is one way we can better support those who are helping others learn and grow."
As healthcare organizations continue to navigate workforce and retention challenges, partnerships such as the one between IONRP and MCIRN demonstrate the impact of regional collaboration in supporting preceptors, strengthening clinical education, and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. The MCIRN Innovation Summit provided an opportunity to celebrate those efforts while exploring innovative approaches to supporting clinicians and building a resilient healthcare workforce for the future.
The IONRP-MCIRN preceptor education collaboration is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit HRSA.gov.