Johnston, IA — Building on a successful collaboration launched in 2025, the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) and Simulation in Motion-Iowa (SIM-IA) recently partnered for another simulation-based learning experience at ChildServe in Johnston, Iowa, providing nurse residents with hands-on opportunities to strengthen clinical skills, critical thinking, and teamwork.

The simulation event brought together ChildServe nurse residents from the February 2026, April 2026, and September 2026 IONRP cohorts. Supported by Amanda Bruscher, MSN, RN, Program Coordinator for the IONRP, and simulation experts from Simulation in Motion-Iowa (SIM-IA), participants engaged in immersive patient care scenarios designed to strengthen clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, and readiness for professional practice.

Simulation-based learning allows nurse residents to apply knowledge in a safe, controlled environment while developing confidence in clinical decision-making and communication. The experience also included structured debriefing sessions, giving participants an opportunity to reflect on their performance and identify key takeaways for their clinical practice.

"Simulation gives nurse residents the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen clinical judgment, and practice responding to real-world situations in a supportive learning environment," said Bruscher.

The event reflects the continued success of a partnership first established through a pilot initiative between IONRP and SIM-IA. Together, the organizations are exploring innovative approaches to nurse residency education by combining evidence-based transition-to-practice programming with immersive simulation experiences.

"These experiences help nurses develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills that are essential for a successful transition to practice," said Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, Director of the IONRP.

Housed within the University of Iowa College of Nursing, SIM-IA expands access to simulation-based education across Iowa through innovative mobile training programs. The ongoing collaboration with IONRP reflects a shared commitment to advancing nursing education through partnership, innovation, and evidence-based learning.

As both programs continue to evaluate outcomes and participant feedback, the partnership remains focused on strengthening the transition-to-practice experience and supporting the success of Iowa's nursing workforce.