Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Iowa City, IA — The Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) and Simulation in Iowa (Sim-IA) have launched a promising pilot initiative aimed at enriching the transition-to-practice experience for new nurses across the state. This collaboration blends IONRP’s evidence-based curriculum with Sim-IA’s mobile simulation expertise to deliver immersive, hands-on learning opportunities.

Three people in scrubs surround a simulation manikin, two sitting and on standing. One holds a bag attached to a tube over the patient's mouth while the others appear to be doing chest compressions.
Two nurses in the IONRP and their site coordinator (center) participate in a pediatric simulation inside SIM-IA’s training truck at ChildServe in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca F. Miller/College of Nursing) 

The pilot kicked off with three participating organizations: Lakes Regional Healthcare, Floyd Valley Healthcare, and ChildServe. Nurse residents from these sites recently took part in a simulation event at each respective organization, where they engaged in realistic clinical scenarios designed to strengthen clinical judgment, communication, and teamwork while enhancing clinical skill development. The experience included structured debriefing sessions, allowing participants to reflect on their performance and deepen their understanding of complex care situations.

Nicole Weathers, Director of IONRP, shared her enthusiasm for the pilot, "This is an exciting step forward. By integrating simulation into our residency model, we’re exploring new ways to support nurses during their critical first year of practice—especially in rural and underserved areas."

Sim-IA, a statewide initiative housed within the University of Iowa College of Nursing, is known for its mobile simulation units and commitment to expanding access to high-quality training. The pilot aligns with both organizations’ missions to promote equity, engagement, and excellence in nursing education.

While still in its early stages, the pilot is already generating valuable insights into how simulation can enhance nurse readiness. The IONRP and Sim-IA teams are gathering feedback and evaluating outcomes to inform future expansion and sustainability.

This collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to nursing professional development—one that leverages technology, partnership, and innovation to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare workforce. 

IONRP Director Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC