Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Celebrating NPD Week with the September IONRP Newsletter

The September edition of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) Newsletter is live — and it’s packed with inspiration, innovation, and celebration as we honor Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Week, September 14–20.

Featured Blog Post:
IONRP Coordinator Jess Ociepka shares her powerful journey into the world of NPD, shedding light on the essential — and often overlooked — role NPD practitioners play in nurse education, career transitions, and lifelong learning.

Podcast Spotlight:
This month’s episode explores how Mary Greeley Medical Center and UnityPoint Health – Quad Cities Muscatine are customizing the IONRP experience to improve nurse retention and reduce burnout. Hear how personalized support and real-time feedback are transforming the new nurse journey.

In This Issue:

  • Celebrating the September 2024 Online Cohort
  • Welcoming the September 2025 Cohort
  • Success Spotlight: Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System
  • Innovation in Rural Health

Big News:
IONRP Director Nicole Weathers was recently featured in the National Rural Health Association’s Rural Health Voices Blog. Her article highlights two nurse-led initiatives — IONRP and Simulation in Motion-IA — both recognized as Edge Runners by the American Academy of Nursing.

Upcoming Presentation:
Catch Nicole Weathers at the NRHA Critical Access Hospital Conference in Kansas City, September 24–26, where she’ll co-present on innovative strategies for rural healthcare.

Read the full newsletter here.