Representatives from the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) and the University of Iowa College of Nursing recently joined healthcare leaders from across the country at the National Rural Health Association’s (NRHA) 49th Annual Rural Health Conference, held May 18–22, 2026, in San Diego, California.
Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, director of IONRP, and Betty Mallen, DNP, CNL, RN, representing the University of Iowa College of Nursing, attended the conference to connect with partners, share insights, and explore emerging strategies to strengthen rural healthcare delivery and workforce development.
As the largest gathering of rural health professionals in the United States, the NRHA Annual Conference brought together clinicians, educators, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to address some of the most pressing challenges facing rural communities. This year’s agenda featured a wide range of sessions focused on workforce recruitment and retention, access to maternal and behavioral health services, and innovative care delivery models, including telehealth and artificial intelligence.
Federal leaders from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) also provided updates on national initiatives and policy developments aimed at improving access to high-quality care in rural communities. Across sessions, a strong emphasis was placed on collaboration, data-driven solutions, and sustainable strategies to support rural healthcare systems.
“The conference reinforced that rural health workforce challenges are deeply connected to broader operational, financial, and access issues,” said Weathers. “Sessions highlighted how academic institutions can play an important role when they partner intentionally with rural hospitals, state offices, and advocacy organizations. That kind of coordinated, nonduplicative support is exactly what rural healthcare needs more of.”
Throughout the conference, Weathers engaged with healthcare organizations and partners working to address workforce challenges and improve outcomes in rural settings. Discussions highlighted the growing need for structured transition-to-practice programs, ongoing professional support, and innovative approaches to nurse engagement and retention.
“IONRP’s value is not just in providing curriculum; it is in partnering with organizations to support nurses during one of the most formative periods of their careers,” Weathers said. “For rural healthcare settings, that kind of structured support can help new nurses feel more prepared, more connected, and more likely to see a future in rural practice.”
The University of Iowa College of Nursing was proud to serve as a Gold Partner of the NRHA, with the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program featured as part of its sponsorship presence. This partnership underscores IONRP’s continued commitment to advancing rural health and supporting healthcare organizations in building strong, sustainable nursing workforces.
Participation in the NRHA Annual Conference reinforces IONRP’s role as a national leader in nurse residency programming and its dedication to collaborating with rural healthcare partners to improve care delivery and workforce outcomes nationwide.
Missed our NRHA webinar? Watch the recording of Nurse Engagement Strategies That Are Helping Rural Hospitals Cut Early Turnover, led by Dr. Nicole Weathers.