Beyond Nurse Residency

Beyond Nurse Residency

By: Nicole Weathers, MSN, RN, NPD-BC

Language: en-us

Categories: Health, Fitness, Medicine, Business, Careers, Education, Courses

The Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program brings you the Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast. This interview series provides valuable resources for nurse leaders and educators interested in learning about onboarding, orientation, transition to practice, and ongoing role development of nurses. It is intended for all healthcare professionals supporting various aspects of nursing professional development. Each episode features an expert guest, providing listeners with valuable insights and guidance on relevant topics related to the professional role development of registered nurses.If you're looking for more information about our program offerings, be sure to check out our website. Additionally, if you're interested in...

Episodes

Belonging & Inclusion in the Nursing Workplace
Oct 01, 2025

What does it mean for nurses to truly belong—and why does it matter? In this powerful episode, leaders from the Disruptor Diaries podcast explore how belonging and inclusion impact retention, safety, and team culture. Through personal stories and practical strategies, they highlight the harm of exclusion, the role of language, and the importance of psychological safety. Listeners will gain actionable insights to foster belonging and build healthier, more inclusive workplaces where nurses thrive.

GUESTS: Jillian Russell, MSN, RN, NPDA-BC®
Co-Founder J&J ElevatED Consulting LLC, Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Jillian Rus...

Duration: 01:09:45
Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Week 2025
Sep 01, 2025

What makes nurse residency programs truly effective? In this episode, we celebrate Nursing Professional Development Week by highlighting how two partner organizations—Mary Greeley Medical Center and UnityPoint Health Trinity—have customized the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program to better support new nurses.

Paige Vance shares how guest speakers and targeted skills stations boosted retention from 75% to 90%. Brian Bedoun, a former residency "dropout" turned coordinator, emphasizes interactive, flexible sessions and real-time feedback to meet nurses’ evolving needs.

Both showcase how tailored support and professional experience projects empower nurses, reduce burnout, and drive lasting change. Tune in for...

Duration: 01:07:57
Nurturing the Next Generation: Why Nurse Well-Being Is Critical
Aug 01, 2025

Over half of new graduate nurses face distress, and 91% report burnout—putting both their well-being and patient safety at risk. In this episode, Dr. Cory Church of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center shares groundbreaking research on the challenges new nurses face, from financial stress to unsafe staffing levels.

Dr. Church highlights how leadership, peer support, and organizational commitment to well-being can make the difference between burnout and resilience. He offers practical strategies, such as daily check-ins, peer connection opportunities, and rethinking sick time as "well-being time."

Whether you're a nurse leader, educator, or clinician, th...

Duration: 00:50:59
Mastering the Art of Precepting: Insights from Dr. Beth Ulrich
Jul 01, 2025

What happens when a new nurse is suddenly asked to teach others? For Dr. Beth Ulrich, it launched a lifelong mission to redefine precepting. Drawing from her Mastering Precepting series, she shares why great preceptors do more than teach—they lead, coach, protect, and inspire.

Dr. Ulrich challenges the idea that any skilled nurse can precept, sharing a student’s simple but powerful question: “Why can’t you put us with nurses who like students?” Her insights highlight the importance of intentional selection, preparation, and ongoing support for preceptors.

From building professional identity to supporting nurses thr...

Duration: 00:56:42
Evidence-Based Practice
Jun 01, 2025

In this episode, host Nicole Weathers is joined by Dr. Kirsten Hanrahan and Dr. Laura Cullen from University of Iowa Health Care to explore how evidence-based practice (EBP) can empower new graduate nurses rather than intimidate them. Together, they unpack the Iowa Model, clarify the differences between EBP, quality improvement, research, and innovation, and share practical strategies for supporting new nurses through their professional experience projects. Whether you're a nurse leader or a recent grad, this episode offers valuable insights to make EBP approachable and impactful.

GUESTS:

Kirsten Hanrahan, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC, FAAN
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Duration: 01:00:45
National Nurses Week 2025 - The Power of Nurses™
May 01, 2025

Welcome to a special Nurses Week episode of the Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast! In this episode, we celebrate the incredible Power of Nurses™, the heart and soul of healthcare. Hear from three program coordinators and their residents who utilize our all-online option, sharing their experiences and insights into our residency program.

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Family Health West Fruita, CO

Ashley Veik, RN
Current IONRP resident - April 2024 Cohort
Ashley Veik is an RN working at a critical access hospital. She has been out of nursing school fo...

Duration: 00:53:46
Nurse Innovators Transforming Healthcare
Apr 01, 2025

Join us as we delve into the world of nurse-led innovation and discover how nurses are transforming healthcare through creativity and leadership. In this episode, Allie Hurt, MSN, RN, and Molly Kucera, MBAHC, RN, BSN, BS, CNAMB(E), CNOR, share their experiences and insights into the Nurse Innovators Program at the University of Iowa.

Hear about Molly's journey in creating the Hawkeye Hood Holder, a practical solution developed with the support of UI Ventures and Maker Health. Understand the role of leadership in fostering nurse-led innovation and the resources available for new graduate nurses to make a...

Duration: 00:47:53
Professional Identity and Leadership with Dr. M. Lindell Joseph
Mar 01, 2025

This episode examines the crucial intertwining of professional identity, leadership, and innovation in nursing. Dr. M. Lindell Joseph shares insights on how societal influences and work environments can significantly shape a nurse's professional identity while advocating for an empowered and reflective nursing workforce.

• Discussion on the importance of professional identity formation
• Exploration of societal perceptions and media portrayals of nursing
• Emphasis on the pivotal role of nursing leadership in professional growth
• Insights on how to foster innovation and challenge the status quo
• Importance of reflective practice and lifelong learning

GUEST: Dr. M. Lindell...

Duration: 00:52:42
Professional Identity in Nursing with Dr. Nelda Godfrey
Feb 01, 2025

In this episode, we explore the concept of professional identity in nursing with Dr. Nelda Godfrey. Dr. Godfrey shares her insights on how professional identity is formed through education, residency programs, and reflective practices. She discusses the importance of intentional support for new graduate nurses, the role of language in defining professional identity, and strategies for fostering growth and leadership. The episode also covers the impact of social media on nursing perceptions and future trends in integrating professional identity into nursing education. Dr. Godfrey's extensive experience and research provide valuable perspectives on helping nurses develop a strong professional identity...

Duration: 00:56:09
Transition Theory with Dr. Judy Duchscher
Jan 01, 2025

Navigating the transition from nursing student to practicing nurse involves overcoming significant challenges, specifically during initial employment periods marked by transition shock and crisis. Insights from Dr. Judy Duchscher emphasize the need for structured support, theoretical frameworks, and fostering mentorship relationships to effectively guide new graduates through these critical phases.

- Understanding the purpose and structure of nurse residency programs
- Differentiating between transition shock and transition crisis
- The importance of mentorship and support for new graduates
- Recognizing the emotional and psychosocial needs during different stages
- The value of peer...

Duration: 01:01:02
Season 1 Finale - Reflections and Favorites
Dec 01, 2024

In this special wrap-up episode of the Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast, host Nicole Weathers, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, sits down with the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) team to reflect on their favorite moments from Season 1. Join Jessica Ociepka, MSN, RN-BC, Program Coordinator; Amanda Bruscher, MSN, RN, Program Coordinator; and Jill Gillespie, BA, Marketing Coordinator, as they share their insights and highlights from the past year.

As we work on our year-end planning, this episode provides a unique opportunity to hear from the team behind the scenes. Discover which episodes resonated most with them and why, and...

Duration: 00:44:50
Building the Business Case for Nursing Professional Development
Nov 01, 2024

In this episode, host Nicole Weathers sits down with Dr. Cathleen Opperman, an expert in nursing professional development, to discuss the importance of financial acumen for nurse leaders and the critical components needed to demonstrate the value of nurse residency programs. Dr. Opperman emphasizes the need to understand clinical and financial languages to advocate for resources and support new graduate nurses effectively. The discussion covers essential business case elements, including objectives, anticipated expenses, and the benefits of professional development activities. Dr. Opperman also shares practical steps for making a compelling business case, ensuring listeners have actionable insights to improve...

Duration: 00:56:08
Collaboration in Nursing Education: Advancing Preceptor Proficiency
Oct 01, 2024

Discover effective collaboration in nursing education with Heidi Keeler, PhD, MSN/MBA, RN, lead principal investigator of the Midwest Clinical Instruction Regional Network (MCIRN). Heidi shares her journey from clinical care to professional development, highlighting how regional partnerships are enhancing preceptor proficiency and patient outcomes across Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas.

Learn about the vital role of preceptor development in retaining new nurses and how MCIRN’s Process Precept program is leading the way. Discover the collaborative efforts of stakeholders like the Nebraska Hospital Association and Nebraska Rural Health Association in creating a sustainable nursing education structure. He...

Duration: 00:42:37
NPD Week Sept. 14-20, 2024
Sep 01, 2024

In this special episode of The Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast, we celebrate Nursing Professional Development Week by spotlighting on-site residency coordinators and healthcare organizations excelling in the professional development of their nursing workforce. The episode features three remarkable residency coordinators from healthcare organizations in Ohio, South Dakota, and Iowa, driving the successful implementation of nursing programs and shaping the next generation of nurses. This episode celebrates the immense value that nursing professional development practitioners bring to their healthcare systems, particularly in transitioning new graduate nurses into practice and beyond.

SPECIAL GUESTS:
Holly Knox, BSEd, BSN, RN...

Duration: 01:17:45
BONUS EPISODE: IONRP 10 Year Anniversary!
Aug 21, 2024

Welcome to a very special episode of The Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast! 🎉

Today, we are celebrating a monumental milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program. Over the past decade, this program has been a cornerstone in the journey of countless new nurses, providing them with the support, education, and community they need to thrive in their careers.

From its humble beginnings in 2014, the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program has grown and evolved, embracing new technologies and innovative teaching methods to stay at the forefront of nursing education.

In today’s epi...

Duration: 00:50:52
Nurse Leadership
Aug 01, 2024

In this podcast episode, host Nicole Weathers and guest Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, an experienced nursing leader and coach, discuss the challenges and opportunities in nurse residency programs. Rose brings her expertise in leader development within health systems and highlights the evolving landscape of the nursing workforce and workplace. They delve into the significance of nurse residency programs in supporting new graduate nurses amid the changing healthcare environment, increased patient volumes, and higher acuity. The conversation emphasizes the need for nurse leaders to adapt their coaching and support strategies to effectively guide new nurses in this...

Duration: 00:47:34
Accreditation
Jul 01, 2024

EPISODE 7: Accreditation

In this episode of the Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast, host Nicole Weathers interviews Dr. Sheri Cosme, the senior director of the American Nurses Credentialing Centers (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program® (PTAP) and Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Accreditation™ (APPFA). Dr. Cosme shares insights and information about the accreditation of transition-to-practice programs, emphasizing the importance of accreditation, how to get started, and key considerations for residency coordinators. The conversation delves into the specifics of accreditation, clarifying the focus on accrediting programs rather than curriculums and highlighting essential standards and processes. Listeners can expect to gain actionable steps and...

Duration: 00:49:37
Simulation
Jun 01, 2024

Episode 6: Simulation

In this episode of Beyond Nurse Residency, host Nicole Weathers interviews Dr. Katie Knox, a nursing professor and simulation education specialist. They discuss the history and importance of simulation in healthcare and how it can be incorporated into nurse residency programs. Dr. Knox shares her personal experience with simulation and provides actionable steps for listeners to integrate simulation into their training programs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their nursing education and training programs.

Guest: Katie Knox, PhD, RN, CHSE, Co-director of the Nursing Clinical Education Center and Clinical...

Duration: 00:41:59
National Nurses Week 2024 - Nurses Make The Difference
May 01, 2024

EPISODE 5: In this special episode of The Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast, host Nicole Weathers celebrates Nurses Month and Nurses Week by shining a spotlight on on-site residency coordinators and healthcare organizations that are doing a great job of supporting their new graduate nurses. Nicole sits down with three exceptional residency coordinators from different healthcare organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Colorado, who are the driving force behind the success of their respective Iowa Online Nurse Residency programs.

Listeners get the opportunity to learn more about the unique organizations, how they customize their programs, and how they reward and...

Duration: 00:51:51
Wellbeing
Apr 01, 2024

EPISODE 4: The topic of this conversation is the impact of chronic stress and burnout on nurses and how it affects patient care and the healthcare system as a whole. Nurses often work long hours and face emotional and physical trauma while caring for their patients. Their wellbeing directly affects the quality of care they provide, as well as their own job satisfaction and the nursing workforce. Our guest, Dr. Patrick Jeffs, will discuss ways organizations can improve clinician wellbeing and provide actionable steps for listeners to support themselves and those they lead.

Guest: Patrick Jeffs, PhD, Founder...

Duration: 01:03:13
The Role of the Preceptor
Mar 01, 2024

Episode 3: In this episode, we will discuss improving or establishing a preceptor program within your organization. By the end of this episode, you will have a better understanding of the role of a preceptor, best practices for establishing a preceptor program, and interventions for mitigating preceptor burnout. These are important skills to have if you want to create a successful preceptor program, and we hope you find this episode helpful in achieving that goal.

Guest: Allison Wild, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, PCCN, EBP-C, is a Nursing Professional Development Specialist focusing on staff development and education. She has helped...

Duration: 00:59:11
Trauma-Informed Professional Development
Feb 01, 2024

Episode 2: In this episode, we explore a new approach to nursing professional development that can help combat nurse burnout and workforce shortages. Our guest, Heidi Gilroy, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, EBP-C, shares her insights on how we can support new graduate nurses and nurse residency programs through this new approach. As nurses, we often prioritize our patients' needs over our own, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout. This new approach focuses on self-care and empowerment, enabling nurses to better care for themselves and their patients. By implementing this approach, nurses can develop the skills they need to thrive in...

Duration: 00:49:12
Readiness for Practice
Jan 01, 2024

Episode 1: Readiness for Practice focuses on the transition of new nurses into the role of registered nurses and the factors that influence their practice readiness. The goal is to ensure safe, high-quality nursing care for patients by helping new nurses adjust well to their new roles. Nicole believes that the experience of new nurses during their transition can make or break their career, and the episode aims to provide actionable steps for improving this transition. By the end of the episode, listeners should have concrete steps they can take to improve this transition to practice for new nurses.

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Duration: 00:49:13