Beyond Nurse Residency

What does “safety” really mean in today’s healthcare environment—and how does it impact new nurses’ confidence, competence, and long-term success? In this episode, Nicole Weathers is joined by returning guest Dr. Heidi Gilroy, Director of Nursing Practice and creator of the Trauma-Informed Professional Development model, to explore the critical role safety plays in nurse engagement and retention....

As healthcare organizations across the U.S. continue to navigate workforce challenges, internationally educated nurses are playing an increasingly vital role. But recruitment is only the beginning—true success lies in how we support these nurses as they transition, integrate, and thrive. In this episode of the Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast , host Dr. Nicole Weathers sits down with Dr. Jose Arnold...

In our May episode of the Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast , we celebrate National Nurses Week (May 6–12) and the impact nurses make all month long. This year is especially meaningful as the American Nurses Association marks its 130th anniversary , highlighting the theme, The Power of Nurses™ . Hear real stories from three nurses at different stages of their careers through the Iowa Online Nurse Res...

When we talk about competency in nursing, it is often framed as something to complete or check off. But what if competency could truly support nurses, strengthen confidence, and build engagement over time? In this episode of Beyond Nurse Residency, host Nicole Weathers is joined by nationally recognized competency expert Donna Wright, MS, RN, NPD-BC. Drawing on decades of experience, Donna invites...

In this episode of the Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast , host Nicole Weathers sits down with Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN , President of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, to break down what truly makes a healthy work environment in nursing. Together, they explore AACN’s evidence-based Healthy Work Environment Standards, why they matter now more than ever, and how they directly influ...

Walk into any unit, and you can feel it—some teams come alive with connection, trust, and shared purpose, while others struggle under the weight of burnout, silos, or a culture that never quite clicked. In this episode, nurse executive Dr. Dan Lose joins us to break down why engagement isn’t about “getting people to care more,” but about designing systems, roles, and environments that make engagem...

Engagement isn’t a score on a dashboard; it’s how a shift feels when the work is heavy, and the support is real. We sit down with Dr. Katie Boston-Leary, Senior VP of Equity and Engagement at the American Nurses Enterprise, to unpack why retention lags when organizations chase surveys instead of fixing the work itself. From red-yellow-green mood checks that trigger real-time support to linking nur...

In this special year-end episode of the Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast, host Nicole Weathers joins the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program team—Jessica Ociepka, Amanda Bruscher, and Jill Gillespie—for a candid conversation about season highlights, lessons learned, and favorite moments.  Together, they revisit impactful discussions from Season 2, including navigating the emotional transition cycle...

In this episode of the Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast , host Nicole Weathers sits down with Dr. Jacinda Bunch and Dr. Cormac O’Sullivan to explore the innovative work of Simulation in Motion – Iowa (SIM-IA). Learn how mobile simulation units are transforming clinical education in rural hospitals and EMS services across the state, and how a new collaboration with the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Pro...

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 actiona...

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...

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 comm...

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...

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 supporti...

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 Cu...

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 Hol...

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 • Expl...

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 gr...

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...

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 i...

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 gr...

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. Lear...

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 succ...

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...

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 res...