IONRP

The University of Iowa College of Nursing recognizes the unique challenges faced by rural communities and healthcare professionals. The college is committed to developing effective strategies to educate individuals, keep them in their community when possible, and provide them with the skills needed to be effective in their environment through academic and outreach continuing education opportunities.

Services We Provide

Continuing Education & Organizational Support

Online and in-person academic nursing degree opportunities and continuing education. Online nurse residency program for new graduate nurses in rural areas.

Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program – The Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) is an innovative online transition-to-practice program designed to help recent nursing graduates transition into their professional roles. The 12-month curriculum offers a competency-based curriculum that addresses skills research shows new graduates need additional time to develop upon entry into the workforce. The program partners with a wide variety of healthcare organizations to deliver online, self-paced content, monthly live webinars where residents network with other new graduates nationwide, and monthly connections with leaders from the employing organization. The program emphasizes both professional skills and clinician wellbeing by incorporating skill intrapersonal skill development throughout the curriculum, promoting a healthier, safer, and more sustainable healthcare system for patients and professionals. The flexible online delivery makes it accessible to even the most rural healthcare organizations, allowing comprehensive support for new nurses, enhancing their skills, and ultimately improving patient care.

Academic Programs

The University of Iowa College of Nursing has several academic degree programs that equip leaders with the tools to address rural healthcare challenges, promote equity, and drive positive change. –

RN-BSN Program – UI’s online RN-BSN program provides access to baccalaureate education for nurses throughout the nation who have achieved an associate’s degree. Nurses who graduate from this program acquire vital knowledge and skills that help enhance their ability to provide quality care to diverse patient populations who have increasingly complex healthcare needs. This is especially important for rural nurses who work in multiple roles and specialties.

Masters of Science in Nursing—Clinical Nurse Leader (MSN-CNL)—The MSN-CNL program focuses on improving the quality of patient care and helping professional nurses thrive in the healthcare system. CNLs are educated to assume multiple roles, making them a perfect fit for rural healthcare organizations. The role has demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes, elevating current evidence-based practice, enhancing quality, and providing continuous leadership in the microsystem.

Masters of Science in Nursing—Nursing Services Administration (MSN-NSA)—The MSN-NSA program prepares nurse leaders to serve in various managerial and leadership roles across different practice environments. Rural healthcare needs strong leadership, and the MSN-NSA prepares students to coordinate actions within a workplace, manage nursing units, or oversee an entire health system; graduates are well-prepared for any rural leadership position.

Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Health Systems & Leadership—Rural areas often face unique healthcare challenges, including limited resources, provider shortages, and geographical isolation. The DNP Health Systems & Leadership program provides personalized career planning and mentorship, equipping the next generation of leaders to drive policy changes, improve access to care, and address health disparities.

The University of Iowa College of Nursing has a 97.33% NCLEX pass rate, a 98% job placement rate, 450 preceptors throughout Iowa, and seven programs nationally ranked in the top 25. Top-ranked research. A Program for Everyone. Flexible Learning. State-of-the-art facilities. The Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program, developed with rural organizations in mind, is the first and only online residency program with ten years of proven results.

Our goal is to improve rural health in America by investing resources in strengthening the core of the healthcare team – the nursing staff. By supporting nurses from the start of their careers as new graduates to those seeking advanced academic preparation, we aim to build a robust and dedicated workforce. This investment will ensure the delivery of high-quality care in rural settings, fostering a healthier and more resilient community.

The University of Iowa College of Nursing is dedicated to supporting the National Rural Health Association’s (NRHA) mission to lead on rural health issues through advocacy, communication, education, and research. Our diverse academic and continuing education programs are specifically designed to address the unique needs of nurses working in rural communities. These programs include specialized training, hands-on practicums, and simulation-based education, all aimed at equipping nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in rural healthcare settings. By partnering with the NRHA, we can extend our reach and provide essential resources and support to those who need it most, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes in rural areas.

Rural hospitals provide high-quality, affordable healthcare close to home, making them essential to their communities. As a program rooted in a predominantly rural state, the University of Iowa College of Nursing deeply understands the unique challenges and benefits of rural healthcare. We are committed to playing a crucial role in shaping the nurse leaders of the future, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the specific needs of rural populations.

Contact

Nicole Weathers
(319) 384-1676

nicole-weathers@uiowa.edu