Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program

09/18/2026

💙 NPD Week Spotlight 💙

Today we're celebrating Ashley M. Metts, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Educational Services Specialist at Marietta Memorial Health System.

Ashley was nominated by Alyss Well, RN, who shared:

"Ashley is a phenomenal nurse and nursing educator. She goes above and beyond. She is a great wealth of knowledge and experience. Ashley is also super friendly and personable."

When notified of her nomination, Ashley reflected on the support behind the work:

"Thank you so much! Things like this really validate the great work my team does to support our new nurse residents!"

Thank you, Ashley, for your leadership, expertise, and dedication to supporting nurse residents. Your commitment to education and mentorship helps strengthen the future of nursing every day.

09/17/2026

💙 NPD Week Spotlight 💙

Today we're celebrating Marina Kern, MSN, RN, PHN, CCRN, System Clinical Nurse Educator at Ridgeview Hospitals and Clinics Medical Center.

Nominated by Meridith Wulf, Director of Patient Care & Nursing Development, Marina was recognized for the extraordinary impact she has made on new graduate nurses through Ridgeview's Nurse Residency Program.

Meridith shared:

"Marina has created an environment where new nurses are empowered to transition from novice clinicians to confident, competent professionals."

She went on to describe Marina as a leader who creates a culture of learning, collaboration, and excellence while helping every nurse feel welcomed, valued, and equipped for success.

Thank you, Marina, for your unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, and professional development. Your dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives of nurses and the patients they serve.

09/16/2026

💙 NPD Week Spotlight 💙

Today we're celebrating Kayla Barnett, Nurse Residency Coordinator at Marietta Memorial Health System!

Kayla received an incredible six nominations from colleagues and nurse residents for her dedication to supporting new nurses.

Those who nominated her described her as a compassionate mentor, encouraging educator, and tireless advocate who helps new nurses build confidence and feel a sense of belonging.

💬 What they had to say:

"She went above and beyond, answering questions even on the weekends, and helping me the whole way."
– Ashley Wiley, RN

"This person is kind & always willing to help. She truly makes you feel like you can be the best nurse. She never passes judgment and is such a great teacher!"
– Kameron Smith, RN

"Kayla always takes the time to make each individual feel not only included, but special."
– Gracie Boso

When told she had been nominated six times, Kayla shared:

"Aw! This is so awesome! I might have teared up a little…. A lot." 😊

Kayla, thank you for your dedication to nurse residents and for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of new nurses.

09/15/2026

💙 NPD Week Spotlight 💙

As we continue celebrating 2026, we're excited to recognize the Nursing Professional Development team at TRU Community Care.

Chloe Brown and Rachel Stackhouse, Clinical Educators at TRU Community Care, are passionate about supporting nurses through education, mentorship, and professional growth within the organization's palliative and hospice programs.

Through their partnership with the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP), they have helped provide a structured residency experience for nurses in the ambulatory care setting. Following its success, they also brought the same IONRP partnership to their affiliated organization, St. Paul's Senior Services in San Diego, California.

Chloe shared:

"Nursing Education and Development is a passion for both of us and providing nurses a structured, well-rounded residency in the ambulatory care setting has been a focus of ours for the last three years. We love what we do and we love the nurses we get to work with and see grow!"

Thank you, Chloe and Rachel, for your dedication to supporting nurses and strengthening the future of healthcare through professional development.

09/14/2026

💙 Spotlight 💙

Today we're celebrating Sarah Gordon, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Accredited Education Specialist at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital.

Sarah was nominated by Lauren Fisher, MSN, RN, CPN, Clinical Onboarding Coordinator, who shared:

"Sarah is an extraordinary Nursing Professional Development Specialist whose dedication and advocacy empower nurses across our entire organization. While much of her work happens quietly behind the scenes, its impact is felt organization-wide. Sarah has developed a comprehensive specialty certification program that guides nurses through every stage of their professional credentialing, providing structured pre-exam support, securing financial reimbursement, and helping nurses maintain their certifications over time. As our organization's Primary Nurse Planner, she ensures high-quality continuing education across all specialties. Sarah has also been an instrumental member of our Nurse Residency taskforce, shaping and sustaining our Nurse Residency Program, ensuring our newest nurses enter practice with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to thrive. Furthermore, her leadership shines in her role as the primary organizer of our annual School Nurse Conference, an event that provides vital education and connection for school nurses across the East Tennessee region and beyond. Sarah leads by example, proving that when nurses are supported, patient care excels. She is a champion for creating an organizational culture where lifelong learning is celebrated and accessible to all. We are so grateful for her vision, passion, and commitment to advancing the practice of nursing!"

Thank you, Sarah, for the positive impact you make on nurses, learners, and patients every day.

09/13/2026

💙 NPD Week Spotlight 💙

We're kicking off 2026 by celebrating April Bonata, RN, a preceptor at Delta Health.

Nominated by Sierra Smith, RN, April was recognized for the impact she had on a new graduate nurse's transition into practice:

"She provided excellent education during my orientation as a new graduate."

When notified of her nomination, April shared:

"Helping new nurses build confidence and clinical judgment is a part of nursing I deeply value, and knowing that my teaching made a difference to Sierra means a great deal."

Thank you, April, for investing your time, knowledge, and encouragement in new nurses. Your commitment to teaching and mentorship helps shape the future of nursing every day.

09/11/2026

🩺 "Your body doesn't know the difference between getting report and being chased by a bear."

That powerful insight from Alex Gover of Presbyterian Healthcare Services perfectly captures the reality of transition shock for many new nurses.

In our latest Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast episode, Alex and Keri Sickels discuss how their organization supports new graduate nurses through connection, mentorship, and professional development.

🎧 Listen here: https://bit.ly/4gVOaTX

09/10/2026

🌼 Congratulations to IONRP Resident Darby Murabito on Receiving a DAISY Award®! 🌼

We are proud to celebrate Darby Murabito, a participant in the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP), for receiving a DAISY Award® recognizing her extraordinary nursing care and compassion.

Darby was nominated by a colleague who witnessed her skillfully and compassionately care for a behavioral health patient during a challenging overnight shift. Her actions reflected the very qualities that define exceptional nursing: courage, respect, empathy, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care.

This achievement also highlights the power of partnership in supporting new graduate nurses. Through the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program, residents like Darby benefit from the dedicated support of both an IONRP residency facilitator and an on-site coordinator at their employing organization. Together, they help guide new nurses through their transition into professional practice.

We are grateful to Lauren Fisher, MSN, RN, CPN, Clinical Onboarding and Workforce Development Coordinator at Dolly Parton's Children's Hospital, for sharing Darby's accomplishment with us and for her ongoing partnership in supporting nurse resident success.

Please join us in congratulating Darby on this well-deserved recognition! 💙

Congrats to Darby, the June DAISY Award recipient!

A colleague said, "It is blatantly obvious that Darby has a heart of gold and knows the perfect way to shine her kindness upon others, even under the most challenging circumstances. I truly cannot think of a better example of our core values in action. Darby is incredibly deserving of the DAISY Award."

We are proud to partner with DAISY as we have extraordinary staff at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital. Join our amazing team by applying today at www.dollychildrens.org/careers

09/10/2026

📬 Our September 2026 Newsletter is here!

Catch up on the latest news, program updates, professional development resources, podcast highlights, and upcoming opportunities from the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program.

Read the September issue: 🔗 https://conta.cc/4cBCnZT

Interested in receiving future issues? Click the Join Our Email List button at the top of the newsletter to subscribe and stay connected with IONRP.

09/09/2026

🎉 Welcome to Our September 2026 Online Cohort!

We're excited to welcome one of our largest online cohorts to the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program!

This cohort includes participants from:

• Avera Health St. Mary's Hospital
• BVRMC
• ChildServe
• Ephraim McDowell Health
• Fairchild Medical Center
• Floyd Valley Healthcare
• Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital
• Kittitas Valley Healthcare (first cohort!)
• Lakes Regional Healthcare
• Pulaski Memorial Hospital
• TRU Community Care
• UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center (first cohort!)

Led by Program Coordinator Amanda Bruscher, residents will begin connecting with peers and engaging in evidence-based learning through their first live discussion the week of September 21.

We're proud to partner with these organizations as they support the successful transition of new graduate nurses into professional practice. Welcome to the IONRP family! 💙