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 Russell has been a registered nurse for 16 years. She obtained her MSN in 2012 and has experienced a variety of nursing roles—bedside clinician, research nurse, manager, NPD practitioner, and independent contractor. Jill is currently serving as Vanderbilt University Medical Center's and Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association's Accredited Provider Program Director, Primary Nurse Planner for a community hospital in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, is the co-founder of J&J ElevatED Consulting LLC, and co-hosts the Disruptor Diaries: Healthcare Education Innovation Unleashed podcast. She has been certified in nursing professional development (NPD) since 2015 and achieved her advanced NPD certification in 2023. She also serves as an Appraiser for ANCC's NCPD Accreditation Program, is a peer reviewer for the Journal for Nurses in Professional Development (JNPD), and is an engaged member of the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) and her local ANPD-Pentagon affiliate, and was a founding member of ANA-Ohio and is a recent graduate of their Policy Influencer Bootcamp. Jill is passionate about supporting the future of nursing through innovative and creative solutions that transform the work we do as nurses. LinkedIn Profile

Jennifer (Jenn) Bodine, DNP, FNP-C, NPDA-BC®, CEN
NPD Specialist with NPD Collaborative
Jenn Bodine is a contributing member of the NPD Collaborative. Jenn has over 19 years of experience in nursing and over 12 years of nursing education in various roles and settings. She has an advanced certification in Nursing Professional Development, a DNP from California State University, and is a Fuld Institute for Evidence-Based Practice DNP Postdoctoral Fellow. She also has a certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Business Strategies and Application from UC Berkley.

Rachel Kelter, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CPC
Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Rachel Kelter is a master’s prepared registered nurse with 16 years of healthcare, leadership, and education experience. She currently serves as a senior education project manager for Indiana University Health’s Center for Continuing Professional Development, a jointly accredited provider unit. Rachel is board-certified in nursing professional development and is a qualified personality lingo presenter. She is also an entrepreneur, certified professional coach, and co-host of the Disruptor Diaries podcast. Rachel is passionate about and recognized for her presentations and publications on human skills, personality styles, education design, and human design.
Website • LinkedIn Profile • IG @therachelkelter • JNPD Article

Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

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 practical insights on customizing residency programs to maximize impact.

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Paige Vance, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN
Nursing Professional Development Practitioner
Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames, IA

Paige Vance is a Nursing Professional Development Practitioner at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa. She began her nursing career in telemetry, caring for patients with complex cardiac and medical needs, where she developed a strong foundation in clinical excellence, critical thinking, and patient-centered care. Driven by a passion for lifelong learning, professional growth, and development, Paige now focuses on supporting nurses—especially new graduates—as they transition into practice. She coordinates educational programs, including the Nurse Residency Program and Preceptor Development Program, with the goal of ensuring nurses have the best experience possible, grow into their full potential, and consistently strive for excellence in safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care.

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Brian Bedoun, RN
Clinical Professional Development Specialist
UnityPoint Health - Trinity

Brian Bedoun is a passionate and driven nurse educator with experience across various roles in both inpatient and community healthcare settings. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Black Hawk College. Throughout his career, he has consistently sought opportunities to better support the communities he serves and the colleagues he works alongside. In his role as a Residency Program Coordinator, Brian has found it incredibly rewarding to work with new graduate nurses, witnessing their growth as they expand their skillsets and develop confidence in their clinical competence.

Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

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, this conversation offers actionable insights to help new nurses thrive—and ensure safer, more stable healthcare environments for all.

GUEST: Cory D. Church, PhD, RN, NPD-BC
Associate Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing

Dr. Cory Church is an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing with a background in nursing education leadership, professional development, and workforce research. His work centers on the well-being and retention of newly licensed nurses, with a focus on how organizational systems influence the transition to practice. He has published widely on nursing workforce trends and well-being, serves on national committees focused on advancing transition to practice, and holds board certification in Nursing Professional Development.

https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(25)00058-2/abstract

Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

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 through career transitions, this episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies for developing strong, sustainable preceptor programs.

GUEST: Beth Ulrich, EdD, RN, FACHE, FANNA, FAONL, FAAN
Professor, Department of Graduate Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch, School of Nursing; Editor-in-Chief, Nephrology Nursing Journal

Beth Ulrich is a nationally recognized thought leader who is known for her research studying nursing work environments and the experiences of new graduate nurses as they transition from nursing school into the workforce, and for her leadership in developing the roles of nephrology nurses and improving the care of nephrology patients. Dr. Ulrich has extensive experience as a healthcare executive, educator, and researcher. She is currently a professor of nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Nursing at Galveston, teaching in the DNP Program, and Editor-in-Chief of the Nephrology Nursing Journal.

Dr. Ulrich has been the primary investigator on a series of national nursing workforce and work environment studies, including five studies of nurse work environments conducted for the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. She has numerous publications and presentations to her credit on topics including nurses' work environments, how new graduate nurses transition into professional nurses, nephrology nursing, and mastering precepting. Dr. Ulrich’s books Mastering Precepting (2012, 2019) and Mastering Simulation (2014, 2020) received AJN Book of the Year Awards. The 3rd edition of Mastering Precepting was published in 2024.

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Ulrich, B. (2024). Mastering precepting (3rd ed.). Sigma Theta Tau International.

Ulrich, B., Harper ,M.G,, Maloney, P., Warren, J.I., Whiteside, D., & MacDonald, R. (2025). National Preceptor Competency Consensus Study. Journal of Nursing Administration, 55(1), 14-21. DOI: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000001523

Ulrich, B., Barden, C., Cassidy, L., Varn-Davis, N., & Delgado, S. (2022). Critical care nurse work environments 2021: Findings and implications. Critical Care Nurse, 42(5), 58-70. https://doi.org/10.4037/ccn2022798

Harper, M., Ulrich, B., Whiteside, D., Warren, J.I., & MacDonald, R. (2021). Preceptor practice: Initial results of a National Association for Nursing Professional Development study. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 37(2), 154-162 DOI: 10.1097/NND.0000000000000748

Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

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
Director, Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice
University of Iowa Health Care
Evidence-Based Practice Resources | University of Iowa Health Care

Kirsten Hanrahan, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC, FAAN, is the Director of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice for the University of Iowa Health Care. Dr. Hanrahan is well-versed in EBP, clinical research, and innovation. She has numerous publications, national and international presentations, and has been named one of Iowa’s 100 Great Nurses, a 2019 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and a 2020-2021 Mayday Pain & Society Fellow.

Laura Cullen, DNP, RN, FAAN
EBP Scientist
University of Iowa Health Care

Laura Cullen, DNP, RN, FAAN, leads Evidence-Based Practice at University of Iowa Health Care. Laura is internationally recognized for her expertise in EBP and implementation. Among her many accomplishments, she is most proud of the many clinicians she has mentored and of staying application-oriented. Laura’s work has led to innovation in practice, improved patient safety, reduced nosocomial events, improved patient, family, and staff satisfaction, reduced hospital LOS and costs, and transformed many organizations’ EBP infrastructure. She has over 100 publications and presents nationally and internationally. Laura has a regular EBP column in the Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, is on the editorial board of the American Journal of Nursing, and has been on the grant review panel for the DAISY Foundation. She has received multiple awards, and her work has supported numerous awards for the nursing department.

Articles or Publications: Cullen, L., Hanrahan, K., Edmonds, S., Reisinger, H., Wagner, M. (2022). Iowa Implementation for Sustainability Framework. Implementation Science,17:1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-021-01157-5

Cullen, L., Hanrahan, K., Farrington, M., Tucker, S., & Edmonds, S. (Eds.). (2023). Evidence-based practice in action: Comprehensive strategies, tools, and tips from the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (2nd ed.).

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Hosking, J., Knox, K., Forman, J., Montgomery, L., Valde, J., Cullen, L. (2016). Evidence into Practice: Leading New Graduate Nurses to Evidence-Based Practice Through a Nurse Residency Program. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 31(3), 260-265.

Iowa Model Collaborative (2017). Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice: Revisions and Validation. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 14(3), 175-182. doi: 10.1111/wvn.12223.

Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

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 for over a year. Before graduating with her bachelor's in nursing, she worked as an LPN for a year in long-term care and as a CNA for five years.

Jesse Moore, RN
Clinical Nurse Educator
Jesse Moore was born and raised in Wyoming. He obtained his first undergraduate degree from Colorado Mesa University and subsequently earned a second and a graduate degree from the University of Wyoming. Jesse has worked in health care for the last 20 years, between his time in EMS and as a nurse. He is a board-certified emergency nurse who works routinely in the critical access ED.

Floyd Valley Healthcare Le Mars, IA
IONRP News articles: Article 1, Article 2

Grace Schurr, BSN, RN
Current IONRP resident - April 2024 Cohort
Grace Schurr graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in biology in May 2022. She furthered her education and graduated from St. Luke’s College from their ABSN program in December 2023. Grace started as a nurse at Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars, Iowa, in January 2024. She works mainly in the emergency department and is now learning labor and delivery.

Marlys Van Otterloo, BSN, RN, NPD-BC
Education Manager
Marlys Van Otterloo, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, is the education manager at Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars, IA. Most of her 30+ years as an RN have been in the education and professional development role. She holds a certification in Nursing Professional Development, is an adjunct instructor at a local community college, and will begin teaching medical terminology to high school students in the fall. Marlys assists in workforce development through student placement at all levels. She has found her career in education highly rewarding as she can promote her belief in lifelong learning.

TRU Community Care Lafayette, CO
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Katrina Hess, RN, BSN
Current IONRP resident - July 2024 Cohort
Katrina Hess graduated with her ADN in May 2024 and again in December 2024 with her BSN. She went into her educational journey knowing she wanted to specialize in hospice. Upon graduating, Katrina was informed that TRU Community Care had a new graduate program and knew she wanted to be part of it. Being a new graduate in specialty care is rare, but she feels completely in her element. She has found tremendous success with the training from TRU Community Care and the IONRP.

Rachel Stackhouse
Clinical Education Supervisor
Rachel Stackhouse, RN, BSN, is the Clinical Education Supervisor for TRU Community Care. With 8 years of experience in hospice and 12 years of nursing practice focused on elder and dementia care, she seeks to empower and educate nurses in providing exemplary care.

Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

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 difference.

Tune in to learn about nurse-led solutions and how you can support these innovative efforts in your organization.

GUESTS:

Allie Hurt, MSN, RN
Nurse Innovator Liaison, UI Ventures | Office of Innovation
Staff Nurse-MICU, Intensive and Specialty Services Division | Department of Nursing

Through her role with the Nurse Innovators Program, Allie provides support to nurses at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, as well as across the state of Iowa. She assists nurses with identifying, developing, and nurturing innovative ideas from concept to prototype across the widely diverse field of nursing. Prior to joining UI Ventures, Allie spent six years as an inpatient nurse working on both the Burn ICU/Trauma Intermediate Unit, as well as the last four years in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. She also maintains membership in the STAR (Skin Team Advocate and Resource) shared governance committee. Allie received her ADN from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA, and her BSN and MSN from Western Governors University.

Learn more about the Nurse Innovators Program

Email: allison-hurt@uiowa.edu

Molly Kucera, MBAHC, RN, BSN, BS, CNAMB(E), CNOR

Associate Director, Ambulatory Surgery Center, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics

With over two decades of experience in nursing and healthcare management, Molly has a proven track record in peri-operative management, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice initiatives. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Iowa. Molly is actively involved in various professional organizations and committees, including the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. She is dedicated to innovation and leadership in nursing.

Email: molly-kucera@uiowa.edu

Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

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 Joseph, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAONL

Dr. Joseph is passionate about advancing nursing leadership and innovativeness through thought leadership, research methods, and extensive publications. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Nurse Leader, the Official Journal of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, a Clinical Professor, and the Director of DNP & MSN in Health Systems: Administration/Executive Leadership Programs at the University of Iowa College of Nursing.

From 2019-2024, Dr. Joseph served on the Advisory Council of the International Society for Professional Identity in Nursing (ISPIN). In that role, she co-led the development of the Conceptual Model for Professional Identity in Nursing and chaired the committee Nurse as Leader. An outcome of this committee is a position statement titled “A Call for Dialogue to Advance the Concept of Nurses as Leaders within the Profession and the Public.” The American Nurses Association recently endorsed the paper. She was appointed to lead a future workgroup, The Public and Professional Identity in Nursing.

She is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and participates in the Building Health Care System Expert Panel and the Nursing Theory-Guided Expert Panel. She is also a fellow in the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. Dr. Joseph’s other areas of expertise are leadership effectiveness, innovativeness across academia and practice (IA-APHPS), and the General Effectiveness Multilevel Theory for Shared Governance (GEMS). Lastly, she co-edited the seventh edition of Leadership and Nursing Care Management.

Professional Identity in Nursing Conceptual Model

Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.