Beyond Nurse Residency

Hosted by Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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 being a guest on the Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast, we invite you to fill out our guest request form . We're always excited to feature new perspectives and insights on the show!

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33 recent

August 1, 2026Episode 850 min

Designing for Belonging: Building Connection, Confidence, and Retention in Nursing

What helps nurses stay? Dr. Jihane Frangieh of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing joins us to explore how belonging and social connectedness influence engagement, confidence, psychological safety, and retention. From nurse residency programs and mentorship to shared governance and leadership strategies, this conversation offers practical ideas for creating workplaces where nurses feel valued, supported, and connected.Guest: Dr. Jihane FrangiehAssistant Professor and Director of the MSN Healthcare Organizational Programs at Johns HopkinsDr. Jihane Frangieh brings more than 20 years of nursing experience, including a clinical background in neonatal nursing, to her work as an educator, scholar, and nurse leader. Her scholarship focuses on nursing leadership, healthy work environments, workforce well-being, quality and safety, and the conditions that help nurses feel seen, supported, and connected. Dr. Frangieh is the lead author of a 2024 Nursing Outlook article on belonging and social connectedness in nursing, and her writing has also addressed self-care, connection, and belonging as essential to nurse well-being and patient care. She currently serves as President of Sigma’s Nu Beta at-Large Chapter and is passionate about mentoring nurses and cultivating leadership practices that foster belonging across education and practice settings.LinkedIn ProfileFrangieh, J., Hughes, V., Edwards-Capello, A., Humphrey, K. G., Lammey, C., & Lucas, L. (2024). Fostering belonging and social connectedness in nursing: Evidence-based strategies: A discussion paper for nurse students, faculty, leaders, and clinical nurses. Nursing outlook, 72(4), 102174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102174Frangieh, J., Sarver, L. C., & Hughes, V. (2024). Caring: The heart of online nursing education- An integrative review. Journal of professional nursing: official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 52, 40–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.03.008Frangieh, J., Chow, S., Rodney, T., Monk, J. J., Lucas, L. S., & Hughes, R. V. (2025). Kindness beyond care: an integrative review of kindness in the nursing profession. Contemporary Nurse, 61(1), 77–95. https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2024.2426693Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

July 1, 2026Episode 745 min

Safety First: How Psychological, Professional, and Physical Safety Shape Nurse Success

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. Together, they unpack the three key dimensions of safety—physical, psychological, and professional—and why healthcare organizations must prioritize all three to create environments where nurses can truly thrive.Dr. Gilroy shares how safe learning environments foster mastery and self-efficacy in new graduates, why transparency and accountability are essential leadership behaviors, and how a trauma-informed approach can support both clinicians and patients. The conversation also challenges traditional thinking about nurse culture and highlights practical strategies leaders can use to build safer, more supportive workplaces.If you’re a nurse leader, educator, or residency coordinator looking to strengthen engagement and retention, this episode offers actionable insights you won’t want to miss.GUEST: Dr. Heidi GilroyDirector of Nursing PracticeHeidi Gilroy, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, is a nurse leader, scientist, and educator. She serves as Director of Nursing Practice at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands and Course Director for Leadership and Management at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Gilroy earned her PhD from Texas Woman’s University in 2015 and has focused her research on better leadership and development of nurses from undergraduate students to experienced clinicians. She developed the Trauma-Informed Professional Development model, focused on supporting healthcare professionals in learning and practice environments. Her career spans academic, community, and clinical settings.https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-gilroy-phdhttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Heidi-Gilroy Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

June 1, 2026Episode 649 min

International Nursing with Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga

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 Tariga, an internationally educated nurse, clinical educator, and founder of Bridge & Beyond Advisory. Drawing on his own journey from the Philippines to the Middle East and ultimately to the United States, Dr. Tariga shares powerful insights into the realities of global nursing mobility and what it truly takes to build a supportive, sustainable workforce.Together, they explore:The global and U.S. nursing workforce landscape—and why international recruitment is not a quick fixCommon misconceptions about internationally educated nurses and their competenciesWhat international nurses need most in their first 90 days, including psychological safety, structured support, and meaningful contextPractical strategies to strengthen transition-to-practice programs and support long-term retentionThe importance of shifting from a recruitment mindset to one focused on integration and belongingThis conversation is a must-listen for nurse leaders, educators, and organizations looking to do more than fill vacancies—to build inclusive environments where all nurses can grow and succeed.GUEST: Jose Arnold Tariga PhD, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NE-BC, CPHQ, FNYAM, FFNMRCSIDr. Jose Arnold Tariga (Dr. A) is an internationally educated nurse, nursing professional development leader, and author with over 17 years of experience across clinical and academic settings in the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.He earned a post-doctoral certificate in Medical Teaching from Harvard Medical School, where his capstone project on transition-to-practice won first place for its innovative approach. He holds multiple professional certifications, including Nurse Educator, Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Nurse Executive, and Healthcare Quality Specialist.Dr. Tariga has presented at major national and international forums, including the Association for Nursing Professional Development, Sigma Theta Tau International, and the International Council of Nurses, and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications.His honors include Healthcare Professional of the Year (Filipino Times Awards UAE, 2019), Asia’s Distinguished Nurse Educator (Asia’s Pinnacle Awards, 2023), and the ANPD Partner for Practice Transitions Award (2025). He is a Fellow of the Faculty of Nursing at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine.In 2025, he was named a Top 10 Finalist for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award among 100,000 applicants worldwide.Dr. Tariga is the author of Building the BRIDGE, a personal and practical guide to navigating professional transitions in nursing.He serves on the Executive Board of the National Consortium of Academic Nurse Educators and the Philippine Nurses Association of America–New England and engages a global audience of 40,000+ followers on LinkedIn.Career Journeys: Preparing the Future Nursing WorkforceSupporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

May 1, 2026Episode 51 hr 0 min

National Nurses Week 2026 - The Power of Nurses™

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 Residency Program. From building confidence in the first year to leading with resilience and reflecting on a decade of growth, these voices showcase the importance of support, teamwork, and lifelong learning.Listen and celebrate the lasting impact of nurses on patients, communities, and each other.GUESTS:Noelle Fjeld, RN Med/Surg Nurse, Spencer Hospital, Spencer, IowaNoelle Fjeld is a medical-surgical nurse at Spencer Hospital and a graduate of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program. She entered nursing as a second career after working as a travel agent and spending 15 years as a preschool teacher. Now 18 months into practice, Noelle is passionate about patient connection, teamwork, and continuous learning as she grows in her role.Michelle Gelner, BSN, RN Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Cass County Health, Atlantic, IowaMichelle Gelner is a registered nurse, military veteran, and graduate of the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program with seven years of experience across clinical and leadership roles. She holds a degree in psychology from Luther College and served in the U.S. Army for eight years before entering nursing. Michelle began her career during the COVID-19 pandemic and has worked in OB, medical-surgical nursing, emergency care, and house supervision. She now serves as Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Cass County Health, where she focuses on resilience, communication, and patient advocacy.Kasey Greteman, RN, BSN Program Coordinator, QIDPKasey Greteman is a registered nurse, an Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program alum, and an experienced healthcare leader with more than a decade in nursing. Her background includes med/surg, emergency care, house supervision, and infection prevention. Kasey brings a strong focus on advocacy, evidence-based practice, and continuous improvement to her current role as program coordinator.Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

April 1, 2026Episode 41 hr 6 min

Competency That Supports Nurses with Donna Wright

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 us to reconsider what competency really means in nursing practice and professional development.Together, they explore how traditional, task-focused approaches can create fear, frustration, and disengagement, especially for new nurses and high performers. Donna shares a more thoughtful, human-centered approach that emphasizes ownership, empowerment, accountability, and trust. The conversation highlights how organizations can move away from overwhelming checklists and toward systems that reflect real practice and support learning over time.This episode is especially helpful for nurse leaders, educators, and NPD practitioners looking for practical ways to simplify competency processes while fostering confidence and purpose across the nursing workforce.GUEST: Donna Wright, MS, RN, NPD-BC Donna Wright, MS, RN, NPD-BC, is a nurse and professional development specialist and consultant with Creative Health Care Management in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She holds degrees in Nursing, Family Sociology, and Adult Education, all from the University of Minnesota.Over her career, Donna has worked with healthcare organizations across the country and around the world to design meaningful, effective programs that support professional development and competency assessment across all departments. She is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Competency Assessment in Healthcare, which has been translated into Japanese and is used widely throughout Japan. She is also the author of The Competency Assessment Field Guide.Donna is a co-author of two national award–winning books, Relationship-Based Care: A Model for Transforming Practice and Advancing Relationship-Based Cultures.Her work has taken her across six of the seven continents, including rural Africa. Antarctica remains the only continent she has not yet worked on.Throughout her career, Donna has served in both staff and leadership roles and is well known for her energy, curiosity, and refreshing approach to education and learning. She is a member and past president of the Association for Nursing Professional Development and a recipient of both the “Promoting Excellence in Consultation” award and the Marlene Kramer Lifetime Achievement Award.Website Links: Creative Health Care Management | CHCM Competency CHCM LinkedIn | CHCM Facebook | CHCM InstagramArticles or Publications: Durkin, G. (2019). “Implementation and Evaluation of Wright’s Competency Model.” Journal for Nurses in Professional Development. Vol 35, no. 6, p 305-316.Wright, D. (2021). The Ultimate Guide to Competency Assessment in Healthcare. 4rd Edition. Minneapolis, MN: Creative Health Care Management.Wright, D. (2020). The Wright Model of Competency Assessment: 5-part video Series. Minneapolis, MN: Creative Health Care Management.Wright, D. (2015). Competency Assessment Field Guide. A Real World Guide for Implementation and Application. Minneapolis, MN: Creative Health Care Management.Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

March 1, 2026Episode 342 min

Building Healthy Work Environments For Nurses And Teams

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 influence nurse engagement, retention, satisfaction, and patient outcomes.Rebekah shares practical strategies for getting started, meaningful insights from national AACN data, and her personal perspective on implementing culture change at the unit and system level. Whether you're a leader, educator, or new graduate nurse, this episode offers actionable steps—and inspiring vision—for building stronger, more collaborative, more supportive teams.About our Guest:Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN,President of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses https://www.aacn.org/about-aacn/board/rebekah-marshhttps://www.aacn.org/aacn-themehttps://www.aacn.org/nursing-excellence/healthy-work-environmentsLinkedIn ProfileSelected Publications:https://www.aacn.org/blog/three-reasons-nurse-leaders-should-prioritize-healthy-work-environmentSupporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

February 1, 2026Episode 249 min

Building Culture Through Infrastructure

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 engagement possible. Dr. Lose helps us look beneath the surface to identify the core ingredients of a healthy work environment, especially for new nurses entering the profession during one of the most challenging eras in healthcare. We talk practical strategies—how leaders can free up time for real relationships by shifting administrative work off nurse managers, how roles like clinical practice leaders strengthen onboarding and ongoing support, and how intentional processes (like welcome checklists, QR‑code feedback, and consistent huddles) turn good intentions into reliable daily practice. We explore why engagement and retention require more than fair pay—they require psychological safety, teamwork norms, clear expectations, role clarity, and a culture that values both learning and belonging. Dr. Lose also shares how interview experiences signal culture long before a nurse is hired, why new grads need ongoing check‑ins beyond residency classrooms, and how leaders can shape unit culture through small, consistent behaviors grounded in respect for colleagues, the profession, and patients. We also take on some of the hardest realities new nurses face: night shift transitions, schedule misalignment, limited food or wellness options, and the tension leaders feel when budgets are tight. Dr. Lose offers solutions ranging from better support structures to protecting time for professional development, all while emphasizing that the strongest teams thrive when leaders carve out sacred time for relationships. If you’re a leader, educator, or preceptor supporting new nurses, you’ll find practical, actionable takeaways you can bring back to your unit today. Guest Bio: Dan Lose, DNP, RN, CNML, is a nurse executive and educator known for his innovative, collaborative, and people‑centered approach to leadership. He serves as the Acute Adult Director at UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he focuses on building healthy work environments and developing strong clinical teams. With more than a decade of progressive nursing leadership experience, Dr. Lose is recognized for translating complex workforce and operational challenges into practical solutions. An adjunct professor and mentor, he is committed to developing future nurse leaders and advancing the practice of nursing at local and national levels. Connect with Dr. Lose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlose/ Selected Publications: Lose, D., Lisk, J., & Hunger, S. (2025). Transforming nurse manager roles: Success through strategic clinical nurse leader integration. Nurse Leader, 23(3), 249–255. Lose, D. & Joseph, M.L. (2023). Young nurse leader program: Inspiring the next generation for formal nursing leadership roles. Nurse Leader, 21(6), 658–663. Boothby, J., Woline, C., Lose, D., McDaniel, J., & Nicholson, A. (2023). Unit partners: Creative role to recruit and retain students while delivering quality care. Nurse Leader, 21(6), 652–657. Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

January 1, 2026Episode 152 min

Nurse Engagement

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 nurse well-being with patient “happiness,” we explore practical systems that help nurses show up ready and leave with energy to return.We take on complexity creep—EHRs that promised simplicity but added clicks, protocols that squeeze critical thinking, and floating barriers that multiply friction across units. Katie names workload as the clearest love language leaders can speak: reduce physical strain, ease cognitive load, and design psychologically safe teams. We share strategies to personalize nurse residency through appreciative inquiry, train and evaluate preceptors for coaching excellence, and ensure the unit culture mirrors the care offered in the classroom. Because a strong residency can’t overcome a toxic environment, the day-to-day must change.You’ll hear actionable ideas that boost nurse engagement and patient outcomes: real-time readiness signals, unit problem-solving boards, transparent internal mobility windows that keep talent in-house, and human-centered design that prioritizes patient time over screen time. If you’re a nurse leader, educator, or preceptor looking to make retention a byproduct of better work, this conversation offers a clear path forward. If it resonates, follow the show, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review telling us one change you’ll try first.GUEST: Dr. Katie Boston-Leary is the Senior Vice President of Equity and Engagement at the American Nurses Association, addressing DEIAB and workforce challenges within the profession. Katie is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing and the School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. She sits on numerous boards and national committees in nursing and healthcare and serves on the editorial advisory boards of Nursing Management, Nursing 2025, OADN, and ACHE. Katie leads the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing Forum and organized ANA’s inaugural Equity Summit in Washington, DC. Katie is a 2024 ICN Global Nurse Leaders Institute Scholar and was previously identified by Health Leaders Media as “One of Five Chief Nursing Officers Changing Healthcare”. She also won the ICABA TD Bank 2023 Woman of Impact award, the 2024 Spectrum Circle Award for Innovation in Health, and the 2025 National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) President’s Trailblazer Award. She was inducted as a Distinguished Fellow at the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing with the NBNA, is a Fellow with the American Organization of Nursing Leadership (AONL), the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), and the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She was recently named as an honored listee on Marquis’ Who’s Who in America. Katie authored two chapters in The Sage Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy, the first encyclopedia focused on racism and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Katie was also featured in the award-winning documentary film, Everybody’s Work, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She recently co-authored a Sigma-published book titled Harmony by Design, Navigating Work and Life in Healthcare. LinkedIn American Nurses EnterpriseSupporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

December 1, 2025Episode 1246 min

Reflecting on a Year of Growth: Insights from the IONRP Team

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 for new graduates, addressing burnout, and fostering a sense of belonging. The team shares practical strategies for nurse leaders, emphasizes the importance of preceptor development, and explores why well-being must be a system-level priority. Whether you’ve been following along all season or are tuning in for the first time, this episode is your guide to the most insightful conversations from Season 2—and a perfect starting point for discovering which episodes to queue up next. Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.

November 1, 2025Episode 1155 min

Simulation in Motion – Iowa: Bringing High-Fidelity Training to Rural Communities

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 Program is helping new graduate nurses build confidence and competence in high-risk, low-volume scenarios. From OB hemorrhages to pediatric emergencies, this episode highlights the power of simulation to improve outcomes, foster teamwork, and ensure equitable care—no matter where nurses practice. SIM-IA Website • SIM-IA FacebookGUESTS: Jacinda Bunch, PhD, RN, SANE-A, NREMTLinkedIn Profile • UI College of Nursing Profile • ArticleJacinda Bunch, PhD, RN, SANE-A, NREMT, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing and co-senior advisor for the SIM-IA program. With 30+ years of nursing experience, she earned her EMT certification in 2022 to better support first responders. She is president of the International Society for Rapid Response Systems, a sexual assault nurse examiner with JCSART, and a first responder and service director with the Oxford Fire Department. Her research focuses on patient safety and rural healthcare, and she teaches simulation-based and leadership courses across nursing programs. Dr. Bunch received the collegiate teaching award in 2021 and co-led the SIM-IA mobile simulation grant to enhance rural EMS training statewide. Cormac O'Sullivan, PhD, ARNP, CRNA, FAANALinkedIn Profile • UI College of Nursing Profile • ArticleDr. Cormac O’Sullivan, Professor (Clinical) at the University of Iowa College of Nursing, has been educating nurse anesthesia students since 1996. As Director of the Anesthesia Nursing Program since 2009, he led its transformation into one of the first Doctor of Nursing Practice anesthesia programs in the country. A passionate educator and innovator, he received the Collegiate Teaching Award in 2018 and was named Anesthesia Program Director of the Year by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists in 2019. He developed the first crisis simulation workshops for the AANA annual meeting and currently serves as Senior Advisor for Simulation in Motion – Iowa (SIM-IA), a statewide initiative delivering high-impact simulation training to rural emergency and critical access providers. Dr. O’Sullivan is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and an active contributor to national nurse anesthesia leadership. He is a past president of the NBCRNA, serves on the editorial board of the AANA Journal, reviews programs for the COA, and participates in multiple committees and task forces for the AANA Foundation. Supporting nurses is our priority. Visit https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp to explore our resources for new graduate nurses and beyond.