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 insights and highlights from the past year.

As we work on our year-end planning, this episode provides a unique opportunity to hear from the team behind the scenes. Discover which episodes resonated most with them and why, and gain valuable takeaways from their experiences. Whether you’re a nurse leader, educator, or healthcare professional, this episode offers a thoughtful conclusion to our inaugural season and sets the stage for what’s to come.

GUESTS: Amanda Bruscher, MSN, RN, is a Program Coordinator for the IONRP. Her journey in healthcare began as a CNA and LPN before she earned her BSN from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, in 2018. Recently, she completed her MSN with a focus on Clinical Nurse Leader from the University of Iowa in May 2024. Amanda’s diverse nursing background includes med-surg, postpartum, cardiac care, oncology/infusion, and education in large and rural healthcare settings.

Amanda’s passion for nursing education is evident in her work with new nurses and her role in teaching CNA classes at a local community college. A fun fact about Amanda is that she participated in the IONRP program as a resident within a year of earning her RN, finding it invaluable during the early stages of her career. She is dedicated to supporting new nurses as they transition into their roles, leveraging her extensive experience in various nursing specialties.

Jessica Ociepka, MSN, RN-BC, is a Program Coordinator for the IONRP. Originally from Southern Maine, Jess earned her BSN from the University of Maine in 2006 and completed her MSN focusing on Nursing Education from Southern New Hampshire University in 2019. She began her nursing career in a large teaching hospital on a busy cardiology unit in Southern Maine. In 2014, Jess moved to Colorado, where she worked as a clinical nurse educator in a rural hospital while continuing to provide bedside care.

Jess currently staffs med/surg and ICU units in a PRN capacity and teaches the nurse aide program and clinical for nursing students at a local community college. Her dedication to nursing education and patient care is evident in her commitment to both roles. She is passionate about welcoming new nurses to the profession. Jess brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the team, making her an invaluable asset to the program.

Jill Gillespie, BA, is the Marketing Coordinator for the IONRP team. She holds a BA in Communications from the University of Iowa (2000) and an AA in Graphic Design from The Art Institutes International Minnesota (2003). With 17 years of experience in graphic design and marketing, Jill began her career in the newspaper industry before she transitioned to working for her family’s manufacturing company.

Since joining IONRP, Jill has revitalized the program’s branding, introducing a fresh new look and logo. She continuously updates and enhances the website, social media platforms, and course materials, ensuring they remain current and engaging. 

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To learn more about our nurse residency program and other offerings, please visit our website: https://nursing.uiowa.edu/ionrp