University of Iowa College of Nursing

Any fans of "The Pitt" out there? Carl Kirton, editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Nursing is one, and wrote a recent editorial about it:

The rhythm and relationships of the modern-day ED in "The Pitt" are scripted with superb authenticity; overcrowding, workplace violence, cybersecurity, racism, immigration, and palliative care are all there, along with so many more important clinical, human experience, and health care policy issues. How the teams deal with these contemporary issues in health care is startlingly genuine and educative.

The role of nurses and nursing has been elevated this season,

Like [Charge Nurse] Dana, nurse leaders often play an informal but critical role as the sage archetype, a fiercely wise individual, often revered for their experience, deep judgment, and capacity to guide others. Dana's calm but directive style reflects the kind of situational leadership that is essential for maintaining operational efficiencies along with staff and patient safety. She is a clinician–leader operating at the intersection of bedside care and system management, whose effectiveness directly shapes both patient outcomes and team functioning.

Full article link in the comments.

Sending CONgratualtions to Assistant Professor Daniel Liebzeit, PhD, RN, who recently received funding from the National Institutes of Health and Aging!

Liebzeit and his team will address a critical gap in the science of hospital-to-home transition interventions - how to integrate elements of age-friendly care. Using a systems engineering, human-centered design process, they will identify and prioritize barriers and facilitators to integration from the perspective of multiple key stakeholders and co-design an adaptable age-friendly hospital-to-home transition intervention.

Huge congratulations to CON alumnus Randy Cornelius (09MSN, 15DNP), the newly elected vice president of AANA / American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology!

Let's hear it for Jacinda Bunch, recipient of the 2026 Innovation in Health Care Award from the Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership! The award honors nurses who are evaluating the scientific evidence, changing clinical practice and improving quality outcomes. 👏 👏 👏

As they fill out their exit survey, UI seniors are invited to recognize faculty and staff members for making a positive difference in their lives during their time at the university. Thirty-one current CON faculty and staff were named, seven of them by five or more students.

Recognized by 5+ students: Brenda Duree, Jannet Eastman, Lorraine Femino, Molly Frommelt-Kuhle, Betty Mallen, Debra Strobel, Syeda Thomas

Recognized by 1-4 students:
Hannah Armstrong, Theresa Bechtel, Kim Bergen-Jackson, Monica Berning, Jennifer Birlson, Nicole Connelly, Anita Cory, Heather Dunn,, Valerie Garr, Emily Griffin, Katie Halbmaier, Megan Hart-Fernandez, Katie Hildreth,, Teresa Judge-Ellis, Mackenzie Kane, Katie Knox, Anna Krupp. Jacki Mackenzie, Anita Nicholson, Cormac O’Sullivan, Amanda Richardson, Danielle Schultes, Juliana Souza-Talarico, Shalome Tonelli

We've said a lot of good byes these last couple of weeks, but we also got to say hello to our newest cohort of students in the University of Iowa DNP Program in Anesthesia Nursing. Welcome, class of 2029!

Congratulations to Mackenzie Kane (10MSN), assistant professor of practice, and our many amazing alumni and partners who were named 2026 Great Iowa Nurses! 🤩

Exactly one week ago, our prelicensure BSN students got their nursing pins! A huge thank you to all the families, friends, and supporters who have cheered on these amazing students throughout the last four years. They couldn't have done it without you. 💛🖤

Three cheers for our newest Hawkeye nurses. We're incredibly proud of all of you. Here’s to a bright future!👏👏👏

Say hello to our newly-minted DNPs! Whether working their magic in pediatrics, leading systemic change, or providing essential anesthesia services to rural Iowa, we have no doubt their impact will be HUGE. 🤩