University of Iowa Health Care Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care offers continuing education supporting UI Health Care staff nurses, as well as additional offerings for practicing nurses throughout Iowa.
Nursing Clinical Education Center
The Nursing Clinical Education Center (NCEC) is a joint venture of the nursing department and the UI College of Nursing. Classes are taught by practicing clinicians, nurse educators, and faculty.
The center's philosophy is that lifelong learning is essential for nurses to maintain and increase competence in nursing practice. Nursing continuing education and staff development should be based on adult learning principles and guided by principles of ethics.
The center not only provides centralized orientation for all nurses, it offers specialized education based on the training needs of specific clinical units.
The 20,000-square-foot facility brings together the expertise of practicing clinicians, nurse educators, and faculty all focused on providing the very best in nursing education for all levels of learners. The center includes an 11-room clinical simulation lab, three classrooms, two conference rooms, a computer lab, library, and several informal gathering spaces. The NCEC is a learning hub for nursing staff that is used for:
- Orientation
- In-service education
- Continuing education
- Leadership development
- Skills training
- Simulation training
- Competency assessment
- Clinical affiliations
- Consultation/educational experiences
- Research
Nursing Continuing Education Schedule
NCEC - Academic-Practice Partnership
Professional Recognition Program
The Professional Recognition Program recognizes the accomplishments of direct care staff nurses and incentivizes nurses to stay engaged in direct patient care as they support safety, quality, and research.
Tuition and Certification Reimbursement
The program covers UI on-campus courses, correspondence courses, special certification exams, as well as other courses taught at accredited colleges/universities. Tuition assistance can be applied toward a relevant graduate or undergraduate degree, appropriate certification, or specialized training that is relevant to the staff member's UI Health Care position, the needs of the employing department, and/or assists the Hospital in carrying out one of its service missions.
Experienced Nurse Fellowship Program
The Experienced Nurse Fellowship Program is designed to assist experienced nurses during their transition to the role of an acute care nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
Nurse Residency Program
We offer a 12-month Nurse Residency Program that educates and supports new graduate nurses, offering professional development and help with promoting resiliency.
Nursing Orientation
Central orientation for new registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is an interactive two-week experience.
Nursing Student Summer Employment
Nursing students between their junior and senior years can apply to participate in a 10-week program that enhances their education and clinical skills by working in a professional environment.