The Midwest Clinical Instruction Regional Network (MCIRN) Innovation Summit, Expanding Possibilities in Preceptor Practice, brought together nurse educators, preceptors, clinicians, and academic leaders in Iowa City on August 13-14, 2026. The highly successful event provided attendees with innovative strategies, evidence-based approaches, and practical tools to strengthen preceptor practice and clinical education across the region.
The summit began with a Nurse Practitioner Pre-Conference focused on Practice, Clinical, and Workforce Innovation. Participants explored the continued advancement of the PRIME-NP model, beginning with consortium updates from Sally Heusinkvelt, DNP, APRN, ACNP-NP, ANP-BC. Sessions throughout the afternoon highlighted faculty application of the PRIME-NP model, presented by Sarah Slone, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE, FACC, and innovative approaches to preceptor development and competency assessment led by Rebecca Swanson, DNP, APRN, PNP-AC/PC. Attendees also learned about the Iowa ARNP Preceptor Tax Credit during a presentation by Mary Dirks, DNP, RN, ARNP, CPNP-PC, FAANP, and Kate Pace, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, providing valuable insight into incentives supporting preceptor engagement. The day concluded with a tour of the University of Iowa College of Nursing and a networking dinner for summit attendees and speakers. At the networking dinner, poster presentations were on display sharing current precepting best practices.
Friday’s Innovation Summit opened with welcoming remarks from Heidi Keeler, PhD, MSN/MBA, RN, followed by an inspiring keynote presentation, “Influence, Innovation, and Impact: Advancing the Preceptor Brand Image,” delivered by M. Lindell Joseph, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAONL. The session challenged participants to elevate the visibility and value of preceptors while embracing innovation in clinical education. A highlight of the summit was the focus on emerging technologies and practical tools to support preceptor development. David Nash, PharmD, MHA, presented “Strategies, Tools, and AI to Develop Preceptors,” offering attendees actionable approaches to leverage artificial intelligence and other resources to enhance learning and mentorship. Later in the day, Nash returned with “Fresh Prescriptions for Precepting,” providing additional innovative strategies to strengthen the preceptor’s experience. Clinical orientation and readiness for practice were also key themes throughout the summit. Ellen Joswiak, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, shared evidence-based approaches in “Transforming Clinical Orientation Using the Tiered Skills Acquisition Model” and “Preceptor Teaching Strategies to Support Readiness for Practice.” These sessions provided practical frameworks that participants can immediately apply to support novice clinicians and learners in achieving competency and confidence. The program also emphasized the importance of supporting clinicians through a trauma-informed lens. In her presentation, “Trauma-Informed Precepting: Supporting New Clinicians for Safe and Effective Practice,” Heidi Gilroy, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, EBP-C, highlighted strategies for creating psychologically safe learning environments that promote resilience, well-being, and effective professional growth.
Throughout the two-day event, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, shared best practices, and explored innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of preceptor education and workforce development. The enthusiastic participation, rich networking opportunities, and high-quality presentations underscored MCIRN’s commitment to advancing excellence in preceptor practice and clinical instruction. The success of the 2026 MCIRN Innovation Summit demonstrates the strength of regional collaboration and the growing momentum behind innovative approaches to preceptor development. Participants from Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska, left inspired, equipped with new tools and strategies, and energized to apply what they learned within their organizations and educational programs.
